Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

From this reading His bald head--so bald and shining that it conveyed an unpleasant sense of nakedness, suggesting that its uncovering had been an act of indelicacy on the owner’s part--rested on the back of his great chair, and hid from sight the gaudy escutcheon wrought upon the crimson leather.

(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 My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading His wig--imposed upon him by necessity, not fashion--lay on the table amid a confusion of dusty papers, and on his little fat nose, round and red as a cherry at its end, rested the bridge of his horn-rimmed spectacles.

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

From this reading His bald head--so bald and shining that it conveyed an unpleasant sense of nakedness, suggesting that its uncovering had been an act of indelicacy on the owner’s part--rested on the back of his great chair, and hid from sight the gaudy escutcheon wrought upon the crimson leather.

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

From this reading His wig--imposed upon him by necessity, not fashion--lay on the table amid a confusion of dusty papers, and on his little fat nose, round and red as a cherry at its end, rested the bridge of his horn-rimmed spectacles.

the space between two lines or planes that intersect; the inclination of one line to another; measured in degrees or radians

From this reading Yonder, at a meaner table, in an angle between two windows, a pale-faced thread-bare secretary was performing for a yearly pittance the duties for which my Lord the Seneschal was rewarded by emoluments disproportionately large.

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

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading His bald head--so bald and shining that it conveyed an unpleasant sense of nakedness, suggesting that its uncovering had been an act of indelicacy on the owner’s part--rested on the back of his great chair, and hid from sight the gaudy escutcheon wrought upon the crimson leather.

with no effort to conceal

From this reading His bald head--so bald and shining that it conveyed an unpleasant sense of nakedness, suggesting that its uncovering had been an act of indelicacy on the owner’s part--rested on the back of his great chair, and hid from sight the gaudy escutcheon wrought upon the crimson leather.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading His bald head--so bald and shining that it conveyed an unpleasant sense of nakedness, suggesting that its uncovering had been an act of indelicacy on the owner’s part--rested on the back of his great chair, and hid from sight the gaudy escutcheon wrought upon the crimson leather.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading His eyes were closed, his mouth open, and whether from that mouth or from his nose--or, perhaps, conflicting for issue between both--there came a snorting, rumbling sound to proclaim that my Lord the Seneschal was hard at work upon the King’s business.

the two together, not just one

From this reading His eyes were closed, his mouth open, and whether from that mouth or from his nose--or, perhaps, conflicting for issue between both--there came a snorting, rumbling sound to proclaim that my Lord the Seneschal was hard at work upon the King’s business.

a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.

From this reading His wig--imposed upon him by necessity, not fashion--lay on the table amid a confusion of dusty papers, and on his little fat nose, round and red as a cherry at its end, rested the bridge of his horn-rimmed spectacles.

the property resulting from being or relating to the greater in number of two parts; the main part

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

come open suddenly and violently, as if from internal pressure

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading His eyes were closed, his mouth open, and whether from that mouth or from his nose--or, perhaps, conflicting for issue between both--there came a snorting, rumbling sound to proclaim that my Lord the Seneschal was hard at work upon the King’s business.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading His wig--imposed upon him by necessity, not fashion--lay on the table amid a confusion of dusty papers, and on his little fat nose, round and red as a cherry at its end, rested the bridge of his horn-rimmed spectacles.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading His eyes were closed, his mouth open, and whether from that mouth or from his nose--or, perhaps, conflicting for issue between both--there came a snorting, rumbling sound to proclaim that my Lord the Seneschal was hard at work upon the King’s business.

a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading His bald head--so bald and shining that it conveyed an unpleasant sense of nakedness, suggesting that its uncovering had been an act of indelicacy on the owner’s part--rested on the back of his great chair, and hid from sight the gaudy escutcheon wrought upon the crimson leather.

wood of any of various cherry trees especially the black cherry

From this reading His wig--imposed upon him by necessity, not fashion--lay on the table amid a confusion of dusty papers, and on his little fat nose, round and red as a cherry at its end, rested the bridge of his horn-rimmed spectacles.

