Chapter XL

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

From this reading In the loveliest county of Old England stood one of those fine baronial castles that have outlived the ravages of many a rebellion.

the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment

From this reading In this noble mansion, surrounded by a tenantry that worshipped her, and retainers who had grown old in those majestic walls, the Countess of Sefton performed the duties of a station that required no ordinary ability; and, despite the sufferings which we know of, performed them well.

(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 It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

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

From this reading In this noble mansion, surrounded by a tenantry that worshipped her, and retainers who had grown old in those majestic walls, the Countess of Sefton performed the duties of a station that required no ordinary ability; and, despite the sufferings which we know of, performed them well.

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

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

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

impressive in appearance

From this reading In the loveliest county of Old England stood one of those fine baronial castles that have outlived the ravages of many a rebellion.

delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

the chest considered as the place where secret thoughts are kept

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

plural of “castle” — a large and stately mansion

From this reading In the loveliest county of Old England stood one of those fine baronial castles that have outlived the ravages of many a rebellion.

plural of “cause” — events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

female equivalent of a count or earl

From this reading In this noble mansion, surrounded by a tenantry that worshipped her, and retainers who had grown old in those majestic walls, the Countess of Sefton performed the duties of a station that required no ordinary ability; and, despite the sufferings which we know of, performed them well.

(United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government

From this reading In the loveliest county of Old England stood one of those fine baronial castles that have outlived the ravages of many a rebellion.

the process of gradually becoming inferior

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

inflected form of “defy” — resist or confront with resistance

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

plural of “depredation” — an act of plundering and pillaging and marauding

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

although something is true; in spite of

From this reading In this noble mansion, surrounded by a tenantry that worshipped her, and retainers who had grown old in those majestic walls, the Countess of Sefton performed the duties of a station that required no ordinary ability; and, despite the sufferings which we know of, performed them well.

plural of “draw” — a gully that is shallower than a ravine

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading In this noble mansion, surrounded by a tenantry that worshipped her, and retainers who had grown old in those majestic walls, the Countess of Sefton performed the duties of a station that required no ordinary ability; and, despite the sufferings which we know of, performed them well.

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

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading In the loveliest county of Old England stood one of those fine baronial castles that have outlived the ravages of many a rebellion.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading In the loveliest county of Old England stood one of those fine baronial castles that have outlived the ravages of many a rebellion.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading She was one of those who grow lofty and strong by suffering.

(of animals) fully developed

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

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

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading In the loveliest county of Old England stood one of those fine baronial castles that have outlived the ravages of many a rebellion.

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

From this reading In this noble mansion, surrounded by a tenantry that worshipped her, and retainers who had grown old in those majestic walls, the Countess of Sefton performed the duties of a station that required no ordinary ability; and, despite the sufferings which we know of, performed them well.

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

From this reading In the loveliest county of Old England stood one of those fine baronial castles that have outlived the ravages of many a rebellion.

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

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading In this noble mansion, surrounded by a tenantry that worshipped her, and retainers who had grown old in those majestic walls, the Countess of Sefton performed the duties of a station that required no ordinary ability; and, despite the sufferings which we know of, performed them well.

of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style

From this reading She was one of those who grow lofty and strong by suffering.

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

From this reading In the loveliest county of Old England stood one of those fine baronial castles that have outlived the ravages of many a rebellion.

plural of “love” — a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

majestic in manner or bearing; superior to mundane matters

From this reading In this noble mansion, surrounded by a tenantry that worshipped her, and retainers who had grown old in those majestic walls, the Countess of Sefton performed the duties of a station that required no ordinary ability; and, despite the sufferings which we know of, performed them well.

engage in

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided

From this reading In this noble mansion, surrounded by a tenantry that worshipped her, and retainers who had grown old in those majestic walls, the Countess of Sefton performed the duties of a station that required no ordinary ability; and, despite the sufferings which we know of, performed them well.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading In the loveliest county of Old England stood one of those fine baronial castles that have outlived the ravages of many a rebellion.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

not any; not one

From this reading In this noble mansion, surrounded by a tenantry that worshipped her, and retainers who had grown old in those majestic walls, the Countess of Sefton performed the duties of a station that required no ordinary ability; and, despite the sufferings which we know of, performed them well.

impressive in appearance

From this reading In this noble mansion, surrounded by a tenantry that worshipped her, and retainers who had grown old in those majestic walls, the Countess of Sefton performed the duties of a station that required no ordinary ability; and, despite the sufferings which we know of, performed them well.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In the loveliest county of Old England stood one of those fine baronial castles that have outlived the ravages of many a rebellion.

