used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading There came no cry from suddenly parted lips, there was no sign of agitation about Barbara as her hands idly played with the folds of her gown for a few moments; it seemed doubtful whether she realised the full meaning of the message.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading "What does your master expect me to do?" she asked, looking up after a pause.
agitationnounUS /ˌædʒəˈteɪʃən/
a mental state of extreme emotional disturbance
From this reading There came no cry from suddenly parted lips, there was no sign of agitation about Barbara as her hands idly played with the folds of her gown for a few moments; it seemed doubtful whether she realised the full meaning of the message.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Harriet Payne may have rehearsed a scene in which she would be called upon to soothe a stricken woman and speak comfort to a breaking heart.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading There came no cry from suddenly parted lips, there was no sign of agitation about Barbara as her hands idly played with the folds of her gown for a few moments; it seemed doubtful whether she realised the full meaning of the message.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading "What does your master expect me to do?" she asked, looking up after a pause.
Barbara
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There came no cry from suddenly parted lips, there was no sign of agitation about Barbara as her hands idly played with the folds of her gown for a few moments; it seemed doubtful whether she realised the full meaning of the message.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Harriet Payne may have rehearsed a scene in which she would be called upon to soothe a stricken woman and speak comfort to a breaking heart.
bearernounUS /ˈberər/
someone whose employment involves carrying something
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
the act of breaking something
From this reading Harriet Payne may have rehearsed a scene in which she would be called upon to soothe a stricken woman and speak comfort to a breaking heart.
brocadenounUS /broʊˈkeɪd/
thick heavy expensive material with a raised pattern
From this reading She had supposed that love was the same the world over, whether it went in silk brocade or coarse homespun.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Harriet Payne may have rehearsed a scene in which she would be called upon to soothe a stricken woman and speak comfort to a breaking heart.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading There came no cry from suddenly parted lips, there was no sign of agitation about Barbara as her hands idly played with the folds of her gown for a few moments; it seemed doubtful whether she realised the full meaning of the message.
coarseadjectiveUS /kɔːrs/
of textures that are rough to the touch or substances consisting of relatively large particles
From this reading She had supposed that love was the same the world over, whether it went in silk brocade or coarse homespun.
a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain
From this reading Harriet Payne may have rehearsed a scene in which she would be called upon to soothe a stricken woman and speak comfort to a breaking heart.
utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading There came no cry from suddenly parted lips, there was no sign of agitation about Barbara as her hands idly played with the folds of her gown for a few moments; it seemed doubtful whether she realised the full meaning of the message.
disappointingly unsuccessful
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading "What does your master expect me to do?" she asked, looking up after a pause.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "What does your master expect me to do?" she asked, looking up after a pause.
doubtfuladjectiveUS /ˈdaʊtfəl/
open to doubt or suspicion
From this reading There came no cry from suddenly parted lips, there was no sign of agitation about Barbara as her hands idly played with the folds of her gown for a few moments; it seemed doubtful whether she realised the full meaning of the message.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
regard something as probable or likely
From this reading "What does your master expect me to do?" she asked, looking up after a pause.
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading There came no cry from suddenly parted lips, there was no sign of agitation about Barbara as her hands idly played with the folds of her gown for a few moments; it seemed doubtful whether she realised the full meaning of the message.
foldsnounUS /foʊldz/
plural of “fold” — an angular or rounded shape made by folding
From this reading There came no cry from suddenly parted lips, there was no sign of agitation about Barbara as her hands idly played with the folds of her gown for a few moments; it seemed doubtful whether she realised the full meaning of the message.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading There came no cry from suddenly parted lips, there was no sign of agitation about Barbara as her hands idly played with the folds of her gown for a few moments; it seemed doubtful whether she realised the full meaning of the message.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading There came no cry from suddenly parted lips, there was no sign of agitation about Barbara as her hands idly played with the folds of her gown for a few moments; it seemed doubtful whether she realised the full meaning of the message.
a woman's dress, usually with a close-fitting bodice and a long flared skirt, often worn on formal occasions
From this reading There came no cry from suddenly parted lips, there was no sign of agitation about Barbara as her hands idly played with the folds of her gown for a few moments; it seemed doubtful whether she realised the full meaning of the message.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading There came no cry from suddenly parted lips, there was no sign of agitation about Barbara as her hands idly played with the folds of her gown for a few moments; it seemed doubtful whether she realised the full meaning of the message.
Harriet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading Harriet Payne may have rehearsed a scene in which she would be called upon to soothe a stricken woman and speak comfort to a breaking heart.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
homespunadjectiveUS /ˈhoʊmspʌn/
of textiles; having a rough surface
From this reading She had supposed that love was the same the world over, whether it went in silk brocade or coarse homespun.
idlyadverbUS /ˈaɪdli/
in an idle manner
From this reading There came no cry from suddenly parted lips, there was no sign of agitation about Barbara as her hands idly played with the folds of her gown for a few moments; it seemed doubtful whether she realised the full meaning of the message.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Harriet Payne may have rehearsed a scene in which she would be called upon to soothe a stricken woman and speak comfort to a breaking heart.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading There came no cry from suddenly parted lips, there was no sign of agitation about Barbara as her hands idly played with the folds of her gown for a few moments; it seemed doubtful whether she realised the full meaning of the message.
plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking
From this reading There came no cry from suddenly parted lips, there was no sign of agitation about Barbara as her hands idly played with the folds of her gown for a few moments; it seemed doubtful whether she realised the full meaning of the message.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading "What does your master expect me to do?" she asked, looking up after a pause.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading She had supposed that love was the same the world over, whether it went in silk brocade or coarse homespun.
