used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
Ah
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Ah, you may well ask! from the merriest meeting it has ever been my fate to attend.
airsnounUS /erz/
affected manners intended to impress others
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
From this reading At this Mistress Kitty felt her future lord's arm press her fingers to his ribs, while he straightened his youthful back.
weapons considered collectively
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading "Ah, you may well ask! from the merriest meeting it has ever been my fate to attend.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At this Mistress Kitty felt her future lord's arm press her fingers to his ribs, while he straightened his youthful back.
be present at (meetings, church services, university), etc.
From this reading "Ah, you may well ask! from the merriest meeting it has ever been my fate to attend.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading At this Mistress Kitty felt her future lord's arm press her fingers to his ribs, while he straightened his youthful back.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading "Ah, you may well ask! from the merriest meeting it has ever been my fate to attend.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading "Mr. Stafford," began he in solemn tones, "this lady----" But she, knowing what was coming, interrupted ruthlessly.
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
financial assistance in time of need
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
birdlike
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "Mr. Stafford," began he in solemn tones, "this lady----" But she, knowing what was coming, interrupted ruthlessly.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
cockingverbUS /ˈkɑːkɪŋ/
-ing form of “cock” — tilt or slant to one side
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading "Mr. Stafford," began he in solemn tones, "this lady----" But she, knowing what was coming, interrupted ruthlessly.
inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading "Whence?" cried Mr. Stafford, and overcome by the humour of his recollections, roused the solemn echoes of the Pump Room by his jovial laugh.
a licensed medical practitioner
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
dovenounUS /dʌv/
any of numerous small pigeons
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
echoesnounUS /ˈekoʊz/
plural of “echo” — the repetition of a sound resulting from reflection of the sound waves
From this reading "Whence?" cried Mr. Stafford, and overcome by the humour of his recollections, roused the solemn echoes of the Pump Room by his jovial laugh.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
at any time
From this reading "Ah, you may well ask! from the merriest meeting it has ever been my fate to attend.
opinion or judgment
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
From this reading "Ah, you may well ask! from the merriest meeting it has ever been my fate to attend.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading At this Mistress Kitty felt her future lord's arm press her fingers to his ribs, while he straightened his youthful back.
plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)
From this reading At this Mistress Kitty felt her future lord's arm press her fingers to his ribs, while he straightened his youthful back.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading "Ah, you may well ask! from the merriest meeting it has ever been my fate to attend.
yet to be or coming
From this reading At this Mistress Kitty felt her future lord's arm press her fingers to his ribs, while he straightened his youthful back.
gracesnounUS /ˈɡreɪsɪz/
plural of “grace” — (Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "Ah, you may well ask! from the merriest meeting it has ever been my fate to attend.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading At this Mistress Kitty felt her future lord's arm press her fingers to his ribs, while he straightened his youthful back.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
heatedadjectiveUS /ˈhiːtəd/
made warm or hot (“het” is a dialectal variant of “heated”)
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading At this Mistress Kitty felt her future lord's arm press her fingers to his ribs, while he straightened his youthful back.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading At this Mistress Kitty felt her future lord's arm press her fingers to his ribs, while he straightened his youthful back.
a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
From this reading "Whence?" cried Mr. Stafford, and overcome by the humour of his recollections, roused the solemn echoes of the Pump Room by his jovial laugh.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading "Mr. Stafford," began he in solemn tones, "this lady----" But she, knowing what was coming, interrupted ruthlessly.
discontinued temporarily
From this reading "Mr. Stafford," began he in solemn tones, "this lady----" But she, knowing what was coming, interrupted ruthlessly.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "Ah, you may well ask! from the merriest meeting it has ever been my fate to attend.
jovialadjectiveUS /ˈdʒoʊviəl/
full of or showing high-spirited merriment
From this reading "Whence?" cried Mr. Stafford, and overcome by the humour of his recollections, roused the solemn echoes of the Pump Room by his jovial laugh.
KittynounUS /ˈkɪti/
the combined stakes of the betters
From this reading At this Mistress Kitty felt her future lord's arm press her fingers to his ribs, while he straightened his youthful back.
evidencing the possession of inside information
From this reading "Mr. Stafford," began he in solemn tones, "this lady----" But she, knowing what was coming, interrupted ruthlessly.
laceverbUS /leɪs/
spin, wind, or twist together
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
a polite name for any woman
From this reading "Mr. Stafford," began he in solemn tones, "this lady----" But she, knowing what was coming, interrupted ruthlessly.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
the sound of laughing
From this reading "Whence?" cried Mr. Stafford, and overcome by the humour of his recollections, roused the solemn echoes of the Pump Room by his jovial laugh.
