Chapter II

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

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

a convincing explanation that reveals basic causes

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

the quality of having a superior or more favorable position

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

conforming to your own liking or feelings or nature

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

a cherished desire

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

surrounded by; in the company of

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

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

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

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

From this reading "The first springs of great events, like those of great rivers, are often mean and little."--SWIFT.

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

From this reading "The first springs of great events, like those of great rivers, are often mean and little."--SWIFT.

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

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

have an ambitious plan or a lofty goal

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

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

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

a state of supreme happiness

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

the organic process of bearing flowers

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

the trait of being willing to undertake things that involve risk or danger

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

an occurrence of something

From this reading This at least was the way in which the point was decided by general report, and how the case really stood is not material to our present purpose to determine.

a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

not invading healthy tissue

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

recognizable; marked

From this reading This at least was the way in which the point was decided by general report, and how the case really stood is not material to our present purpose to determine.

plural of “destiny” — an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

establish after a calculation, investigation, experiment, survey, or study

From this reading This at least was the way in which the point was decided by general report, and how the case really stood is not material to our present purpose to determine.

a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

the power to use something or someone

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

one or the other of two

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

a vote to select the winner of a position or political office

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading "The first springs of great events, like those of great rivers, are often mean and little."--SWIFT.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

giving careful attention to detail; hard to please; excessively concerned with cleanliness

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

a competitor thought likely to win

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

hound or harry relentlessly

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading "The first springs of great events, like those of great rivers, are often mean and little."--SWIFT.

the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

a formation of aircraft in flight

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading This at least was the way in which the point was decided by general report, and how the case really stood is not material to our present purpose to determine.

a body of students who are taught together

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

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

From this reading "The first springs of great events, like those of great rivers, are often mean and little."--SWIFT.

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

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

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

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

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

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

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

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

the main good female character in a work of fiction

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

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

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

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

From this reading This at least was the way in which the point was decided by general report, and how the case really stood is not material to our present purpose to determine.

comparative of “humble” — low or inferior in station or quality

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

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

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

free from external control and constraint

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

calculated to please or gain favor

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

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

From this reading This at least was the way in which the point was decided by general report, and how the case really stood is not material to our present purpose to determine.

and nothing more

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading This at least was the way in which the point was decided by general report, and how the case really stood is not material to our present purpose to determine.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading "The first springs of great events, like those of great rivers, are often mean and little."--SWIFT.

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

From this reading "The first springs of great events, like those of great rivers, are often mean and little."--SWIFT.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

concerned with worldly rather than spiritual interests

From this reading This at least was the way in which the point was decided by general report, and how the case really stood is not material to our present purpose to determine.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading "The first springs of great events, like those of great rivers, are often mean and little."--SWIFT.

the force of workers available

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

a form of address for a man

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

pleasant or pleasing or agreeable in nature or appearance

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading This at least was the way in which the point was decided by general report, and how the case really stood is not material to our present purpose to determine.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

inflected form of “occur” — come to pass

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "The first springs of great events, like those of great rivers, are often mean and little."--SWIFT.

with little or no preparation or forethought

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

many times at short intervals

From this reading "The first springs of great events, like those of great rivers, are often mean and little."--SWIFT.

and nothing more

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

in other respects or ways

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

above and across; more than

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

by chance

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading This at least was the way in which the point was decided by general report, and how the case really stood is not material to our present purpose to determine.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

plural of “pound” — 16 ounces avoirdupois

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

relatively long in duration; tediously protracted

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

feeling self-respect or pleasure in something by which you measure your self-worth; or being a reason for pride

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading This at least was the way in which the point was decided by general report, and how the case really stood is not material to our present purpose to determine.

a rate that is rapid

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

a person who enjoys reading

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading This at least was the way in which the point was decided by general report, and how the case really stood is not material to our present purpose to determine.

past form of “render” — cause to become

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

to give an account or representation of in words

From this reading This at least was the way in which the point was decided by general report, and how the case really stood is not material to our present purpose to determine.

plural of “river” — a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading "The first springs of great events, like those of great rivers, are often mean and little."--SWIFT.

English chemist noted for his studies of molecular structures in plants (1886-1975)

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

only a very short time before

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

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

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

start suddenly, as from fright

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

showing mental alertness and calculation and resourcefulness

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

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

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

plural of “spring” — the season of growth

From this reading "The first springs of great events, like those of great rivers, are often mean and little."--SWIFT.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading This at least was the way in which the point was decided by general report, and how the case really stood is not material to our present purpose to determine.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

moving very fast

From this reading "The first springs of great events, like those of great rivers, are often mean and little."--SWIFT.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

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

From this reading "The first springs of great events, like those of great rivers, are often mean and little."--SWIFT.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

the cardinal number that is the product of ten and three

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

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

From this reading This at least was the way in which the point was decided by general report, and how the case really stood is not material to our present purpose to determine.

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

From this reading "The first springs of great events, like those of great rivers, are often mean and little."--SWIFT.

the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

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

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

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

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

the act of traveling by foot

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

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

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading This at least was the way in which the point was decided by general report, and how the case really stood is not material to our present purpose to determine.

(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 Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

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

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

a movable organ for flying (one of a pair)

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers

From this reading Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was observed to be a wonderful favourite.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition, confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but the fact was otherwise.

a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading _Then_ Miss Robinson had a "pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal; and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment" had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.