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading His eyes were closed, his mouth open, and whether from that mouth or from his nose--or, perhaps, conflicting for issue between both--there came a snorting, rumbling sound to proclaim that my Lord the Seneschal was hard at work upon the King’s business.

in disagreement

From this reading His eyes were closed, his mouth open, and whether from that mouth or from his nose--or, perhaps, conflicting for issue between both--there came a snorting, rumbling sound to proclaim that my Lord the Seneschal was hard at work upon the King’s business.

disorder resulting from a failure to behave predictably

From this reading His wig--imposed upon him by necessity, not fashion--lay on the table amid a confusion of dusty papers, and on his little fat nose, round and red as a cherry at its end, rested the bridge of his horn-rimmed spectacles.

past form of “convey” — (of information) make known; pass on

From this reading His bald head--so bald and shining that it conveyed an unpleasant sense of nakedness, suggesting that its uncovering had been an act of indelicacy on the owner’s part--rested on the back of his great chair, and hid from sight the gaudy escutcheon wrought upon the crimson leather.

of a color at the end of the color spectrum (next to orange); resembling the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies

From this reading His bald head--so bald and shining that it conveyed an unpleasant sense of nakedness, suggesting that its uncovering had been an act of indelicacy on the owner’s part--rested on the back of his great chair, and hid from sight the gaudy escutcheon wrought upon the crimson leather.

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

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

out of proportion

From this reading Yonder, at a meaner table, in an angle between two windows, a pale-faced thread-bare secretary was performing for a yearly pittance the duties for which my Lord the Seneschal was rewarded by emoluments disproportionately large.

a man's close-fitting jacket; worn during the Renaissance

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

covered with a layer of dust

From this reading His wig--imposed upon him by necessity, not fashion--lay on the table amid a confusion of dusty papers, and on his little fat nose, round and red as a cherry at its end, rested the bridge of his horn-rimmed spectacles.

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

From this reading Yonder, at a meaner table, in an angle between two windows, a pale-faced thread-bare secretary was performing for a yearly pittance the duties for which my Lord the Seneschal was rewarded by emoluments disproportionately large.

move gently or carefully

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

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

From this reading Yonder, at a meaner table, in an angle between two windows, a pale-faced thread-bare secretary was performing for a yearly pittance the duties for which my Lord the Seneschal was rewarded by emoluments disproportionately large.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading His wig--imposed upon him by necessity, not fashion--lay on the table amid a confusion of dusty papers, and on his little fat nose, round and red as a cherry at its end, rested the bridge of his horn-rimmed spectacles.

a flat protective covering (on a door or wall etc) to prevent soiling by dirty fingers

From this reading His bald head--so bald and shining that it conveyed an unpleasant sense of nakedness, suggesting that its uncovering had been an act of indelicacy on the owner’s part--rested on the back of his great chair, and hid from sight the gaudy escutcheon wrought upon the crimson leather.

opinion or judgment

From this reading His eyes were closed, his mouth open, and whether from that mouth or from his nose--or, perhaps, conflicting for issue between both--there came a snorting, rumbling sound to proclaim that my Lord the Seneschal was hard at work upon the King’s business.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading His wig--imposed upon him by necessity, not fashion--lay on the table amid a confusion of dusty papers, and on his little fat nose, round and red as a cherry at its end, rested the bridge of his horn-rimmed spectacles.

having an (over)abundance of flesh

From this reading His wig--imposed upon him by necessity, not fashion--lay on the table amid a confusion of dusty papers, and on his little fat nose, round and red as a cherry at its end, rested the bridge of his horn-rimmed spectacles.

the soft tissue of the body of a vertebrate: mainly muscle tissue and fat

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading His eyes were closed, his mouth open, and whether from that mouth or from his nose--or, perhaps, conflicting for issue between both--there came a snorting, rumbling sound to proclaim that my Lord the Seneschal was hard at work upon the King’s business.

the condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading His bald head--so bald and shining that it conveyed an unpleasant sense of nakedness, suggesting that its uncovering had been an act of indelicacy on the owner’s part--rested on the back of his great chair, and hid from sight the gaudy escutcheon wrought upon the crimson leather.

the ripened reproductive body of a seed plant

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

a conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

tastelessly showy

From this reading His bald head--so bald and shining that it conveyed an unpleasant sense of nakedness, suggesting that its uncovering had been an act of indelicacy on the owner’s part--rested on the back of his great chair, and hid from sight the gaudy escutcheon wrought upon the crimson leather.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading His bald head--so bald and shining that it conveyed an unpleasant sense of nakedness, suggesting that its uncovering had been an act of indelicacy on the owner’s part--rested on the back of his great chair, and hid from sight the gaudy escutcheon wrought upon the crimson leather.

