Chapter XX

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

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible

From this reading To tell truth, a large proportion of them had reasonable cause for a vague uneasiness, if not for actual discomfort, though Lady George wrinkled her high, white forehead in tragic perplexity over some of the resulting phenomena.

(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 They always do when they have worked hard, and, really, the supper left nothing to be desired; besides, it is an empty form when we are all going away next week.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading They always do when they have worked hard, and, really, the supper left nothing to be desired; besides, it is an empty form when we are all going away next week.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading They always do when they have worked hard, and, really, the supper left nothing to be desired; besides, it is an empty form when we are all going away next week.

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

From this reading They always do when they have worked hard, and, really, the supper left nothing to be desired; besides, it is an empty form when we are all going away next week.

(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading "Of course," she said at lunch, "I was quite prepared that the cook should give warning.

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

From this reading They always do when they have worked hard, and, really, the supper left nothing to be desired; besides, it is an empty form when we are all going away next week.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading They always do when they have worked hard, and, really, the supper left nothing to be desired; besides, it is an empty form when we are all going away next week.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

in addition to; as well as

From this reading They always do when they have worked hard, and, really, the supper left nothing to be desired; besides, it is an empty form when we are all going away next week.

(of a surface) not written or printed on

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

plural of “boot” — footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg

From this reading But why the housemaid should want a new set of brushes _to-day_, when she knows I have to send to Glasgow for them; and why Ean, the boy--such a good-looking boy, too--who cleans the boots, should demand an immediate rise in wages, I cannot think."

a youthful male person

From this reading But why the housemaid should want a new set of brushes _to-day_, when she knows I have to send to Glasgow for them; and why Ean, the boy--such a good-looking boy, too--who cleans the boots, should demand an immediate rise in wages, I cannot think."

plural of “brush” — a dense growth of bushes

From this reading But why the housemaid should want a new set of brushes _to-day_, when she knows I have to send to Glasgow for them; and why Ean, the boy--such a good-looking boy, too--who cleans the boots, should demand an immediate rise in wages, I cannot think."

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But why the housemaid should want a new set of brushes _to-day_, when she knows I have to send to Glasgow for them; and why Ean, the boy--such a good-looking boy, too--who cleans the boots, should demand an immediate rise in wages, I cannot think."

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

From this reading But why the housemaid should want a new set of brushes _to-day_, when she knows I have to send to Glasgow for them; and why Ean, the boy--such a good-looking boy, too--who cleans the boots, should demand an immediate rise in wages, I cannot think."

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading To tell truth, a large proportion of them had reasonable cause for a vague uneasiness, if not for actual discomfort, though Lady George wrinkled her high, white forehead in tragic perplexity over some of the resulting phenomena.

plural of “clean” — a weightlift in which the barbell is lifted to shoulder height and then jerked overhead

From this reading But why the housemaid should want a new set of brushes _to-day_, when she knows I have to send to Glasgow for them; and why Ean, the boy--such a good-looking boy, too--who cleans the boots, should demand an immediate rise in wages, I cannot think."

an abrupt failure of function or complete physical exhaustion

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

a state at a particular time

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

prepare a hot meal

From this reading "Of course," she said at lunch, "I was quite prepared that the cook should give warning.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading "Of course," she said at lunch, "I was quite prepared that the cook should give warning.

an urgent or peremptory request

From this reading But why the housemaid should want a new set of brushes _to-day_, when she knows I have to send to Glasgow for them; and why Ean, the boy--such a good-looking boy, too--who cleans the boots, should demand an immediate rise in wages, I cannot think."

a mental state characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and a despondent lack of activity

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

wanted intensely

From this reading They always do when they have worked hard, and, really, the supper left nothing to be desired; besides, it is an empty form when we are all going away next week.

the state of being tense and feeling pain

From this reading To tell truth, a large proportion of them had reasonable cause for a vague uneasiness, if not for actual discomfort, though Lady George wrinkled her high, white forehead in tragic perplexity over some of the resulting phenomena.

a longing for something better than the present situation

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading They always do when they have worked hard, and, really, the supper left nothing to be desired; besides, it is an empty form when we are all going away next week.

