used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A Romance of the French Revolution The Marquis de Lacheville sat in the dining-hall of the chateau de Rochefort.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading The note-paper was scented, but the perfume, like the color, was too pronounced; and the spelling, possibly like the lady's character, was not absolutely flawless.
past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Although it was from a woman, the writing was not in those delicately traced characters which suggest the soft hand of some lady of fashion.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The note-paper was scented, but the perfume, like the color, was too pronounced; and the spelling, possibly like the lady's character, was not absolutely flawless.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
a statute in draft before it becomes law
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The note-paper was scented, but the perfume, like the color, was too pronounced; and the spelling, possibly like the lady's character, was not absolutely flawless.
carelesslyadverbUS /ˈkerləsli/
without care or concern
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading The note-paper was scented, but the perfume, like the color, was too pronounced; and the spelling, possibly like the lady's character, was not absolutely flawless.
plural of “character” — an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading Although it was from a woman, the writing was not in those delicately traced characters which suggest the soft hand of some lady of fashion.
chateaunounUS /ʃæˈtoʊ/
an impressive country house (or castle) in France
From this reading A Romance of the French Revolution The Marquis de Lacheville sat in the dining-hall of the chateau de Rochefort.
having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
a visual attribute of things that results from the light they emit or transmit or reflect
From this reading The note-paper was scented, but the perfume, like the color, was too pronounced; and the spelling, possibly like the lady's character, was not absolutely flawless.
a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading A Romance of the French Revolution The Marquis de Lacheville sat in the dining-hall of the chateau de Rochefort.
delicatelyadverbUS /ˈdeləkətli/
in a delicate manner
From this reading Although it was from a woman, the writing was not in those delicately traced characters which suggest the soft hand of some lady of fashion.
dining-hallnoun
a large room at a college or university; used especially for dining
From this reading A Romance of the French Revolution The Marquis de Lacheville sat in the dining-hall of the chateau de Rochefort.
disposesverbUS /dɪˈspoʊzɪz/
third-person singular of “dispose” — give, sell, or transfer to another
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
opinion or judgment
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Although it was from a woman, the writing was not in those delicately traced characters which suggest the soft hand of some lady of fashion.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
flawlessadjectiveUS /ˈflɔːləs/
without a flaw
From this reading The note-paper was scented, but the perfume, like the color, was too pronounced; and the spelling, possibly like the lady's character, was not absolutely flawless.
the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France
From this reading A Romance of the French Revolution The Marquis de Lacheville sat in the dining-hall of the chateau de Rochefort.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Although it was from a woman, the writing was not in those delicately traced characters which suggest the soft hand of some lady of fashion.
a long fixed look
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
a young female
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading In his hand he held a letter.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In his hand he held a letter.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading In his hand he held a letter.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading In his hand he held a letter.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A Romance of the French Revolution The Marquis de Lacheville sat in the dining-hall of the chateau de Rochefort.
have in mind as a purpose
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Although it was from a woman, the writing was not in those delicately traced characters which suggest the soft hand of some lady of fashion.
Lacheville
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A Romance of the French Revolution The Marquis de Lacheville sat in the dining-hall of the chateau de Rochefort.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading Although it was from a woman, the writing was not in those delicately traced characters which suggest the soft hand of some lady of fashion.
lady'snounUS /ˈleɪdiz/
possessive form of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading The note-paper was scented, but the perfume, like the color, was too pronounced; and the spelling, possibly like the lady's character, was not absolutely flawless.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading In his hand he held a letter.
liftingverbUS /ˈlɪftɪŋ/
-ing form of “lift” — raise from a lower to a higher position
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading The note-paper was scented, but the perfume, like the color, was too pronounced; and the spelling, possibly like the lady's character, was not absolutely flawless.
plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
MarquisnounUS /ˌmɑːrˈkiː/
humorist who wrote about the imaginary life of cockroaches (1878-1937)
From this reading A Romance of the French Revolution The Marquis de Lacheville sat in the dining-hall of the chateau de Rochefort.