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

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

From this reading His bald head--so bald and shining that it conveyed an unpleasant sense of nakedness, suggesting that its uncovering had been an act of indelicacy on the owner’s part--rested on the back of his great chair, and hid from sight the gaudy escutcheon wrought upon the crimson leather.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading His eyes were closed, his mouth open, and whether from that mouth or from his nose--or, perhaps, conflicting for issue between both--there came a snorting, rumbling sound to proclaim that my Lord the Seneschal was hard at work upon the King’s business.

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

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading His bald head--so bald and shining that it conveyed an unpleasant sense of nakedness, suggesting that its uncovering had been an act of indelicacy on the owner’s part--rested on the back of his great chair, and hid from sight the gaudy escutcheon wrought upon the crimson leather.

inflected form of “hide” — prevent from being seen or discovered

From this reading His bald head--so bald and shining that it conveyed an unpleasant sense of nakedness, suggesting that its uncovering had been an act of indelicacy on the owner’s part--rested on the back of his great chair, and hid from sight the gaudy escutcheon wrought upon the crimson leather.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading His wig--imposed upon him by necessity, not fashion--lay on the table amid a confusion of dusty papers, and on his little fat nose, round and red as a cherry at its end, rested the bridge of his horn-rimmed spectacles.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

having the frame made of horn or tortoise shell or plastic that simulates either

From this reading His wig--imposed upon him by necessity, not fashion--lay on the table amid a confusion of dusty papers, and on his little fat nose, round and red as a cherry at its end, rested the bridge of his horn-rimmed spectacles.

set forth authoritatively as obligatory

From this reading His wig--imposed upon him by necessity, not fashion--lay on the table amid a confusion of dusty papers, and on his little fat nose, round and red as a cherry at its end, rested the bridge of his horn-rimmed spectacles.

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

From this reading Yonder, at a meaner table, in an angle between two windows, a pale-faced thread-bare secretary was performing for a yearly pittance the duties for which my Lord the Seneschal was rewarded by emoluments disproportionately large.

the trait of being indelicate and offensive

From this reading His bald head--so bald and shining that it conveyed an unpleasant sense of nakedness, suggesting that its uncovering had been an act of indelicacy on the owner’s part--rested on the back of his great chair, and hid from sight the gaudy escutcheon wrought upon the crimson leather.

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

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

prepare and issue for public distribution or sale

From this reading His eyes were closed, his mouth open, and whether from that mouth or from his nose--or, perhaps, conflicting for issue between both--there came a snorting, rumbling sound to proclaim that my Lord the Seneschal was hard at work upon the King’s business.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading His bald head--so bald and shining that it conveyed an unpleasant sense of nakedness, suggesting that its uncovering had been an act of indelicacy on the owner’s part--rested on the back of his great chair, and hid from sight the gaudy escutcheon wrought upon the crimson leather.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

possessive form of “king” — a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading His eyes were closed, his mouth open, and whether from that mouth or from his nose--or, perhaps, conflicting for issue between both--there came a snorting, rumbling sound to proclaim that my Lord the Seneschal was hard at work upon the King’s business.

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

From this reading Yonder, at a meaner table, in an angle between two windows, a pale-faced thread-bare secretary was performing for a yearly pittance the duties for which my Lord the Seneschal was rewarded by emoluments disproportionately large.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading His wig--imposed upon him by necessity, not fashion--lay on the table amid a confusion of dusty papers, and on his little fat nose, round and red as a cherry at its end, rested the bridge of his horn-rimmed spectacles.

an animal skin made smooth and flexible by removing the hair and then tanning

From this reading His bald head--so bald and shining that it conveyed an unpleasant sense of nakedness, suggesting that its uncovering had been an act of indelicacy on the owner’s part--rested on the back of his great chair, and hid from sight the gaudy escutcheon wrought upon the crimson leather.