lord'snounUS /lɔːrdz/
possessive form of “lord” — terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God
From this reading At this Mistress Kitty felt her future lord's arm press her fingers to his ribs, while he straightened his youthful back.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
a formally arranged gathering
From this reading "Ah, you may well ask! from the merriest meeting it has ever been my fate to attend.
merriest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Ah, you may well ask! from the merriest meeting it has ever been my fate to attend.
mincingadjectiveUS /ˈmɪnsɪŋ/
affectedly dainty or refined
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
an adulterous woman; a woman who has an ongoing extramarital sexual relationship with a man
From this reading At this Mistress Kitty felt her future lord's arm press her fingers to his ribs, while he straightened his youthful back.
modishadjective
in the current fashion or style
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
a form of address for a man
From this reading "Mr. Stafford," began he in solemn tones, "this lady----" But she, knowing what was coming, interrupted ruthlessly.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading "Ah, you may well ask! from the merriest meeting it has ever been my fate to attend.
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
nightcapnoun
an alcoholic drink taken at bedtime; often alcoholic
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
nursesnounUS /ˈnɜːrsəz/
plural of “nurse” — one skilled in caring for young children or the sick (usually under the supervision of a physician)
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
win a victory over
From this reading "Whence?" cried Mr. Stafford, and overcome by the humour of his recollections, roused the solemn echoes of the Pump Room by his jovial laugh.
address a deity, a prophet, a saint or an object of worship; say a prayer
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
exert pressure or force to or upon
From this reading At this Mistress Kitty felt her future lord's arm press her fingers to his ribs, while he straightened his youthful back.
PumpverbUS /pʌmp/
operate like a pump; move up and down, like a handle or a pedal
From this reading "Whence?" cried Mr. Stafford, and overcome by the humour of his recollections, roused the solemn echoes of the Pump Room by his jovial laugh.
quoth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
recollectionsnounUS /ˌrekəˈlekʃənz/
plural of “recollection” — the ability to recall past occurrences
From this reading "Whence?" cried Mr. Stafford, and overcome by the humour of his recollections, roused the solemn echoes of the Pump Room by his jovial laugh.
ribsnounUS /rɪbz/
plural of “rib” — support resembling the rib of an animal
From this reading At this Mistress Kitty felt her future lord's arm press her fingers to his ribs, while he straightened his youthful back.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading "Whence?" cried Mr. Stafford, and overcome by the humour of his recollections, roused the solemn echoes of the Pump Room by his jovial laugh.
past form of “rouse” — become active
From this reading "Whence?" cried Mr. Stafford, and overcome by the humour of his recollections, roused the solemn echoes of the Pump Room by his jovial laugh.
ruthlesslyadverbUS /ˈruːθləsli/
in a ruthless manner
From this reading "Mr. Stafford," began he in solemn tones, "this lady----" But she, knowing what was coming, interrupted ruthlessly.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "Mr. Stafford," began he in solemn tones, "this lady----" But she, knowing what was coming, interrupted ruthlessly.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises
From this reading "Mr. Stafford," began he in solemn tones, "this lady----" But she, knowing what was coming, interrupted ruthlessly.
express in speech
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
Stafford
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Mr. Stafford," began he in solemn tones, "this lady----" But she, knowing what was coming, interrupted ruthlessly.
straightenedverbUS /ˈstreɪtənd/
past form of “straighten” — straighten up or out; make straight
From this reading At this Mistress Kitty felt her future lord's arm press her fingers to his ribs, while he straightened his youthful back.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading At this Mistress Kitty felt her future lord's arm press her fingers to his ribs, while he straightened his youthful back.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading At this Mistress Kitty felt her future lord's arm press her fingers to his ribs, while he straightened his youthful back.
plural of “tone” — the quality of a person's voice
From this reading "Mr. Stafford," began he in solemn tones, "this lady----" But she, knowing what was coming, interrupted ruthlessly.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "Mr. Stafford," began he in solemn tones, "this lady----" But she, knowing what was coming, interrupted ruthlessly.
(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 "Ah, you may well ask! from the merriest meeting it has ever been my fate to attend.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
used to ask for information about something
From this reading "Mr. Stafford," began he in solemn tones, "this lady----" But she, knowing what was coming, interrupted ruthlessly.
an old word meaning “from where”
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading At this Mistress Kitty felt her future lord's arm press her fingers to his ribs, while he straightened his youthful back.
in the company of; together with
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "And pray, Mr. Stafford," quoth she, cocking her head at him with those birdlike airs and graces that were as natural to her as to any mincing dove--Mistress Kitty being of those that begin by making eyes in their nurses' arms, before they can speak, and end in a modish lace nightcap for the benefit of the doctor--"and whence may you come so late, and thus heated?"
youthfuladjectiveUS /ˈjuːθfəl/
suggestive of youth; vigorous and fresh
From this reading At this Mistress Kitty felt her future lord's arm press her fingers to his ribs, while he straightened his youthful back.
