Chapter III

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

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading There were no ladies who gave parties, who were recognised as belonging to "society;" and, above all, there were no girls there: the virgins were old, ugly, or wise.

(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 There were no ladies who gave parties, who were recognised as belonging to "society;" and, above all, there were no girls there: the virgins were old, ugly, or wise.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

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

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading ANOTHER LITERARY SOIRÉE.

so extremely old as seeming to belong to an earlier period

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

pleasing to the eye or mind especially through beauty or charm

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

happiness felt in a secure relationship

From this reading There were no ladies who gave parties, who were recognised as belonging to "society;" and, above all, there were no girls there: the virgins were old, ugly, or wise.

the people of Great Britain

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But the women were still of a questionable class: questionable, I mean, not as regards propriety, but _ton_.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

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

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

a collection of things sharing a common attribute

From this reading But the women were still of a questionable class: questionable, I mean, not as regards propriety, but _ton_.

past form of “compile” — get or gather together

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

provide with a covering or cause to be covered

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

plural of “creature” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

lively and spirited

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

represented in words especially with sharpness and detail

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

a reference book containing an alphabetical list of words with information about them

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

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

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

without any others being included or involved

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

past form of “extract” — remove, usually with some force or effort; also used in an abstract sense

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

having lost freshness or brilliance of color

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

(comparative of “few” used with count nouns) quantifier meaning a smaller number of

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

at a previous time

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading There were no ladies who gave parties, who were recognised as belonging to "society;" and, above all, there were no girls there: the virgins were old, ugly, or wise.

a person of German nationality

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

the act of acquiring something

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading There were no ladies who gave parties, who were recognised as belonging to "society;" and, above all, there were no girls there: the virgins were old, ugly, or wise.

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

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

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

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

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

of or relating to the study of history

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

plural of “history” — the aggregate of past events

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

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

From this reading But the women were still of a questionable class: questionable, I mean, not as regards propriety, but _ton_.

a manner of speaking that is natural to native speakers of a language

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

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

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

not accurate

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

formed or united into a whole

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading There were no ladies who gave parties, who were recognised as belonging to "society;" and, above all, there were no girls there: the virgins were old, ugly, or wise.

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

of or relating to or characteristic of literature

From this reading ANOTHER LITERARY SOIRÉE.

possessive form of “mason” — American Revolutionary leader from Virginia whose objections led to the drafting of the Bill of Rights (1725-1792)

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading But the women were still of a questionable class: questionable, I mean, not as regards propriety, but _ton_.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

concerned with principles of right and wrong or conforming to standards of behavior and character based on those principles

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

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

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

a depository for collecting and displaying objects having scientific or historical or artistic value

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

not any; not one

From this reading There were no ladies who gave parties, who were recognised as belonging to "society;" and, above all, there were no girls there: the virgins were old, ugly, or wise.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But the women were still of a questionable class: questionable, I mean, not as regards propriety, but _ton_.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading There were no ladies who gave parties, who were recognised as belonging to "society;" and, above all, there were no girls there: the virgins were old, ugly, or wise.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading There were no ladies who gave parties, who were recognised as belonging to "society;" and, above all, there were no girls there: the virgins were old, ugly, or wise.

above and across; more than

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

plural of “party” — an organization to gain political power

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

of or relating to poetry

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

correct or appropriate behavior

From this reading But the women were still of a questionable class: questionable, I mean, not as regards propriety, but _ton_.

subject to question

From this reading But the women were still of a questionable class: questionable, I mean, not as regards propriety, but _ton_.

provided with a secure reputation

From this reading There were no ladies who gave parties, who were recognised as belonging to "society;" and, above all, there were no girls there: the virgins were old, ugly, or wise.

plural of “regard” — (usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading But the women were still of a questionable class: questionable, I mean, not as regards propriety, but _ton_.

(biology) growth anew of lost tissue or destroyed parts or organs

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

the state of being held in high esteem and honor

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

worthless material that is to be disposed of

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

Identical; not different.

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

activities associated with sexual intercourse

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

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

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading There were no ladies who gave parties, who were recognised as belonging to "society;" and, above all, there were no girls there: the virgins were old, ugly, or wise.

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

From this reading ANOTHER LITERARY SOIRÉE.

not in physical motion

From this reading But the women were still of a questionable class: questionable, I mean, not as regards propriety, but _ton_.

plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

having a determined will

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

openly distrustful and unwilling to confide

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

plural of “tale” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

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

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

in or at that place or location

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

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

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

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

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

past form of “toil” — work hard

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

a United States unit of weight equivalent to 2000 pounds

From this reading But the women were still of a questionable class: questionable, I mean, not as regards propriety, but _ton_.

past form of “translate” — restate (words) from one language into another language

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

plural of “type” — a subdivision of a particular kind of thing

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

displeasing to the senses

From this reading There were no ladies who gave parties, who were recognised as belonging to "society;" and, above all, there were no girls there: the virgins were old, ugly, or wise.

not easily deciphered

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

plural of “verse” — literature in metrical form

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

precisely as stated

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

plural of “virgin” — a person who has never had sex

From this reading There were no ladies who gave parties, who were recognised as belonging to "society;" and, above all, there were no girls there: the virgins were old, ugly, or wise.

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

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

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

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

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

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

which person or people

From this reading There were no ladies who gave parties, who were recognised as belonging to "society;" and, above all, there were no girls there: the virgins were old, ugly, or wise.

having or prompted by wisdom or discernment

From this reading There were no ladies who gave parties, who were recognised as belonging to "society;" and, above all, there were no girls there: the virgins were old, ugly, or wise.

in the company of; together with

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading The soirée at Hester Mason's, to which they went that evening, was very much the same as the one formerly described; there were fewer guests, and among them more women: a sure sign that she was getting on in the world, and that the reputation of her parties was beginning to cover any suspicious circumstances in her own position.

(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

inflected form of “write” — produce a literary work

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading In a word, the women were almost exclusively literary women; described by Cecil as poor faded creatures, who toiled in the British Museum, over antiquated rubbish which they extracted and incorporated with worse rubbish of their own--women who wrote about the regeneration of their sex--who drivelled in religious tales--compiled inaccurate histories--wrote moral stories for the young, or unreadable verses for the old--translated from French and German (with the assistance of a dictionary, a dashing contempt for English idiom),--learned women, strong-minded women, religious women, historical women, and poetical women; there were types of each class, and by no means attractive types.