Chapter III

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

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

-ing form of “afford” — be able to spare or give up

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading His handsome face showed at once youth, high birth, and an air of modesty and refinement.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

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

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

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

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

plural of “apartment” — a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

a tank or pool or bowl filled with water for keeping live fish and underwater animals

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

constructed with or in the form of an arch or arches

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

an orderly arrangement

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

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

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading His handsome face showed at once youth, high birth, and an air of modesty and refinement.

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

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

clothing of a distinctive style or for a particular occasion

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

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

From this reading One such black-clothed figure seemed to be the object of unusual interest.

the time when something begins (especially life)

From this reading His handsome face showed at once youth, high birth, and an air of modesty and refinement.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

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

From this reading One such black-clothed figure seemed to be the object of unusual interest.

a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

of surpassing excellence

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

plural of “cavalier” — a gallant or courtly gentleman

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

a low-lying region in central France

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

wearing or provided with clothing; sometimes used in combination

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

plural of “column” — a line of units following one after another

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

plural of “costume” — the attire worn in a play or at a fancy dress ball

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

plural of “doorway” — the entrance (the space in a wall) through which you enter or leave a room or building; the space that a door can close

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

a diplomatic building where ambassadors live or work

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

tiresomely long; seemingly without end

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

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

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

being or from or characteristic of another place or part of the world

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading His handsome face showed at once youth, high birth, and an air of modesty and refinement.

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading One such black-clothed figure seemed to be the object of unusual interest.

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

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

having or given a form or shape

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading TWO GOOD FRIENDS.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

brought together in one place

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

comparative of “gaudy” — tastelessly showy

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

a quick look

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

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

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading TWO GOOD FRIENDS.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion

From this reading His handsome face showed at once youth, high birth, and an air of modesty and refinement.

cut or shaped with hard blows of a heavy cutting instrument like an ax or chisel

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading His handsome face showed at once youth, high birth, and an air of modesty and refinement.

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

From this reading His handsome face showed at once youth, high birth, and an air of modesty and refinement.

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

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

not many times

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading One such black-clothed figure seemed to be the object of unusual interest.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

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

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

characterized by grandeur

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

a green or blue mineral used as an ore of copper and for making ornamental objects

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

so exceedingly large or extensive as to suggest a giant or mammoth

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

the force of workers available

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

freedom from vanity or conceit

From this reading His handsome face showed at once youth, high birth, and an air of modesty and refinement.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

plural of “niche” — a position particularly well suited to the person who occupies it

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading One such black-clothed figure seemed to be the object of unusual interest.

sporadically and infrequently

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

held or filled or in use

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

on one occasion

From this reading His handsome face showed at once youth, high birth, and an air of modesty and refinement.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One such black-clothed figure seemed to be the object of unusual interest.

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

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

plural of “plant” — buildings for carrying on industrial labor

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

a highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless or impeccable quality

From this reading His handsome face showed at once youth, high birth, and an air of modesty and refinement.

-ing form of “resemble” — appear like; be similar or bear a likeness to

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

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

From this reading One such black-clothed figure seemed to be the object of unusual interest.

from appearances alone

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

similar things placed in order or happening one after another

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading His handsome face showed at once youth, high birth, and an air of modesty and refinement.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

being of delicate or slender build

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

in a grave and sober manner

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

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

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

having great beauty and splendor

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading One such black-clothed figure seemed to be the object of unusual interest.

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

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

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

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

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

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

relating to or situated in or characteristic of the tropics (the region on either side of the equator)

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

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

From this reading TWO GOOD FRIENDS.

not usual or common or ordinary

From this reading One such black-clothed figure seemed to be the object of unusual interest.

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

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

in the company of; together with

From this reading In a splendid hall formed entirely of malachite--its slender columns hewn each from a single block and resembling tropical tree-trunks, its niches filled with rare exotic plants, its centre occupied by a mammoth aquarium, and its arched doorways each affording a glimpse into a seemingly endless series of other magnificent apartments--was gathered a brilliant company.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading Among the gold-trimmed and order-bedecked costumes of the men was occasionally seen the plain black attire of an attaché to some embassy, and not infrequently these soberly clad young men received quite as much attention from the ladies as did the cavaliers in gaudier array.

a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading His handsome face showed at once youth, high birth, and an air of modesty and refinement.