lover'snounUS /ˈlʌvərz/
possessive form of “lover” — a person who loves someone or is loved by someone
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
an artist of consummate skill
From this reading "What does your master expect me to do?" she asked, looking up after a pause.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading Harriet Payne may have rehearsed a scene in which she would be called upon to soothe a stricken woman and speak comfort to a breaking heart.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "What does your master expect me to do?" she asked, looking up after a pause.
the message that is intended or expressed or signified
From this reading There came no cry from suddenly parted lips, there was no sign of agitation about Barbara as her hands idly played with the folds of her gown for a few moments; it seemed doubtful whether she realised the full meaning of the message.
a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
plural of “moment” — a particular point in time
From this reading There came no cry from suddenly parted lips, there was no sign of agitation about Barbara as her hands idly played with the folds of her gown for a few moments; it seemed doubtful whether she realised the full meaning of the message.
information about recent and important events
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
not any; not one
From this reading There came no cry from suddenly parted lips, there was no sign of agitation about Barbara as her hands idly played with the folds of her gown for a few moments; it seemed doubtful whether she realised the full meaning of the message.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading She had supposed that love was the same the world over, whether it went in silk brocade or coarse homespun.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading She had supposed that love was the same the world over, whether it went in silk brocade or coarse homespun.
having a margin incised almost to the base so as to create distinct divisions or lobes
From this reading There came no cry from suddenly parted lips, there was no sign of agitation about Barbara as her hands idly played with the folds of her gown for a few moments; it seemed doubtful whether she realised the full meaning of the message.
a time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something
From this reading "What does your master expect me to do?" she asked, looking up after a pause.
Payne
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
(of games) engaged in
From this reading There came no cry from suddenly parted lips, there was no sign of agitation about Barbara as her hands idly played with the folds of her gown for a few moments; it seemed doubtful whether she realised the full meaning of the message.
made ready or fit or suitable beforehand
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
realisedadjectiveUS /ˈriːəlaɪzd/
successfully completed or brought to an end
From this reading There came no cry from suddenly parted lips, there was no sign of agitation about Barbara as her hands idly played with the folds of her gown for a few moments; it seemed doubtful whether she realised the full meaning of the message.
rehearsedverbUS /riˈhɜːrst/
past form of “rehearse” — engage in a rehearsal
From this reading Harriet Payne may have rehearsed a scene in which she would be called upon to soothe a stricken woman and speak comfort to a breaking heart.
the act of losing or surrendering something as a penalty for a mistake or fault or failure to perform etc.
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
Identical; not different.
From this reading She had supposed that love was the same the world over, whether it went in silk brocade or coarse homespun.
the place where some action occurs
From this reading Harriet Payne may have rehearsed a scene in which she would be called upon to soothe a stricken woman and speak comfort to a breaking heart.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading There came no cry from suddenly parted lips, there was no sign of agitation about Barbara as her hands idly played with the folds of her gown for a few moments; it seemed doubtful whether she realised the full meaning of the message.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading There came no cry from suddenly parted lips, there was no sign of agitation about Barbara as her hands idly played with the folds of her gown for a few moments; it seemed doubtful whether she realised the full meaning of the message.
a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae
From this reading She had supposed that love was the same the world over, whether it went in silk brocade or coarse homespun.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
sootheverbUS /suːð/
give moral or emotional strength to
From this reading Harriet Payne may have rehearsed a scene in which she would be called upon to soothe a stricken woman and speak comfort to a breaking heart.
express in speech
From this reading Harriet Payne may have rehearsed a scene in which she would be called upon to soothe a stricken woman and speak comfort to a breaking heart.
startlingadjectiveUS /ˈstɑːrtlɪŋ/
so remarkably different or sudden as to cause momentary shock or alarm
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
strickenadjectiveUS /ˈstrɪkən/
grievously affected especially by disease
From this reading Harriet Payne may have rehearsed a scene in which she would be called upon to soothe a stricken woman and speak comfort to a breaking heart.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading There came no cry from suddenly parted lips, there was no sign of agitation about Barbara as her hands idly played with the folds of her gown for a few moments; it seemed doubtful whether she realised the full meaning of the message.
required or under orders
From this reading She had supposed that love was the same the world over, whether it went in silk brocade or coarse homespun.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There came no cry from suddenly parted lips, there was no sign of agitation about Barbara as her hands idly played with the folds of her gown for a few moments; it seemed doubtful whether she realised the full meaning of the message.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
travelledadjectiveUS /ˈtrævəld/
familiar with many parts of the world
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading She had supposed that love was the same the world over, whether it went in silk brocade or coarse homespun.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading "What does your master expect me to do?" she asked, looking up after a pause.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading There came no cry from suddenly parted lips, there was no sign of agitation about Barbara as her hands idly played with the folds of her gown for a few moments; it seemed doubtful whether she realised the full meaning of the message.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Harriet Payne may have rehearsed a scene in which she would be called upon to soothe a stricken woman and speak comfort to a breaking heart.
in the company of; together with
From this reading There came no cry from suddenly parted lips, there was no sign of agitation about Barbara as her hands idly played with the folds of her gown for a few moments; it seemed doubtful whether she realised the full meaning of the message.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading PREPARED FOR SACRIFICE Harriet Payne had made up her mind that she was the bearer of a lover's message; she expected her news to have a startling effect upon the woman she had travelled so far to see, but she was disappointed.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading She had supposed that love was the same the world over, whether it went in silk brocade or coarse homespun.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Harriet Payne may have rehearsed a scene in which she would be called upon to soothe a stricken woman and speak comfort to a breaking heart.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "What does your master expect me to do?" she asked, looking up after a pause.
