used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A few of such flowers, as the early season of the year afforded, had been gathered to strew the floor, or to form into nosegays.
declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of
From this reading All had been prepared in the great hall of the Château de Marzay for the marriage of Rose d'Albret with Nicholas de Chazeul, as far as the time and circumstances would admit.
affordedverbUS /əˈfɔːrdəd/
past form of “afford” — be able to spare or give up
From this reading A few of such flowers, as the early season of the year afforded, had been gathered to strew the floor, or to form into nosegays.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading All had been prepared in the great hall of the Château de Marzay for the marriage of Rose d'Albret with Nicholas de Chazeul, as far as the time and circumstances would admit.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Various old banners and decorations had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading All had been prepared in the great hall of the Château de Marzay for the marriage of Rose d'Albret with Nicholas de Chazeul, as far as the time and circumstances would admit.
apartmentsnounUS /əˈpɑːrtmənts/
plural of “apartment” — a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house
From this reading All Madame de Chazeul's maids were there, all the women servants of the château, with the sole exception of Blanchette, who, as the reader knows, had remained in her mistress's apartments.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading Various old banners and decorations had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading All had been prepared in the great hall of the Château de Marzay for the marriage of Rose d'Albret with Nicholas de Chazeul, as far as the time and circumstances would admit.
attendantsnounUS /əˈtendənts/
plural of “attendant” — someone who waits on or tends to or attends to the needs of another
From this reading Various old banners and decorations had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire.
attirenounUS /əˈtaɪər/
clothing of a distinctive style or for a particular occasion
From this reading Various old banners and decorations had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire.
bannersnounUS /ˈbænərz/
plural of “banner” — long strip of cloth or paper used for decoration or advertising
From this reading Various old banners and decorations had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading All had been prepared in the great hall of the Château de Marzay for the marriage of Rose d'Albret with Nicholas de Chazeul, as far as the time and circumstances would admit.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading Various old banners and decorations had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire.
Blanchette
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All Madame de Chazeul's maids were there, all the women servants of the château, with the sole exception of Blanchette, who, as the reader knows, had remained in her mistress's apartments.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading Various old banners and decorations had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But the principal group in the room, was stationed near the table, in the midst, on which lay the contract of marriage, neatly tied with white riband, and surrounded by a chaplet of violets and snow-drops.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Various old banners and decorations had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire.
chapletnoun
flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes
From this reading But the principal group in the room, was stationed near the table, in the midst, on which lay the contract of marriage, neatly tied with white riband, and surrounded by a chaplet of violets and snow-drops.
Chazeul
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All had been prepared in the great hall of the Château de Marzay for the marriage of Rose d'Albret with Nicholas de Chazeul, as far as the time and circumstances would admit.
Chazeul's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All Madame de Chazeul's maids were there, all the women servants of the château, with the sole exception of Blanchette, who, as the reader knows, had remained in her mistress's apartments.
ChâteaunounUS /ʃæˈtoʊ/
A large French country house or castle, often surrounded by expansive estates and private galleries.
From this reading All had been prepared in the great hall of the Château de Marzay for the marriage of Rose d'Albret with Nicholas de Chazeul, as far as the time and circumstances would admit.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading All had been prepared in the great hall of the Château de Marzay for the marriage of Rose d'Albret with Nicholas de Chazeul, as far as the time and circumstances would admit.
contractverbUS /ˈkɑːntrækt/
enter into a contractual arrangement
From this reading But the principal group in the room, was stationed near the table, in the midst, on which lay the contract of marriage, neatly tied with white riband, and surrounded by a chaplet of violets and snow-drops.
d'Albret
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All had been prepared in the great hall of the Château de Marzay for the marriage of Rose d'Albret with Nicholas de Chazeul, as far as the time and circumstances would admit.
a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading All had been prepared in the great hall of the Château de Marzay for the marriage of Rose d'Albret with Nicholas de Chazeul, as far as the time and circumstances would admit.