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

From this reading But why the housemaid should want a new set of brushes _to-day_, when she knows I have to send to Glasgow for them; and why Ean, the boy--such a good-looking boy, too--who cleans the boots, should demand an immediate rise in wages, I cannot think."

make void or empty of contents

From this reading They always do when they have worked hard, and, really, the supper left nothing to be desired; besides, it is an empty form when we are all going away next week.

an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

third-person singular of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading To tell truth, a large proportion of them had reasonable cause for a vague uneasiness, if not for actual discomfort, though Lady George wrinkled her high, white forehead in tragic perplexity over some of the resulting phenomena.

the part of the face above the eyes

From this reading To tell truth, a large proportion of them had reasonable cause for a vague uneasiness, if not for actual discomfort, though Lady George wrinkled her high, white forehead in tragic perplexity over some of the resulting phenomena.

the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading They always do when they have worked hard, and, really, the supper left nothing to be desired; besides, it is an empty form when we are all going away next week.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)

From this reading To tell truth, a large proportion of them had reasonable cause for a vague uneasiness, if not for actual discomfort, though Lady George wrinkled her high, white forehead in tragic perplexity over some of the resulting phenomena.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading "Of course," she said at lunch, "I was quite prepared that the cook should give warning.

largest city in Scotland; a port on the Clyde in west central Scotland; one of the great shipbuilding centers of the world

From this reading But why the housemaid should want a new set of brushes _to-day_, when she knows I have to send to Glasgow for them; and why Ean, the boy--such a good-looking boy, too--who cleans the boots, should demand an immediate rise in wages, I cannot think."

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

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

the act of departing

From this reading They always do when they have worked hard, and, really, the supper left nothing to be desired; besides, it is an empty form when we are all going away next week.

pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion

From this reading But why the housemaid should want a new set of brushes _to-day_, when she knows I have to send to Glasgow for them; and why Ean, the boy--such a good-looking boy, too--who cleans the boots, should demand an immediate rise in wages, I cannot think."

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

From this reading To tell truth, a large proportion of them had reasonable cause for a vague uneasiness, if not for actual discomfort, though Lady George wrinkled her high, white forehead in tragic perplexity over some of the resulting phenomena.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading They always do when they have worked hard, and, really, the supper left nothing to be desired; besides, it is an empty form when we are all going away next week.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

peculiarly fortunate or appropriate; as if by divine intervention

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading To tell truth, a large proportion of them had reasonable cause for a vague uneasiness, if not for actual discomfort, though Lady George wrinkled her high, white forehead in tragic perplexity over some of the resulting phenomena.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

a female domestic

From this reading But why the housemaid should want a new set of brushes _to-day_, when she knows I have to send to Glasgow for them; and why Ean, the boy--such a good-looking boy, too--who cleans the boots, should demand an immediate rise in wages, I cannot think."

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "Of course," she said at lunch, "I was quite prepared that the cook should give warning.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading To tell truth, a large proportion of them had reasonable cause for a vague uneasiness, if not for actual discomfort, though Lady George wrinkled her high, white forehead in tragic perplexity over some of the resulting phenomena.

of the present time and place

From this reading But why the housemaid should want a new set of brushes _to-day_, when she knows I have to send to Glasgow for them; and why Ean, the boy--such a good-looking boy, too--who cleans the boots, should demand an immediate rise in wages, I cannot think."

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

From this reading To tell truth, a large proportion of them had reasonable cause for a vague uneasiness, if not for actual discomfort, though Lady George wrinkled her high, white forehead in tragic perplexity over some of the resulting phenomena.

plural of “inmate” — one of several resident of a dwelling (especially someone confined to a prison or hospital)

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

without variation or change, in every case

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

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

From this reading They always do when they have worked hard, and, really, the supper left nothing to be desired; besides, it is an empty form when we are all going away next week.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

plural of “jewel” — a precious or semiprecious stone incorporated into a piece of jewelry

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

of or relating to two people who are married to each other

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

plural of “know” — the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people

From this reading But why the housemaid should want a new set of brushes _to-day_, when she knows I have to send to Glasgow for them; and why Ean, the boy--such a good-looking boy, too--who cleans the boots, should demand an immediate rise in wages, I cannot think."

a polite name for any woman

From this reading To tell truth, a large proportion of them had reasonable cause for a vague uneasiness, if not for actual discomfort, though Lady George wrinkled her high, white forehead in tragic perplexity over some of the resulting phenomena.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading To tell truth, a large proportion of them had reasonable cause for a vague uneasiness, if not for actual discomfort, though Lady George wrinkled her high, white forehead in tragic perplexity over some of the resulting phenomena.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading They always do when they have worked hard, and, really, the supper left nothing to be desired; besides, it is an empty form when we are all going away next week.

