Chapter XIV · Chapter 14

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

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Her appearance, promised more, Lady Charlotte thought, than her conversation justified, and she looked about for easier game.

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

later than; following

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

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

From this reading Mr. Elsmere’s sister?’ said a loud voice over Rose’s head; and Rose, who had been turning over an illustrated book, with a mind wholly detached from it, looked up to see Lady Charlotte’s massive form standing over her.

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

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading Her appearance, promised more, Lady Charlotte thought, than her conversation justified, and she looked about for easier game.

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

From this reading ‘Are you.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Mr. Elsmere’s sister?’ said a loud voice over Rose’s head; and Rose, who had been turning over an illustrated book, with a mind wholly detached from it, looked up to see Lady Charlotte’s massive form standing over her.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading Mr. Elsmere’s sister?’ said a loud voice over Rose’s head; and Rose, who had been turning over an illustrated book, with a mind wholly detached from it, looked up to see Lady Charlotte’s massive form standing over her.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

first wife of Henry VIII; Henry VIII's divorce from her was the initial step of the Reformation in England (1485-1536)

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

the largest city in North Carolina; located in south central North Carolina

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

possessive form of “charlotte” — the largest city in North Carolina; located in south central North Carolina

From this reading Mr. Elsmere’s sister?’ said a loud voice over Rose’s head; and Rose, who had been turning over an illustrated book, with a mind wholly detached from it, looked up to see Lady Charlotte’s massive form standing over her.

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

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading Her appearance, promised more, Lady Charlotte thought, than her conversation justified, and she looked about for easier game.

an unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

the best people or things in a group

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

showing lack of emotional involvement

From this reading Mr. Elsmere’s sister?’ said a loud voice over Rose’s head; and Rose, who had been turning over an illustrated book, with a mind wholly detached from it, looked up to see Lady Charlotte’s massive form standing over her.

the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

clear to the mind; with distinct mental discernment

From this reading ‘No, his sister-in-law,’ said Rose, flushing in spite of herself, for Lady Charlotte was distinctly formidable.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

comparative of “easy” — posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading Her appearance, promised more, Lady Charlotte thought, than her conversation justified, and she looked about for easier game.

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

From this reading Mr. Elsmere’s sister?’ said a loud voice over Rose’s head; and Rose, who had been turning over an illustrated book, with a mind wholly detached from it, looked up to see Lady Charlotte’s massive form standing over her.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

-ing form of “flush” — turn red, as if in embarrassment or shame

From this reading ‘No, his sister-in-law,’ said Rose, flushing in spite of herself, for Lady Charlotte was distinctly formidable.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Her appearance, promised more, Lady Charlotte thought, than her conversation justified, and she looked about for easier game.

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

From this reading Mr. Elsmere’s sister?’ said a loud voice over Rose’s head; and Rose, who had been turning over an illustrated book, with a mind wholly detached from it, looked up to see Lady Charlotte’s massive form standing over her.

extremely impressive in strength or excellence

From this reading ‘No, his sister-in-law,’ said Rose, flushing in spite of herself, for Lady Charlotte was distinctly formidable.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Mr. Elsmere’s sister?’ said a loud voice over Rose’s head; and Rose, who had been turning over an illustrated book, with a mind wholly detached from it, looked up to see Lady Charlotte’s massive form standing over her.

a contest with rules to determine a winner

From this reading Her appearance, promised more, Lady Charlotte thought, than her conversation justified, and she looked about for easier game.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

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

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading Mr. Elsmere’s sister?’ said a loud voice over Rose’s head; and Rose, who had been turning over an illustrated book, with a mind wholly detached from it, looked up to see Lady Charlotte’s massive form standing over her.

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

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

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

From this reading ‘No, his sister-in-law,’ said Rose, flushing in spite of herself, for Lady Charlotte was distinctly formidable.

past form of “illustrate” — clarify by giving an example of

From this reading Mr. Elsmere’s sister?’ said a loud voice over Rose’s head; and Rose, who had been turning over an illustrated book, with a mind wholly detached from it, looked up to see Lady Charlotte’s massive form standing over her.

deeply or markedly affected or influenced

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

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

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Mr. Elsmere’s sister?’ said a loud voice over Rose’s head; and Rose, who had been turning over an illustrated book, with a mind wholly detached from it, looked up to see Lady Charlotte’s massive form standing over her.

having words so spaced that lines have straight even margins

From this reading Her appearance, promised more, Lady Charlotte thought, than her conversation justified, and she looked about for easier game.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

a native or resident of London

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Her appearance, promised more, Lady Charlotte thought, than her conversation justified, and she looked about for easier game.

characterized by or producing sound of great volume or intensity

From this reading Mr. Elsmere’s sister?’ said a loud voice over Rose’s head; and Rose, who had been turning over an illustrated book, with a mind wholly detached from it, looked up to see Lady Charlotte’s massive form standing over her.

imposing in size or bulk or solidity

From this reading Mr. Elsmere’s sister?’ said a loud voice over Rose’s head; and Rose, who had been turning over an illustrated book, with a mind wholly detached from it, looked up to see Lady Charlotte’s massive form standing over her.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Mr. Elsmere’s sister?’ said a loud voice over Rose’s head; and Rose, who had been turning over an illustrated book, with a mind wholly detached from it, looked up to see Lady Charlotte’s massive form standing over her.