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

From this reading His wig--imposed upon him by necessity, not fashion--lay on the table amid a confusion of dusty papers, and on his little fat nose, round and red as a cherry at its end, rested the bridge of his horn-rimmed spectacles.

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

possessive form of “majesty” — impressiveness in scale or proportion

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

comparative of “mean” — approximating the statistical norm or average or expected value

From this reading Yonder, at a meaner table, in an angle between two windows, a pale-faced thread-bare secretary was performing for a yearly pittance the duties for which my Lord the Seneschal was rewarded by emoluments disproportionately large.

the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading His eyes were closed, his mouth open, and whether from that mouth or from his nose--or, perhaps, conflicting for issue between both--there came a snorting, rumbling sound to proclaim that my Lord the Seneschal was hard at work upon the King’s business.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

the state of being without clothing or covering of any kind

From this reading His bald head--so bald and shining that it conveyed an unpleasant sense of nakedness, suggesting that its uncovering had been an act of indelicacy on the owner’s part--rested on the back of his great chair, and hid from sight the gaudy escutcheon wrought upon the crimson leather.

the condition of being essential or indispensable

From this reading His wig--imposed upon him by necessity, not fashion--lay on the table amid a confusion of dusty papers, and on his little fat nose, round and red as a cherry at its end, rested the bridge of his horn-rimmed spectacles.

the organ of smell and entrance to the respiratory tract; the prominent part of the face of man or other mammals

From this reading His wig--imposed upon him by necessity, not fashion--lay on the table amid a confusion of dusty papers, and on his little fat nose, round and red as a cherry at its end, rested the bridge of his horn-rimmed spectacles.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading His wig--imposed upon him by necessity, not fashion--lay on the table amid a confusion of dusty papers, and on his little fat nose, round and red as a cherry at its end, rested the bridge of his horn-rimmed spectacles.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading His wig--imposed upon him by necessity, not fashion--lay on the table amid a confusion of dusty papers, and on his little fat nose, round and red as a cherry at its end, rested the bridge of his horn-rimmed spectacles.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading His eyes were closed, his mouth open, and whether from that mouth or from his nose--or, perhaps, conflicting for issue between both--there came a snorting, rumbling sound to proclaim that my Lord the Seneschal was hard at work upon the King’s business.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading His eyes were closed, his mouth open, and whether from that mouth or from his nose--or, perhaps, conflicting for issue between both--there came a snorting, rumbling sound to proclaim that my Lord the Seneschal was hard at work upon the King’s business.

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

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

possessive form of “owner” — (law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business

From this reading His bald head--so bald and shining that it conveyed an unpleasant sense of nakedness, suggesting that its uncovering had been an act of indelicacy on the owner’s part--rested on the back of his great chair, and hid from sight the gaudy escutcheon wrought upon the crimson leather.

having a pale face

From this reading Yonder, at a meaner table, in an angle between two windows, a pale-faced thread-bare secretary was performing for a yearly pittance the duties for which my Lord the Seneschal was rewarded by emoluments disproportionately large.

writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)

From this reading His wig--imposed upon him by necessity, not fashion--lay on the table amid a confusion of dusty papers, and on his little fat nose, round and red as a cherry at its end, rested the bridge of his horn-rimmed spectacles.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading His bald head--so bald and shining that it conveyed an unpleasant sense of nakedness, suggesting that its uncovering had been an act of indelicacy on the owner’s part--rested on the back of his great chair, and hid from sight the gaudy escutcheon wrought upon the crimson leather.

the performance of a part or role in a drama

From this reading Yonder, at a meaner table, in an angle between two windows, a pale-faced thread-bare secretary was performing for a yearly pittance the duties for which my Lord the Seneschal was rewarded by emoluments disproportionately large.

by chance

From this reading His eyes were closed, his mouth open, and whether from that mouth or from his nose--or, perhaps, conflicting for issue between both--there came a snorting, rumbling sound to proclaim that my Lord the Seneschal was hard at work upon the King’s business.

an inadequate payment

From this reading Yonder, at a meaner table, in an angle between two windows, a pale-faced thread-bare secretary was performing for a yearly pittance the duties for which my Lord the Seneschal was rewarded by emoluments disproportionately large.

