Chapter III · Chapter 3

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

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

later than; following

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

a deep yellow color

From this reading Emerging from the dining room, the ladies crossed the large amber rug, like moving images made of multicolored light.

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

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

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

From this reading The Brassfields' country house was copied from an historic French chateau.

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading Or from a creamy pedestal the marble features of some ancient sybarite regarded without surprise this modern richness based upon the past.

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

From this reading Here and there, between chairs and sofas the arms of which seemed composed of half-melted ingots, appeared a baroque cabinet filled with small, precious objects.

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Here and there, between chairs and sofas the arms of which seemed composed of half-melted ingots, appeared a baroque cabinet filled with small, precious objects.

weapons considered collectively

From this reading Here and there, between chairs and sofas the arms of which seemed composed of half-melted ingots, appeared a baroque cabinet filled with small, precious objects.

having elaborate symmetrical ornamentation

From this reading Here and there, between chairs and sofas the arms of which seemed composed of half-melted ingots, appeared a baroque cabinet filled with small, precious objects.

having a base

From this reading Or from a creamy pedestal the marble features of some ancient sybarite regarded without surprise this modern richness based upon the past.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading Here and there, between chairs and sofas the arms of which seemed composed of half-melted ingots, appeared a baroque cabinet filled with small, precious objects.

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

From this reading The Brassfields' country house was copied from an historic French chateau.

a piece of furniture resembling a cupboard with doors and shelves and drawers; for storage or display

From this reading Here and there, between chairs and sofas the arms of which seemed composed of half-melted ingots, appeared a baroque cabinet filled with small, precious objects.

the overhead upper surface of a covered space

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

plural of “chair” — a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading Here and there, between chairs and sofas the arms of which seemed composed of half-melted ingots, appeared a baroque cabinet filled with small, precious objects.

an impressive country house (or castle) in France

From this reading The Brassfields' country house was copied from an historic French chateau.

serenely self-possessed and free from agitation especially in times of stress

From this reading Here and there, between chairs and sofas the arms of which seemed composed of half-melted ingots, appeared a baroque cabinet filled with small, precious objects.

inflected form of “copy” — copy down as is

From this reading The Brassfields' country house was copied from an historic French chateau.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading The Brassfields' country house was copied from an historic French chateau.

of the color of cream

From this reading Or from a creamy pedestal the marble features of some ancient sybarite regarded without surprise this modern richness based upon the past.

placed crosswise

From this reading Emerging from the dining room, the ladies crossed the large amber rug, like moving images made of multicolored light.

having or marked by a curve or smoothly rounded bend

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

the act of eating dinner

From this reading Emerging from the dining room, the ladies crossed the large amber rug, like moving images made of multicolored light.

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

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

marked by complexity and richness of detail

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

coming to maturity

From this reading Emerging from the dining room, the ladies crossed the large amber rug, like moving images made of multicolored light.

having come or been brought to a conclusion

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

plural of “feature” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading Or from a creamy pedestal the marble features of some ancient sybarite regarded without surprise this modern richness based upon the past.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading Here and there, between chairs and sofas the arms of which seemed composed of half-melted ingots, appeared a baroque cabinet filled with small, precious objects.

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

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

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

From this reading The Brassfields' country house was copied from an historic French chateau.

an architectural ornament consisting of a horizontal sculptured band between the architrave and the cornice

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The Brassfields' country house was copied from an historic French chateau.

having the deep slightly brownish color of gold

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

plural of “goddess” — a female deity

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

having the deep slightly brownish color of gold

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

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

From this reading Here and there, between chairs and sofas the arms of which seemed composed of half-melted ingots, appeared a baroque cabinet filled with small, precious objects.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Here and there, between chairs and sofas the arms of which seemed composed of half-melted ingots, appeared a baroque cabinet filled with small, precious objects.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

belonging to the past; of what is important or famous in the past

From this reading The Brassfields' country house was copied from an historic French chateau.

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

From this reading The Brassfields' country house was copied from an historic French chateau.

plural of “image” — an iconic mental representation

From this reading Emerging from the dining room, the ladies crossed the large amber rug, like moving images made of multicolored light.

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

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

surround completely

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

plural of “ingot” — metal that is cast in the shape of a block for convenient handling

From this reading Here and there, between chairs and sofas the arms of which seemed composed of half-melted ingots, appeared a baroque cabinet filled with small, precious objects.

relating to or existing in the mind or thoughts

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

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

From this reading Emerging from the dining room, the ladies crossed the large amber rug, like moving images made of multicolored light.

