Chapter XI · Chapter 11

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading A crowd of workmen filled its halls; some on ladders, regilding walls and ceilings; some on their knees waxing the inlaid floors: and others occupied in removing the coverings, and dusting the satin cushions of the rich furniture of the state apartments.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading All was bustle and confusion in the Hotel de Soissons.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading All was bustle and confusion in the Hotel de Soissons.

plural of “apartment” — a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house

From this reading A crowd of workmen filled its halls; some on ladders, regilding walls and ceilings; some on their knees waxing the inlaid floors: and others occupied in removing the coverings, and dusting the satin cushions of the rich furniture of the state apartments.

appointed to a post or duty

From this reading He held in his hand a roll of paper resembling a marshal's baton, with which he assigned their posts to his men.

a thin tapered rod used by a conductor to lead an orchestra or choir

From this reading He held in his hand a roll of paper resembling a marshal's baton, with which he assigned their posts to his men.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The first upholsterers in Paris had been summoned to the work of preparation, and the general-in-chief of the gilders stood in their midst, giving orders to his staff, and sending off detachments for special service.

a rapid active commotion

From this reading All was bustle and confusion in the Hotel de Soissons.

plural of “ceiling” — the overhead upper surface of a covered space

From this reading A crowd of workmen filled its halls; some on ladders, regilding walls and ceilings; some on their knees waxing the inlaid floors: and others occupied in removing the coverings, and dusting the satin cushions of the rich furniture of the state apartments.

disorder resulting from a failure to behave predictably

From this reading All was bustle and confusion in the Hotel de Soissons.

plural of “covering” — a natural object that covers or envelops

From this reading A crowd of workmen filled its halls; some on ladders, regilding walls and ceilings; some on their knees waxing the inlaid floors: and others occupied in removing the coverings, and dusting the satin cushions of the rich furniture of the state apartments.

cause to herd, drive, or crowd together

From this reading A crowd of workmen filled its halls; some on ladders, regilding walls and ceilings; some on their knees waxing the inlaid floors: and others occupied in removing the coverings, and dusting the satin cushions of the rich furniture of the state apartments.

plural of “cushion” — a mechanical damper; absorbs energy of sudden impulses

From this reading A crowd of workmen filled its halls; some on ladders, regilding walls and ceilings; some on their knees waxing the inlaid floors: and others occupied in removing the coverings, and dusting the satin cushions of the rich furniture of the state apartments.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading All was bustle and confusion in the Hotel de Soissons.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The first upholsterers in Paris had been summoned to the work of preparation, and the general-in-chief of the gilders stood in their midst, giving orders to his staff, and sending off detachments for special service.

a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized

From this reading THE DISAPPOINTMENT.

-ing form of “dust” — remove the dust from

From this reading A crowd of workmen filled its halls; some on ladders, regilding walls and ceilings; some on their knees waxing the inlaid floors: and others occupied in removing the coverings, and dusting the satin cushions of the rich furniture of the state apartments.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading A crowd of workmen filled its halls; some on ladders, regilding walls and ceilings; some on their knees waxing the inlaid floors: and others occupied in removing the coverings, and dusting the satin cushions of the rich furniture of the state apartments.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading The first upholsterers in Paris had been summoned to the work of preparation, and the general-in-chief of the gilders stood in their midst, giving orders to his staff, and sending off detachments for special service.

plural of “floor” — the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading A crowd of workmen filled its halls; some on ladders, regilding walls and ceilings; some on their knees waxing the inlaid floors: and others occupied in removing the coverings, and dusting the satin cushions of the rich furniture of the state apartments.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The first upholsterers in Paris had been summoned to the work of preparation, and the general-in-chief of the gilders stood in their midst, giving orders to his staff, and sending off detachments for special service.

furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy

From this reading A crowd of workmen filled its halls; some on ladders, regilding walls and ceilings; some on their knees waxing the inlaid floors: and others occupied in removing the coverings, and dusting the satin cushions of the rich furniture of the state apartments.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The first upholsterers in Paris had been summoned to the work of preparation, and the general-in-chief of the gilders stood in their midst, giving orders to his staff, and sending off detachments for special service.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The first upholsterers in Paris had been summoned to the work of preparation, and the general-in-chief of the gilders stood in their midst, giving orders to his staff, and sending off detachments for special service.

the act of giving

From this reading The first upholsterers in Paris had been summoned to the work of preparation, and the general-in-chief of the gilders stood in their midst, giving orders to his staff, and sending off detachments for special service.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading The first upholsterers in Paris had been summoned to the work of preparation, and the general-in-chief of the gilders stood in their midst, giving orders to his staff, and sending off detachments for special service.