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

From this reading In the loveliest county of Old England stood one of those fine baronial castles that have outlived the ravages of many a rebellion.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading In the loveliest county of Old England stood one of those fine baronial castles that have outlived the ravages of many a rebellion.

and nothing more

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

a judge of a probate court

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

past form of “outlive” — live longer than

From this reading In the loveliest county of Old England stood one of those fine baronial castles that have outlived the ravages of many a rebellion.

above and across; more than

From this reading OVER THE WATER.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

past form of “perform” — carry out or perform an action

From this reading In this noble mansion, surrounded by a tenantry that worshipped her, and retainers who had grown old in those majestic walls, the Countess of Sefton performed the duties of a station that required no ordinary ability; and, despite the sufferings which we know of, performed them well.

plural of “ravage” — (usually plural) a destructive action

From this reading In the loveliest county of Old England stood one of those fine baronial castles that have outlived the ravages of many a rebellion.

refusal to accept some authority or code or convention

From this reading In the loveliest county of Old England stood one of those fine baronial castles that have outlived the ravages of many a rebellion.

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading In this noble mansion, surrounded by a tenantry that worshipped her, and retainers who had grown old in those majestic walls, the Countess of Sefton performed the duties of a station that required no ordinary ability; and, despite the sufferings which we know of, performed them well.

plural of “retainer” — a fee charged in advance to retain the services of someone

From this reading In this noble mansion, surrounded by a tenantry that worshipped her, and retainers who had grown old in those majestic walls, the Countess of Sefton performed the duties of a station that required no ordinary ability; and, despite the sufferings which we know of, performed them well.

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

From this reading In this noble mansion, surrounded by a tenantry that worshipped her, and retainers who had grown old in those majestic walls, the Countess of Sefton performed the duties of a station that required no ordinary ability; and, despite the sufferings which we know of, performed them well.

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

From this reading She was one of those who grow lofty and strong by suffering.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

a facility equipped with special equipment and personnel for a particular purpose

From this reading In this noble mansion, surrounded by a tenantry that worshipped her, and retainers who had grown old in those majestic walls, the Countess of Sefton performed the duties of a station that required no ordinary ability; and, despite the sufferings which we know of, performed them well.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading In the loveliest county of Old England stood one of those fine baronial castles that have outlived the ravages of many a rebellion.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading She was one of those who grow lofty and strong by suffering.

a state of acute pain

From this reading She was one of those who grow lofty and strong by suffering.

plural of “suffering” — a state of acute pain

From this reading In this noble mansion, surrounded by a tenantry that worshipped her, and retainers who had grown old in those majestic walls, the Countess of Sefton performed the duties of a station that required no ordinary ability; and, despite the sufferings which we know of, performed them well.

give something useful or necessary to

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

confined on all sides

From this reading In this noble mansion, surrounded by a tenantry that worshipped her, and retainers who had grown old in those majestic walls, the Countess of Sefton performed the duties of a station that required no ordinary ability; and, despite the sufferings which we know of, performed them well.

tenants of an estate considered as a group

From this reading In this noble mansion, surrounded by a tenantry that worshipped her, and retainers who had grown old in those majestic walls, the Countess of Sefton performed the duties of a station that required no ordinary ability; and, despite the sufferings which we know of, performed them well.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In the loveliest county of Old England stood one of those fine baronial castles that have outlived the ravages of many a rebellion.

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

From this reading OVER THE WATER.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading In this noble mansion, surrounded by a tenantry that worshipped her, and retainers who had grown old in those majestic walls, the Countess of Sefton performed the duties of a station that required no ordinary ability; and, despite the sufferings which we know of, performed them well.

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

From this reading In this noble mansion, surrounded by a tenantry that worshipped her, and retainers who had grown old in those majestic walls, the Countess of Sefton performed the duties of a station that required no ordinary ability; and, despite the sufferings which we know of, performed them well.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading In the loveliest county of Old England stood one of those fine baronial castles that have outlived the ravages of many a rebellion.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

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

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

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

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

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 this noble mansion, surrounded by a tenantry that worshipped her, and retainers who had grown old in those majestic walls, the Countess of Sefton performed the duties of a station that required no ordinary ability; and, despite the sufferings which we know of, performed them well.

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

From this reading She was one of those who grow lofty and strong by suffering.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading OVER THE WATER.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading In this noble mansion, surrounded by a tenantry that worshipped her, and retainers who had grown old in those majestic walls, the Countess of Sefton performed the duties of a station that required no ordinary ability; and, despite the sufferings which we know of, performed them well.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading In this noble mansion, surrounded by a tenantry that worshipped her, and retainers who had grown old in those majestic walls, the Countess of Sefton performed the duties of a station that required no ordinary ability; and, despite the sufferings which we know of, performed them well.

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

From this reading It had not only defied all ordinary causes of decay, but grown beautiful from time, which loves to make up for its own depredations by the embellishments which nature is sure to supply as it draws art slowly back to its own bosom.

which person or people

From this reading In this noble mansion, surrounded by a tenantry that worshipped her, and retainers who had grown old in those majestic walls, the Countess of Sefton performed the duties of a station that required no ordinary ability; and, despite the sufferings which we know of, performed them well.

regarded with deep or rapturous love (especially as if for a god)

From this reading In this noble mansion, surrounded by a tenantry that worshipped her, and retainers who had grown old in those majestic walls, the Countess of Sefton performed the duties of a station that required no ordinary ability; and, despite the sufferings which we know of, performed them well.