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

From this reading Emerging from the dining room, the ladies crossed the large amber rug, like moving images made of multicolored light.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading Emerging from the dining room, the ladies crossed the large amber rug, like moving images made of multicolored light.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Emerging from the dining room, the ladies crossed the large amber rug, like moving images made of multicolored light.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Emerging from the dining room, the ladies crossed the large amber rug, like moving images made of multicolored light.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

a hard crystalline metamorphic rock that takes a high polish; used for sculpture and as building material

From this reading Or from a creamy pedestal the marble features of some ancient sybarite regarded without surprise this modern richness based upon the past.

belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages

From this reading Or from a creamy pedestal the marble features of some ancient sybarite regarded without surprise this modern richness based upon the past.

in motion

From this reading Emerging from the dining room, the ladies crossed the large amber rug, like moving images made of multicolored light.

having sections or patches colored differently and usually brightly

From this reading Emerging from the dining room, the ladies crossed the large amber rug, like moving images made of multicolored light.

plural of “object” — a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading Here and there, between chairs and sofas the arms of which seemed composed of half-melted ingots, appeared a baroque cabinet filled with small, precious objects.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Or from a creamy pedestal the marble features of some ancient sybarite regarded without surprise this modern richness based upon the past.

inflected form of “overlay” — put something on top of something else

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

coated with paint

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

fitted or decorated with panels or wainscoting

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading Or from a creamy pedestal the marble features of some ancient sybarite regarded without surprise this modern richness based upon the past.

a support or foundation

From this reading Or from a creamy pedestal the marble features of some ancient sybarite regarded without surprise this modern richness based upon the past.

plural of “portrait” — a word picture of a person's appearance and character

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for

From this reading Here and there, between chairs and sofas the arms of which seemed composed of half-melted ingots, appeared a baroque cabinet filled with small, precious objects.

past form of “regard” — deem to be

From this reading Or from a creamy pedestal the marble features of some ancient sybarite regarded without surprise this modern richness based upon the past.

the property of being extremely abundant

From this reading Or from a creamy pedestal the marble features of some ancient sybarite regarded without surprise this modern richness based upon the past.

playful in an appealingly bold way

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading Emerging from the dining room, the ladies crossed the large amber rug, like moving images made of multicolored light.

floor covering consisting of a piece of thick heavy fabric (usually with nap or pile)

From this reading Emerging from the dining room, the ladies crossed the large amber rug, like moving images made of multicolored light.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Here and there, between chairs and sofas the arms of which seemed composed of half-melted ingots, appeared a baroque cabinet filled with small, precious objects.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Here and there, between chairs and sofas the arms of which seemed composed of half-melted ingots, appeared a baroque cabinet filled with small, precious objects.

plural of “sofa” — an upholstered seat for more than one person

From this reading Here and there, between chairs and sofas the arms of which seemed composed of half-melted ingots, appeared a baroque cabinet filled with small, precious objects.

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

From this reading Or from a creamy pedestal the marble features of some ancient sybarite regarded without surprise this modern richness based upon the past.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading Or from a creamy pedestal the marble features of some ancient sybarite regarded without surprise this modern richness based upon the past.

a person addicted to luxury and pleasures of the senses

From this reading Or from a creamy pedestal the marble features of some ancient sybarite regarded without surprise this modern richness based upon the past.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

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

From this reading The Brassfields' country house was copied from an historic French chateau.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Here and there, between chairs and sofas the arms of which seemed composed of half-melted ingots, appeared a baroque cabinet filled with small, precious objects.

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

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Or from a creamy pedestal the marble features of some ancient sybarite regarded without surprise this modern richness based upon the past.

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

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

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

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Or from a creamy pedestal the marble features of some ancient sybarite regarded without surprise this modern richness based upon the past.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

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

From this reading The Brassfields' country house was copied from an historic French chateau.

French painter (1684-1721)

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

widely or fully known

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

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

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

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

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

in the company of; together with

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Or from a creamy pedestal the marble features of some ancient sybarite regarded without surprise this modern richness based upon the past.

the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees

From this reading In the drawing-room, the high walls, from which well-known portraits stood forth, were paneled with amber-hued wood overlaid with elaborate gilt traceries; they ended in a wide golden frieze that curved inward to inclose a ceiling painted with roguish goddesses after the manner of Watteau.