take the midday meal

From this reading "Of course," she said at lunch, "I was quite prepared that the cook should give warning.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading But why the housemaid should want a new set of brushes _to-day_, when she knows I have to send to Glasgow for them; and why Ean, the boy--such a good-looking boy, too--who cleans the boots, should demand an immediate rise in wages, I cannot think."

immediately following in time or order

From this reading They always do when they have worked hard, and, really, the supper left nothing to be desired; besides, it is an empty form when we are all going away next week.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading To tell truth, a large proportion of them had reasonable cause for a vague uneasiness, if not for actual discomfort, though Lady George wrinkled her high, white forehead in tragic perplexity over some of the resulting phenomena.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading They always do when they have worked hard, and, really, the supper left nothing to be desired; besides, it is an empty form when we are all going away next week.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

and nothing more

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

above and across; more than

From this reading To tell truth, a large proportion of them had reasonable cause for a vague uneasiness, if not for actual discomfort, though Lady George wrinkled her high, white forehead in tragic perplexity over some of the resulting phenomena.

trouble or confusion resulting from complexity

From this reading To tell truth, a large proportion of them had reasonable cause for a vague uneasiness, if not for actual discomfort, though Lady George wrinkled her high, white forehead in tragic perplexity over some of the resulting phenomena.

plural of “phenomenon” — any state or process known through the senses rather than by intuition or reasoning

From this reading To tell truth, a large proportion of them had reasonable cause for a vague uneasiness, if not for actual discomfort, though Lady George wrinkled her high, white forehead in tragic perplexity over some of the resulting phenomena.

plural of “pivot” — the person in a rank around whom the others wheel and maneuver

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

made ready or fit or suitable beforehand

From this reading "Of course," she said at lunch, "I was quite prepared that the cook should give warning.

the quotient obtained when the magnitude of a part is divided by the magnitude of the whole

From this reading To tell truth, a large proportion of them had reasonable cause for a vague uneasiness, if not for actual discomfort, though Lady George wrinkled her high, white forehead in tragic perplexity over some of the resulting phenomena.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading "Of course," she said at lunch, "I was quite prepared that the cook should give warning.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading They always do when they have worked hard, and, really, the supper left nothing to be desired; besides, it is an empty form when we are all going away next week.

showing reason or sound judgment

From this reading To tell truth, a large proportion of them had reasonable cause for a vague uneasiness, if not for actual discomfort, though Lady George wrinkled her high, white forehead in tragic perplexity over some of the resulting phenomena.

made less in size or amount or degree

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

-ing form of “result” — issue or terminate (in a specified way, state, etc.); end

From this reading To tell truth, a large proportion of them had reasonable cause for a vague uneasiness, if not for actual discomfort, though Lady George wrinkled her high, white forehead in tragic perplexity over some of the resulting phenomena.

move upward

From this reading But why the housemaid should want a new set of brushes _to-day_, when she knows I have to send to Glasgow for them; and why Ean, the boy--such a good-looking boy, too--who cleans the boots, should demand an immediate rise in wages, I cannot think."

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Of course," she said at lunch, "I was quite prepared that the cook should give warning.

cause to go somewhere

From this reading But why the housemaid should want a new set of brushes _to-day_, when she knows I have to send to Glasgow for them; and why Ean, the boy--such a good-looking boy, too--who cleans the boots, should demand an immediate rise in wages, I cannot think."

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading But why the housemaid should want a new set of brushes _to-day_, when she knows I have to send to Glasgow for them; and why Ean, the boy--such a good-looking boy, too--who cleans the boots, should demand an immediate rise in wages, I cannot think."

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading "Of course," she said at lunch, "I was quite prepared that the cook should give warning.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

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

From this reading To tell truth, a large proportion of them had reasonable cause for a vague uneasiness, if not for actual discomfort, though Lady George wrinkled her high, white forehead in tragic perplexity over some of the resulting phenomena.

a situation in which no progress can be made or no advancement is possible

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading But why the housemaid should want a new set of brushes _to-day_, when she knows I have to send to Glasgow for them; and why Ean, the boy--such a good-looking boy, too--who cleans the boots, should demand an immediate rise in wages, I cannot think."