declare formally; declare someone to be something; of titles

From this reading His eyes were closed, his mouth open, and whether from that mouth or from his nose--or, perhaps, conflicting for issue between both--there came a snorting, rumbling sound to proclaim that my Lord the Seneschal was hard at work upon the King’s business.

a purple color or pigment

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading His wig--imposed upon him by necessity, not fashion--lay on the table amid a confusion of dusty papers, and on his little fat nose, round and red as a cherry at its end, rested the bridge of his horn-rimmed spectacles.

not tired; refreshed as by sleeping or relaxing

From this reading His wig--imposed upon him by necessity, not fashion--lay on the table amid a confusion of dusty papers, and on his little fat nose, round and red as a cherry at its end, rested the bridge of his horn-rimmed spectacles.

past form of “reward” — bestow honor or rewards upon

From this reading Yonder, at a meaner table, in an angle between two windows, a pale-faced thread-bare secretary was performing for a yearly pittance the duties for which my Lord the Seneschal was rewarded by emoluments disproportionately large.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading His wig--imposed upon him by necessity, not fashion--lay on the table amid a confusion of dusty papers, and on his little fat nose, round and red as a cherry at its end, rested the bridge of his horn-rimmed spectacles.

a loud low dull continuous noise

From this reading His eyes were closed, his mouth open, and whether from that mouth or from his nose--or, perhaps, conflicting for issue between both--there came a snorting, rumbling sound to proclaim that my Lord the Seneschal was hard at work upon the King’s business.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

a person who is head of an administrative department of government

From this reading Yonder, at a meaner table, in an angle between two windows, a pale-faced thread-bare secretary was performing for a yearly pittance the duties for which my Lord the Seneschal was rewarded by emoluments disproportionately large.

the chief steward or butler of a great household

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading His bald head--so bald and shining that it conveyed an unpleasant sense of nakedness, suggesting that its uncovering had been an act of indelicacy on the owner’s part--rested on the back of his great chair, and hid from sight the gaudy escutcheon wrought upon the crimson leather.

marked by exceptional merit

From this reading His bald head--so bald and shining that it conveyed an unpleasant sense of nakedness, suggesting that its uncovering had been an act of indelicacy on the owner’s part--rested on the back of his great chair, and hid from sight the gaudy escutcheon wrought upon the crimson leather.

an instance of visual perception

From this reading His bald head--so bald and shining that it conveyed an unpleasant sense of nakedness, suggesting that its uncovering had been an act of indelicacy on the owner’s part--rested on the back of his great chair, and hid from sight the gaudy escutcheon wrought upon the crimson leather.

having a smooth, gleaming surface reflecting light

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

a natural protective body covering and site of the sense of touch

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

an act of forcible exhalation

From this reading His eyes were closed, his mouth open, and whether from that mouth or from his nose--or, perhaps, conflicting for issue between both--there came a snorting, rumbling sound to proclaim that my Lord the Seneschal was hard at work upon the King’s business.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading His bald head--so bald and shining that it conveyed an unpleasant sense of nakedness, suggesting that its uncovering had been an act of indelicacy on the owner’s part--rested on the back of his great chair, and hid from sight the gaudy escutcheon wrought upon the crimson leather.

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

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading His eyes were closed, his mouth open, and whether from that mouth or from his nose--or, perhaps, conflicting for issue between both--there came a snorting, rumbling sound to proclaim that my Lord the Seneschal was hard at work upon the King’s business.

(plural) optical instrument consisting of a frame that holds a pair of lenses for correcting defective vision

From this reading His wig--imposed upon him by necessity, not fashion--lay on the table amid a confusion of dusty papers, and on his little fat nose, round and red as a cherry at its end, rested the bridge of his horn-rimmed spectacles.

-ing form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading His bald head--so bald and shining that it conveyed an unpleasant sense of nakedness, suggesting that its uncovering had been an act of indelicacy on the owner’s part--rested on the back of his great chair, and hid from sight the gaudy escutcheon wrought upon the crimson leather.

characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading His wig--imposed upon him by necessity, not fashion--lay on the table amid a confusion of dusty papers, and on his little fat nose, round and red as a cherry at its end, rested the bridge of his horn-rimmed spectacles.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

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

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

in or at that place or location

From this reading His eyes were closed, his mouth open, and whether from that mouth or from his nose--or, perhaps, conflicting for issue between both--there came a snorting, rumbling sound to proclaim that my Lord the Seneschal was hard at work upon the King’s business.