decorationsnounUS /ˌdekərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “decoration” — something used to beautify
From this reading Various old banners and decorations had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire.
dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination
From this reading Various old banners and decorations had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading A few of such flowers, as the early season of the year afforded, had been gathered to strew the floor, or to form into nosegays.
exceptionnounUS /ɪkˈsepʃən/
a deliberate act of omission
From this reading All Madame de Chazeul's maids were there, all the women servants of the château, with the sole exception of Blanchette, who, as the reader knows, had remained in her mistress's apartments.
a social unit living together
From this reading Various old banners and decorations had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading All had been prepared in the great hall of the Château de Marzay for the marriage of Rose d'Albret with Nicholas de Chazeul, as far as the time and circumstances would admit.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading A few of such flowers, as the early season of the year afforded, had been gathered to strew the floor, or to form into nosegays.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading Various old banners and decorations had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading A few of such flowers, as the early season of the year afforded, had been gathered to strew the floor, or to form into nosegays.
plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms
From this reading A few of such flowers, as the early season of the year afforded, had been gathered to strew the floor, or to form into nosegays.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading All had been prepared in the great hall of the Château de Marzay for the marriage of Rose d'Albret with Nicholas de Chazeul, as far as the time and circumstances would admit.
the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading A few of such flowers, as the early season of the year afforded, had been gathered to strew the floor, or to form into nosegays.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Various old banners and decorations had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading Various old banners and decorations had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire.
gaietynoun
a gay feeling
From this reading Various old banners and decorations had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire.
brought together in one place
From this reading A few of such flowers, as the early season of the year afforded, had been gathered to strew the floor, or to form into nosegays.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Various old banners and decorations had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading All had been prepared in the great hall of the Château de Marzay for the marriage of Rose d'Albret with Nicholas de Chazeul, as far as the time and circumstances would admit.
any number of entities (members) considered as a unit
From this reading But the principal group in the room, was stationed near the table, in the midst, on which lay the contract of marriage, neatly tied with white riband, and surrounded by a chaplet of violets and snow-drops.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading All had been prepared in the great hall of the Château de Marzay for the marriage of Rose d'Albret with Nicholas de Chazeul, as far as the time and circumstances would admit.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading All had been prepared in the great hall of the Château de Marzay for the marriage of Rose d'Albret with Nicholas de Chazeul, as far as the time and circumstances would admit.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading All Madame de Chazeul's maids were there, all the women servants of the château, with the sole exception of Blanchette, who, as the reader knows, had remained in her mistress's apartments.
the state of being honored
From this reading Various old banners and decorations had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Various old banners and decorations had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading All had been prepared in the great hall of the Château de Marzay for the marriage of Rose d'Albret with Nicholas de Chazeul, as far as the time and circumstances would admit.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading A few of such flowers, as the early season of the year afforded, had been gathered to strew the floor, or to form into nosegays.
plural of “know” — the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people
From this reading All Madame de Chazeul's maids were there, all the women servants of the château, with the sole exception of Blanchette, who, as the reader knows, had remained in her mistress's apartments.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading But the principal group in the room, was stationed near the table, in the midst, on which lay the contract of marriage, neatly tied with white riband, and surrounded by a chaplet of violets and snow-drops.
title used for a married Frenchwoman
From this reading All Madame de Chazeul's maids were there, all the women servants of the château, with the sole exception of Blanchette, who, as the reader knows, had remained in her mistress's apartments.
maidsnounUS /meɪdz/
plural of “maid” — a female domestic
From this reading All Madame de Chazeul's maids were there, all the women servants of the château, with the sole exception of Blanchette, who, as the reader knows, had remained in her mistress's apartments.
the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)
From this reading All had been prepared in the great hall of the Château de Marzay for the marriage of Rose d'Albret with Nicholas de Chazeul, as far as the time and circumstances would admit.