plural of “hall” — an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading A crowd of workmen filled its halls; some on ladders, regilding walls and ceilings; some on their knees waxing the inlaid floors: and others occupied in removing the coverings, and dusting the satin cushions of the rich furniture of the state apartments.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading He held in his hand a roll of paper resembling a marshal's baton, with which he assigned their posts to his men.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He held in his hand a roll of paper resembling a marshal's baton, with which he assigned their posts to his men.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading He held in his hand a roll of paper resembling a marshal's baton, with which he assigned their posts to his men.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading The first upholsterers in Paris had been summoned to the work of preparation, and the general-in-chief of the gilders stood in their midst, giving orders to his staff, and sending off detachments for special service.

a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services

From this reading All was bustle and confusion in the Hotel de Soissons.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading All was bustle and confusion in the Hotel de Soissons.

adorned by inlays

From this reading A crowd of workmen filled its halls; some on ladders, regilding walls and ceilings; some on their knees waxing the inlaid floors: and others occupied in removing the coverings, and dusting the satin cushions of the rich furniture of the state apartments.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading A crowd of workmen filled its halls; some on ladders, regilding walls and ceilings; some on their knees waxing the inlaid floors: and others occupied in removing the coverings, and dusting the satin cushions of the rich furniture of the state apartments.

plural of “knee” — hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella

From this reading A crowd of workmen filled its halls; some on ladders, regilding walls and ceilings; some on their knees waxing the inlaid floors: and others occupied in removing the coverings, and dusting the satin cushions of the rich furniture of the state apartments.

plural of “ladder” — steps consisting of two parallel members connected by rungs; for climbing up or down

From this reading A crowd of workmen filled its halls; some on ladders, regilding walls and ceilings; some on their knees waxing the inlaid floors: and others occupied in removing the coverings, and dusting the satin cushions of the rich furniture of the state apartments.

possessive form of “marshal” — a law officer having duties similar to those of a sheriff in carrying out the judgments of a court of law

From this reading He held in his hand a roll of paper resembling a marshal's baton, with which he assigned their posts to his men.

the force of workers available

From this reading He held in his hand a roll of paper resembling a marshal's baton, with which he assigned their posts to his men.

the location of something surrounded by other things

From this reading The first upholsterers in Paris had been summoned to the work of preparation, and the general-in-chief of the gilders stood in their midst, giving orders to his staff, and sending off detachments for special service.

held or filled or in use

From this reading A crowd of workmen filled its halls; some on ladders, regilding walls and ceilings; some on their knees waxing the inlaid floors: and others occupied in removing the coverings, and dusting the satin cushions of the rich furniture of the state apartments.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A crowd of workmen filled its halls; some on ladders, regilding walls and ceilings; some on their knees waxing the inlaid floors: and others occupied in removing the coverings, and dusting the satin cushions of the rich furniture of the state apartments.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading The first upholsterers in Paris had been summoned to the work of preparation, and the general-in-chief of the gilders stood in their midst, giving orders to his staff, and sending off detachments for special service.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading A crowd of workmen filled its halls; some on ladders, regilding walls and ceilings; some on their knees waxing the inlaid floors: and others occupied in removing the coverings, and dusting the satin cushions of the rich furniture of the state apartments.

plural of “order” — (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading The first upholsterers in Paris had been summoned to the work of preparation, and the general-in-chief of the gilders stood in their midst, giving orders to his staff, and sending off detachments for special service.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A crowd of workmen filled its halls; some on ladders, regilding walls and ceilings; some on their knees waxing the inlaid floors: and others occupied in removing the coverings, and dusting the satin cushions of the rich furniture of the state apartments.

a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses

From this reading He held in his hand a roll of paper resembling a marshal's baton, with which he assigned their posts to his men.

the capital and largest city of France; and international center of culture and commerce

From this reading The first upholsterers in Paris had been summoned to the work of preparation, and the general-in-chief of the gilders stood in their midst, giving orders to his staff, and sending off detachments for special service.

plural of “post” — the position where someone (as a guard or sentry) stands or is assigned to stand

From this reading He held in his hand a roll of paper resembling a marshal's baton, with which he assigned their posts to his men.

the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading The first upholsterers in Paris had been summoned to the work of preparation, and the general-in-chief of the gilders stood in their midst, giving orders to his staff, and sending off detachments for special service.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A crowd of workmen filled its halls; some on ladders, regilding walls and ceilings; some on their knees waxing the inlaid floors: and others occupied in removing the coverings, and dusting the satin cushions of the rich furniture of the state apartments.