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

From this reading Yonder, at a meaner table, in an angle between two windows, a pale-faced thread-bare secretary was performing for a yearly pittance the duties for which my Lord the Seneschal was rewarded by emoluments disproportionately large.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

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

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

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

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Yonder, at a meaner table, in an angle between two windows, a pale-faced thread-bare secretary was performing for a yearly pittance the duties for which my Lord the Seneschal was rewarded by emoluments disproportionately large.

the removal of covering

From this reading His bald head--so bald and shining that it conveyed an unpleasant sense of nakedness, suggesting that its uncovering had been an act of indelicacy on the owner’s part--rested on the back of his great chair, and hid from sight the gaudy escutcheon wrought upon the crimson leather.

a garment worn under other garments

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

not done

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

offensive or disagreeable; causing discomfort or unhappiness

From this reading His bald head--so bald and shining that it conveyed an unpleasant sense of nakedness, suggesting that its uncovering had been an act of indelicacy on the owner’s part--rested on the back of his great chair, and hid from sight the gaudy escutcheon wrought upon the crimson leather.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading His wig--imposed upon him by necessity, not fashion--lay on the table amid a confusion of dusty papers, and on his little fat nose, round and red as a cherry at its end, rested the bridge of his horn-rimmed spectacles.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

capable of being seen; or open to easy view

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

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

From this reading His eyes were closed, his mouth open, and whether from that mouth or from his nose--or, perhaps, conflicting for issue between both--there came a snorting, rumbling sound to proclaim that my Lord the Seneschal was hard at work upon the King’s business.

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

From this reading His eyes were closed, his mouth open, and whether from that mouth or from his nose--or, perhaps, conflicting for issue between both--there came a snorting, rumbling sound to proclaim that my Lord the Seneschal was hard at work upon the King’s business.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading His eyes were closed, his mouth open, and whether from that mouth or from his nose--or, perhaps, conflicting for issue between both--there came a snorting, rumbling sound to proclaim that my Lord the Seneschal was hard at work upon the King’s business.

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

From this reading Yonder, at a meaner table, in an angle between two windows, a pale-faced thread-bare secretary was performing for a yearly pittance the duties for which my Lord the Seneschal was rewarded by emoluments disproportionately large.

hairpiece covering the head and made of real or synthetic hair

From this reading His wig--imposed upon him by necessity, not fashion--lay on the table amid a confusion of dusty papers, and on his little fat nose, round and red as a cherry at its end, rested the bridge of his horn-rimmed spectacles.

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading Yonder, at a meaner table, in an angle between two windows, a pale-faced thread-bare secretary was performing for a yearly pittance the duties for which my Lord the Seneschal was rewarded by emoluments disproportionately large.

in the company of; together with

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading His eyes were closed, his mouth open, and whether from that mouth or from his nose--or, perhaps, conflicting for issue between both--there came a snorting, rumbling sound to proclaim that my Lord the Seneschal was hard at work upon the King’s business.

shaped to fit by or as if by altering the contours of a pliable mass (as by work or effort)

From this reading His bald head--so bald and shining that it conveyed an unpleasant sense of nakedness, suggesting that its uncovering had been an act of indelicacy on the owner’s part--rested on the back of his great chair, and hid from sight the gaudy escutcheon wrought upon the crimson leather.

a reference book that is published regularly once every year

From this reading Yonder, at a meaner table, in an angle between two windows, a pale-faced thread-bare secretary was performing for a yearly pittance the duties for which my Lord the Seneschal was rewarded by emoluments disproportionately large.

of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

be the cause or source of

From this reading My Lord of Tressan, His Majesty’s Seneschal of Dauphiny, sat at his ease, his purple doublet all undone, to yield greater freedom to his vast bulk, a yellow silken undergarment visible through the gap, as is visible the flesh of some fruit that, swollen with over-ripeness, has burst its skin.

distant but within sight (“yon” is dialectal)

From this reading Yonder, at a meaner table, in an angle between two windows, a pale-faced thread-bare secretary was performing for a yearly pittance the duties for which my Lord the Seneschal was rewarded by emoluments disproportionately large.