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime

From this reading They always do when they have worked hard, and, really, the supper left nothing to be desired; besides, it is an empty form when we are all going away next week.

express in words

From this reading To tell truth, a large proportion of them had reasonable cause for a vague uneasiness, if not for actual discomfort, though Lady George wrinkled her high, white forehead in tragic perplexity over some of the resulting phenomena.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

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

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading To tell truth, a large proportion of them had reasonable cause for a vague uneasiness, if not for actual discomfort, though Lady George wrinkled her high, white forehead in tragic perplexity over some of the resulting phenomena.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading They always do when they have worked hard, and, really, the supper left nothing to be desired; besides, it is an empty form when we are all going away next week.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading But why the housemaid should want a new set of brushes _to-day_, when she knows I have to send to Glasgow for them; and why Ean, the boy--such a good-looking boy, too--who cleans the boots, should demand an immediate rise in wages, I cannot think."

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading To tell truth, a large proportion of them had reasonable cause for a vague uneasiness, if not for actual discomfort, though Lady George wrinkled her high, white forehead in tragic perplexity over some of the resulting phenomena.

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

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

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

From this reading But why the housemaid should want a new set of brushes _to-day_, when she knows I have to send to Glasgow for them; and why Ean, the boy--such a good-looking boy, too--who cleans the boots, should demand an immediate rise in wages, I cannot think."

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading But why the housemaid should want a new set of brushes _to-day_, when she knows I have to send to Glasgow for them; and why Ean, the boy--such a good-looking boy, too--who cleans the boots, should demand an immediate rise in wages, I cannot think."

very sad; especially involving grief or death or destruction

From this reading To tell truth, a large proportion of them had reasonable cause for a vague uneasiness, if not for actual discomfort, though Lady George wrinkled her high, white forehead in tragic perplexity over some of the resulting phenomena.

a fact that has been verified

From this reading To tell truth, a large proportion of them had reasonable cause for a vague uneasiness, if not for actual discomfort, though Lady George wrinkled her high, white forehead in tragic perplexity over some of the resulting phenomena.

feelings of anxiety that make you tense and irritable

From this reading To tell truth, a large proportion of them had reasonable cause for a vague uneasiness, if not for actual discomfort, though Lady George wrinkled her high, white forehead in tragic perplexity over some of the resulting phenomena.

not clearly expressed or understood

From this reading To tell truth, a large proportion of them had reasonable cause for a vague uneasiness, if not for actual discomfort, though Lady George wrinkled her high, white forehead in tragic perplexity over some of the resulting phenomena.

mechanical device attached to an elevated structure; rotates freely to show the direction of the wind

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing

From this reading But why the housemaid should want a new set of brushes _to-day_, when she knows I have to send to Glasgow for them; and why Ean, the boy--such a good-looking boy, too--who cleans the boots, should demand an immediate rise in wages, I cannot think."

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading But why the housemaid should want a new set of brushes _to-day_, when she knows I have to send to Glasgow for them; and why Ean, the boy--such a good-looking boy, too--who cleans the boots, should demand an immediate rise in wages, I cannot think."

a message informing of danger

From this reading "Of course," she said at lunch, "I was quite prepared that the cook should give warning.

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

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading They always do when they have worked hard, and, really, the supper left nothing to be desired; besides, it is an empty form when we are all going away next week.

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading They always do when they have worked hard, and, really, the supper left nothing to be desired; besides, it is an empty form when we are all going away next week.

plural of “wheel” — a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines)

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

at the time that

From this reading They always do when they have worked hard, and, really, the supper left nothing to be desired; besides, it is an empty form when we are all going away next week.

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

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

a Caucasian

From this reading To tell truth, a large proportion of them had reasonable cause for a vague uneasiness, if not for actual discomfort, though Lady George wrinkled her high, white forehead in tragic perplexity over some of the resulting phenomena.

which person or people

From this reading But why the housemaid should want a new set of brushes _to-day_, when she knows I have to send to Glasgow for them; and why Ean, the boy--such a good-looking boy, too--who cleans the boots, should demand an immediate rise in wages, I cannot think."

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading But why the housemaid should want a new set of brushes _to-day_, when she knows I have to send to Glasgow for them; and why Ean, the boy--such a good-looking boy, too--who cleans the boots, should demand an immediate rise in wages, I cannot think."

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Mrs. Vane being one of those heaven-sent pivots or jewels, without which the wheels of society are apt to come to a standstill, it was only natural that her sudden collapse, joined to the general depression which invariably follows on a country house entertainment, should have reduced the inmates of Gleneira to a condition of blank discontent.

past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading They always do when they have worked hard, and, really, the supper left nothing to be desired; besides, it is an empty form when we are all going away next week.

marked by wrinkles

From this reading To tell truth, a large proportion of them had reasonable cause for a vague uneasiness, if not for actual discomfort, though Lady George wrinkled her high, white forehead in tragic perplexity over some of the resulting phenomena.