Marzay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All had been prepared in the great hall of the Château de Marzay for the marriage of Rose d'Albret with Nicholas de Chazeul, as far as the time and circumstances would admit.
the location of something surrounded by other things
From this reading But the principal group in the room, was stationed near the table, in the midst, on which lay the contract of marriage, neatly tied with white riband, and surrounded by a chaplet of violets and snow-drops.
mistress's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All Madame de Chazeul's maids were there, all the women servants of the château, with the sole exception of Blanchette, who, as the reader knows, had remained in her mistress's apartments.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading But the principal group in the room, was stationed near the table, in the midst, on which lay the contract of marriage, neatly tied with white riband, and surrounded by a chaplet of violets and snow-drops.
neatlyadverbUS /ˈniːtli/
with neatness
From this reading But the principal group in the room, was stationed near the table, in the midst, on which lay the contract of marriage, neatly tied with white riband, and surrounded by a chaplet of violets and snow-drops.
NicholasnounUS /ˈnɪkələs/
a bishop in Asia Minor who is associated with Santa Claus (4th century)
From this reading All had been prepared in the great hall of the Château de Marzay for the marriage of Rose d'Albret with Nicholas de Chazeul, as far as the time and circumstances would admit.
nosegays
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few of such flowers, as the early season of the year afforded, had been gathered to strew the floor, or to form into nosegays.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Various old banners and decorations had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire.
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading Various old banners and decorations had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading All had been prepared in the great hall of the Château de Marzay for the marriage of Rose d'Albret with Nicholas de Chazeul, as far as the time and circumstances would admit.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Various old banners and decorations had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading But the principal group in the room, was stationed near the table, in the midst, on which lay the contract of marriage, neatly tied with white riband, and surrounded by a chaplet of violets and snow-drops.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading A few of such flowers, as the early season of the year afforded, had been gathered to strew the floor, or to form into nosegays.
plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Various old banners and decorations had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire.
made ready or fit or suitable beforehand
From this reading All had been prepared in the great hall of the Château de Marzay for the marriage of Rose d'Albret with Nicholas de Chazeul, as far as the time and circumstances would admit.
the original amount of a debt on which interest is calculated
From this reading But the principal group in the room, was stationed near the table, in the midst, on which lay the contract of marriage, neatly tied with white riband, and surrounded by a chaplet of violets and snow-drops.
a person who enjoys reading
From this reading All Madame de Chazeul's maids were there, all the women servants of the château, with the sole exception of Blanchette, who, as the reader knows, had remained in her mistress's apartments.
mutual dealings or connections or communications among persons or groups
From this reading Various old banners and decorations had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading All Madame de Chazeul's maids were there, all the women servants of the château, with the sole exception of Blanchette, who, as the reader knows, had remained in her mistress's apartments.
ribandnoun
a ribbon used as a decoration
From this reading But the principal group in the room, was stationed near the table, in the midst, on which lay the contract of marriage, neatly tied with white riband, and surrounded by a chaplet of violets and snow-drops.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading But the principal group in the room, was stationed near the table, in the midst, on which lay the contract of marriage, neatly tied with white riband, and surrounded by a chaplet of violets and snow-drops.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading All had been prepared in the great hall of the Château de Marzay for the marriage of Rose d'Albret with Nicholas de Chazeul, as far as the time and circumstances would admit.
the place where some action occurs
From this reading Various old banners and decorations had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire.
a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field
From this reading A few of such flowers, as the early season of the year afforded, had been gathered to strew the floor, or to form into nosegays.
plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading Various old banners and decorations had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire.
snow-drops
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the principal group in the room, was stationed near the table, in the midst, on which lay the contract of marriage, neatly tied with white riband, and surrounded by a chaplet of violets and snow-drops.
solenounUS /soʊl/
the underside of footwear or a golf club
From this reading All Madame de Chazeul's maids were there, all the women servants of the château, with the sole exception of Blanchette, who, as the reader knows, had remained in her mistress's apartments.
splendornounUS /ˈsplen.dər/
Magnificent and splendid appearance; grandeur and brilliance.