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Her appearance, promised more, Lady Charlotte thought, than her conversation justified, and she looked about for easier game.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Mr. Elsmere’s sister?’ said a loud voice over Rose’s head; and Rose, who had been turning over an illustrated book, with a mind wholly detached from it, looked up to see Lady Charlotte’s massive form standing over her.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

not any; not one

From this reading ‘No, his sister-in-law,’ said Rose, flushing in spite of herself, for Lady Charlotte was distinctly formidable.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

a severe or trying experience

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

above and across; more than

From this reading Mr. Elsmere’s sister?’ said a loud voice over Rose’s head; and Rose, who had been turning over an illustrated book, with a mind wholly detached from it, looked up to see Lady Charlotte’s massive form standing over her.

an effortful attempt to attain a goal

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

past form of “produce” — bring forth or yield

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

past form of “promise” — make a promise or commitment

From this reading Her appearance, promised more, Lady Charlotte thought, than her conversation justified, and she looked about for easier game.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading Mr. Elsmere’s sister?’ said a loud voice over Rose’s head; and Rose, who had been turning over an illustrated book, with a mind wholly detached from it, looked up to see Lady Charlotte’s massive form standing over her.

possessive form of “rose” — any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading Mr. Elsmere’s sister?’ said a loud voice over Rose’s head; and Rose, who had been turning over an illustrated book, with a mind wholly detached from it, looked up to see Lady Charlotte’s massive form standing over her.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Mr. Elsmere’s sister?’ said a loud voice over Rose’s head; and Rose, who had been turning over an illustrated book, with a mind wholly detached from it, looked up to see Lady Charlotte’s massive form standing over her.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Mr. Elsmere’s sister?’ said a loud voice over Rose’s head; and Rose, who had been turning over an illustrated book, with a mind wholly detached from it, looked up to see Lady Charlotte’s massive form standing over her.

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

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

a female person who has the same parents as another person

From this reading Mr. Elsmere’s sister?’ said a loud voice over Rose’s head; and Rose, who had been turning over an illustrated book, with a mind wholly detached from it, looked up to see Lady Charlotte’s massive form standing over her.

the sister of your spouse

From this reading ‘No, his sister-in-law,’ said Rose, flushing in spite of herself, for Lady Charlotte was distinctly formidable.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

feeling a need to see others suffer

From this reading ‘No, his sister-in-law,’ said Rose, flushing in spite of herself, for Lady Charlotte was distinctly formidable.

having a supporting base

From this reading Mr. Elsmere’s sister?’ said a loud voice over Rose’s head; and Rose, who had been turning over an illustrated book, with a mind wholly detached from it, looked up to see Lady Charlotte’s massive form standing over her.

carry out

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Her appearance, promised more, Lady Charlotte thought, than her conversation justified, and she looked about for easier game.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

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

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Her appearance, promised more, Lady Charlotte thought, than her conversation justified, and she looked about for easier game.

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

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

hard to endure

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course

From this reading Mr. Elsmere’s sister?’ said a loud voice over Rose’s head; and Rose, who had been turning over an illustrated book, with a mind wholly detached from it, looked up to see Lady Charlotte’s massive form standing over her.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Mr. Elsmere’s sister?’ said a loud voice over Rose’s head; and Rose, who had been turning over an illustrated book, with a mind wholly detached from it, looked up to see Lady Charlotte’s massive form standing over her.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading Mr. Elsmere’s sister?’ said a loud voice over Rose’s head; and Rose, who had been turning over an illustrated book, with a mind wholly detached from it, looked up to see Lady Charlotte’s massive form standing over her.

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

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

which person or people

From this reading Mr. Elsmere’s sister?’ said a loud voice over Rose’s head; and Rose, who had been turning over an illustrated book, with a mind wholly detached from it, looked up to see Lady Charlotte’s massive form standing over her.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading Mr. Elsmere’s sister?’ said a loud voice over Rose’s head; and Rose, who had been turning over an illustrated book, with a mind wholly detached from it, looked up to see Lady Charlotte’s massive form standing over her.

belonging to which person

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

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

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

in the company of; together with

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading After dinner, Lady Charlotte fixed herself at first on Catherine, whose quiet dignity during the somewhat trying ordeal of the dinner had impressed her, but a few minutes’ talk produced in her the conviction that without a good deal of pains--and why should a Londoner, accustomed to the cream of things, take pains with a country clergyman’s wife?--she was not likely to get much out of her.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading ‘Are you.