missivenounUS /ˈmɪsɪv/
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Although it was from a woman, the writing was not in those delicately traced characters which suggest the soft hand of some lady of fashion.
note-paper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The note-paper was scented, but the perfume, like the color, was too pronounced; and the spelling, possibly like the lady's character, was not absolutely flawless.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A Romance of the French Revolution The Marquis de Lacheville sat in the dining-hall of the chateau de Rochefort.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
give money, usually in exchange for goods or services
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
perfumenounUS /pərˈfjuːm/
a distinctive odor that is pleasant
From this reading The note-paper was scented, but the perfume, like the color, was too pronounced; and the spelling, possibly like the lady's character, was not absolutely flawless.
(of games) engaged in
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
by chance
From this reading The note-paper was scented, but the perfume, like the color, was too pronounced; and the spelling, possibly like the lady's character, was not absolutely flawless.
pronouncedadjectiveUS /prəˈnaʊnst/
strongly marked; easily noticeable
From this reading The note-paper was scented, but the perfume, like the color, was too pronounced; and the spelling, possibly like the lady's character, was not absolutely flawless.
RevolutionnounUS /ˌrevəˈluːʃən/
a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving
From this reading A Romance of the French Revolution The Marquis de Lacheville sat in the dining-hall of the chateau de Rochefort.
Rochefort
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A Romance of the French Revolution The Marquis de Lacheville sat in the dining-hall of the chateau de Rochefort.
a relationship between two lovers
From this reading A Romance of the French Revolution The Marquis de Lacheville sat in the dining-hall of the chateau de Rochefort.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading A Romance of the French Revolution The Marquis de Lacheville sat in the dining-hall of the chateau de Rochefort.
scentedadjectiveUS /ˈsentɪd/
having the sense of smell
From this reading The note-paper was scented, but the perfume, like the color, was too pronounced; and the spelling, possibly like the lady's character, was not absolutely flawless.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
yielding readily to pressure or weight
From this reading Although it was from a woman, the writing was not in those delicately traced characters which suggest the soft hand of some lady of fashion.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Although it was from a woman, the writing was not in those delicately traced characters which suggest the soft hand of some lady of fashion.
spellingnounUS /ˈspelɪŋ/
forming words with letters according to the principles underlying accepted usage
From this reading The note-paper was scented, but the perfume, like the color, was too pronounced; and the spelling, possibly like the lady's character, was not absolutely flawless.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
suggestverbUS /səˈdʒest/
make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading Although it was from a woman, the writing was not in those delicately traced characters which suggest the soft hand of some lady of fashion.
terracenounUS /ˈterəs/
usually paved outdoor area adjoining a residence
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A Romance of the French Revolution The Marquis de Lacheville sat in the dining-hall of the chateau de Rochefort.
Having little thickness or extent.
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Although it was from a woman, the writing was not in those delicately traced characters which suggest the soft hand of some lady of fashion.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
push forcefully
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading The note-paper was scented, but the perfume, like the color, was too pronounced; and the spelling, possibly like the lady's character, was not absolutely flawless.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
tracedverbUS /treɪst/
past form of “trace” — follow, discover, or ascertain the course of development of something
From this reading Although it was from a woman, the writing was not in those delicately traced characters which suggest the soft hand of some lady of fashion.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
wanderverbUS /ˈwɑːndər/
move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Although it was from a woman, the writing was not in those delicately traced characters which suggest the soft hand of some lady of fashion.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Although it was from a woman, the writing was not in those delicately traced characters which suggest the soft hand of some lady of fashion.
which person or people
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading Although it was from a woman, the writing was not in those delicately traced characters which suggest the soft hand of some lady of fashion.
the act of creating written works
From this reading Although it was from a woman, the writing was not in those delicately traced characters which suggest the soft hand of some lady of fashion.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading A smile played about the cold thin lips of the marquis; he carelessly thrust the missive into his pocket, as one disposes of a bill he does not intend to pay, and lifting his eyes, allowed his gaze to wander through the open window toward the figure of a young girl who stood outside upon the terrace.