From this reading Various old banners and decorations had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire.
stationedverbUS /ˈsteɪʃənd/
past form of “station” — assign to a station
From this reading But the principal group in the room, was stationed near the table, in the midst, on which lay the contract of marriage, neatly tied with white riband, and surrounded by a chaplet of violets and snow-drops.
strewverbUS /struː/
spread by scattering ("straw" is archaic)
From this reading A few of such flowers, as the early season of the year afforded, had been gathered to strew the floor, or to form into nosegays.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading A few of such flowers, as the early season of the year afforded, had been gathered to strew the floor, or to form into nosegays.
summonedverbUS /ˈsʌmənd/
past form of “summon” — call in an official matter, such as to attend court
From this reading Various old banners and decorations had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire.
confined on all sides
From this reading But the principal group in the room, was stationed near the table, in the midst, on which lay the contract of marriage, neatly tied with white riband, and surrounded by a chaplet of violets and snow-drops.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading But the principal group in the room, was stationed near the table, in the midst, on which lay the contract of marriage, neatly tied with white riband, and surrounded by a chaplet of violets and snow-drops.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading All had been prepared in the great hall of the Château de Marzay for the marriage of Rose d'Albret with Nicholas de Chazeul, as far as the time and circumstances would admit.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Various old banners and decorations had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire.
in or at that place or location
From this reading All Madame de Chazeul's maids were there, all the women servants of the château, with the sole exception of Blanchette, who, as the reader knows, had remained in her mistress's apartments.
bound or secured closely
From this reading But the principal group in the room, was stationed near the table, in the midst, on which lay the contract of marriage, neatly tied with white riband, and surrounded by a chaplet of violets and snow-drops.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading All had been prepared in the great hall of the Château de Marzay for the marriage of Rose d'Albret with Nicholas de Chazeul, as far as the time and circumstances would admit.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A few of such flowers, as the early season of the year afforded, had been gathered to strew the floor, or to form into nosegays.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Various old banners and decorations had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire.
of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity
From this reading Various old banners and decorations had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire.
violetsnounUS /ˈvaɪələts/
plural of “violet” — any of numerous low-growing violas with small flowers
From this reading But the principal group in the room, was stationed near the table, in the midst, on which lay the contract of marriage, neatly tied with white riband, and surrounded by a chaplet of violets and snow-drops.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But the principal group in the room, was stationed near the table, in the midst, on which lay the contract of marriage, neatly tied with white riband, and surrounded by a chaplet of violets and snow-drops.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Various old banners and decorations had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading But the principal group in the room, was stationed near the table, in the midst, on which lay the contract of marriage, neatly tied with white riband, and surrounded by a chaplet of violets and snow-drops.
a Caucasian
From this reading But the principal group in the room, was stationed near the table, in the midst, on which lay the contract of marriage, neatly tied with white riband, and surrounded by a chaplet of violets and snow-drops.
which person or people
From this reading All Madame de Chazeul's maids were there, all the women servants of the château, with the sole exception of Blanchette, who, as the reader knows, had remained in her mistress's apartments.
in the company of; together with
From this reading All had been prepared in the great hall of the Château de Marzay for the marriage of Rose d'Albret with Nicholas de Chazeul, as far as the time and circumstances would admit.
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading All Madame de Chazeul's maids were there, all the women servants of the château, with the sole exception of Blanchette, who, as the reader knows, had remained in her mistress's apartments.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading All had been prepared in the great hall of the Château de Marzay for the marriage of Rose d'Albret with Nicholas de Chazeul, as far as the time and circumstances would admit.
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading A few of such flowers, as the early season of the year afforded, had been gathered to strew the floor, or to form into nosegays.