-ing form of “remove” — remove something concrete, as by lifting, pushing, or taking off, or remove something abstract

From this reading A crowd of workmen filled its halls; some on ladders, regilding walls and ceilings; some on their knees waxing the inlaid floors: and others occupied in removing the coverings, and dusting the satin cushions of the rich furniture of the state apartments.

-ing form of “resemble” — appear like; be similar or bear a likeness to

From this reading He held in his hand a roll of paper resembling a marshal's baton, with which he assigned their posts to his men.

possessing material wealth

From this reading A crowd of workmen filled its halls; some on ladders, regilding walls and ceilings; some on their knees waxing the inlaid floors: and others occupied in removing the coverings, and dusting the satin cushions of the rich furniture of the state apartments.

move by turning over or rotating

From this reading He held in his hand a roll of paper resembling a marshal's baton, with which he assigned their posts to his men.

a smooth fabric of silk or rayon; has a glossy face and a dull back

From this reading A crowd of workmen filled its halls; some on ladders, regilding walls and ceilings; some on their knees waxing the inlaid floors: and others occupied in removing the coverings, and dusting the satin cushions of the rich furniture of the state apartments.

the act of causing something to go (especially messages)

From this reading The first upholsterers in Paris had been summoned to the work of preparation, and the general-in-chief of the gilders stood in their midst, giving orders to his staff, and sending off detachments for special service.

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading The first upholsterers in Paris had been summoned to the work of preparation, and the general-in-chief of the gilders stood in their midst, giving orders to his staff, and sending off detachments for special service.

a battle in World War I (May 1918); the Germans tried to attack before the American numbers were too great to defeat; the tactical success of the Germans proved to be a strategic failure

From this reading All was bustle and confusion in the Hotel de Soissons.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading A crowd of workmen filled its halls; some on ladders, regilding walls and ceilings; some on their knees waxing the inlaid floors: and others occupied in removing the coverings, and dusting the satin cushions of the rich furniture of the state apartments.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading The first upholsterers in Paris had been summoned to the work of preparation, and the general-in-chief of the gilders stood in their midst, giving orders to his staff, and sending off detachments for special service.

personnel who assist their superior in carrying out an assigned task

From this reading The first upholsterers in Paris had been summoned to the work of preparation, and the general-in-chief of the gilders stood in their midst, giving orders to his staff, and sending off detachments for special service.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading A crowd of workmen filled its halls; some on ladders, regilding walls and ceilings; some on their knees waxing the inlaid floors: and others occupied in removing the coverings, and dusting the satin cushions of the rich furniture of the state apartments.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading The first upholsterers in Paris had been summoned to the work of preparation, and the general-in-chief of the gilders stood in their midst, giving orders to his staff, and sending off detachments for special service.

past form of “summon” — call in an official matter, such as to attend court

From this reading The first upholsterers in Paris had been summoned to the work of preparation, and the general-in-chief of the gilders stood in their midst, giving orders to his staff, and sending off detachments for special service.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading THE DISAPPOINTMENT.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading A crowd of workmen filled its halls; some on ladders, regilding walls and ceilings; some on their knees waxing the inlaid floors: and others occupied in removing the coverings, and dusting the satin cushions of the rich furniture of the state apartments.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading The first upholsterers in Paris had been summoned to the work of preparation, and the general-in-chief of the gilders stood in their midst, giving orders to his staff, and sending off detachments for special service.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The first upholsterers in Paris had been summoned to the work of preparation, and the general-in-chief of the gilders stood in their midst, giving orders to his staff, and sending off detachments for special service.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading A crowd of workmen filled its halls; some on ladders, regilding walls and ceilings; some on their knees waxing the inlaid floors: and others occupied in removing the coverings, and dusting the satin cushions of the rich furniture of the state apartments.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading All was bustle and confusion in the Hotel de Soissons.

the application of wax to a surface

From this reading A crowd of workmen filled its halls; some on ladders, regilding walls and ceilings; some on their knees waxing the inlaid floors: and others occupied in removing the coverings, and dusting the satin cushions of the rich furniture of the state apartments.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading He held in his hand a roll of paper resembling a marshal's baton, with which he assigned their posts to his men.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He held in his hand a roll of paper resembling a marshal's baton, with which he assigned their posts to his men.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading The first upholsterers in Paris had been summoned to the work of preparation, and the general-in-chief of the gilders stood in their midst, giving orders to his staff, and sending off detachments for special service.

plural of “workman” — an employee who performs manual or industrial labor

From this reading A crowd of workmen filled its halls; some on ladders, regilding walls and ceilings; some on their knees waxing the inlaid floors: and others occupied in removing the coverings, and dusting the satin cushions of the rich furniture of the state apartments.