used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
admissionsnounUS /ædˈmɪʃənz/
plural of “admission” — the act of admitting someone to enter
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
alluringadjectiveUS /əˈlʊrɪŋ/
highly attractive and able to arouse hope or desire
From this reading Elsie, less secure of manner, followed her with the pitcher of milk, while the young men bruised each other's shins beneath the table in their zealous efforts to diminish the joy each one took in the alluring presence of his cup-bearer.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
marked by assurance; exhibiting confidence
From this reading Calvin sat near the end of the table, and his assured manner made the others furious.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
beleagueredverbUS /bɪˈliːɡərd/
past form of “beleaguer” — annoy persistently
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
Directly under; in or to a lower position than.
From this reading Elsie, less secure of manner, followed her with the pitcher of milk, while the young men bruised each other's shins beneath the table in their zealous efforts to diminish the joy each one took in the alluring presence of his cup-bearer.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
a committee having supervisory powers
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
food made from dough of flour or meal and usually raised with yeast or baking powder and then baked
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
bruisedverbUS /bruːzd/
past form of “bruise” — injure the underlying soft tissue or bone of
From this reading Elsie, less secure of manner, followed her with the pitcher of milk, while the young men bruised each other's shins beneath the table in their zealous efforts to diminish the joy each one took in the alluring presence of his cup-bearer.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
CalvinnounUS /ˈkælvən/
United States chemist noted for discovering the series of chemical reactions in photosynthesis (1911-)
From this reading Calvin sat near the end of the table, and his assured manner made the others furious.
chickennounUS /ˈtʃɪkən/
the flesh of a chicken used for food
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
cup-bearer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Elsie, less secure of manner, followed her with the pitcher of milk, while the young men bruised each other's shins beneath the table in their zealous efforts to diminish the joy each one took in the alluring presence of his cup-bearer.
CurtisnounUS /ˈkɜːrtəs/
English botanical writer and publisher (1746-1799)
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
diminishverbUS /dɪˈmɪnɪʃ/
decrease in size, extent, or range
From this reading Elsie, less secure of manner, followed her with the pitcher of milk, while the young men bruised each other's shins beneath the table in their zealous efforts to diminish the joy each one took in the alluring presence of his cup-bearer.
discussingverbUS /dɪˈskʌsɪŋ/
-ing form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Elsie, less secure of manner, followed her with the pitcher of milk, while the young men bruised each other's shins beneath the table in their zealous efforts to diminish the joy each one took in the alluring presence of his cup-bearer.
plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading Elsie, less secure of manner, followed her with the pitcher of milk, while the young men bruised each other's shins beneath the table in their zealous efforts to diminish the joy each one took in the alluring presence of his cup-bearer.
Elsie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Elsie, less secure of manner, followed her with the pitcher of milk, while the young men bruised each other's shins beneath the table in their zealous efforts to diminish the joy each one took in the alluring presence of his cup-bearer.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading Calvin sat near the end of the table, and his assured manner made the others furious.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading Elsie, less secure of manner, followed her with the pitcher of milk, while the young men bruised each other's shins beneath the table in their zealous efforts to diminish the joy each one took in the alluring presence of his cup-bearer.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
marked by extreme and violent energy
From this reading Calvin sat near the end of the table, and his assured manner made the others furious.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Elsie, less secure of manner, followed her with the pitcher of milk, while the young men bruised each other's shins beneath the table in their zealous efforts to diminish the joy each one took in the alluring presence of his cup-bearer.
a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
I'd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
inquiringadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪərɪŋ/
given to inquiry
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
Jennie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
the emotion of great happiness
From this reading Elsie, less secure of manner, followed her with the pitcher of milk, while the young men bruised each other's shins beneath the table in their zealous efforts to diminish the joy each one took in the alluring presence of his cup-bearer.
having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
laboredadjectiveUS /ˈleɪbərd/
lacking natural ease
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading Elsie, less secure of manner, followed her with the pitcher of milk, while the young men bruised each other's shins beneath the table in their zealous efforts to diminish the joy each one took in the alluring presence of his cup-bearer.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Calvin sat near the end of the table, and his assured manner made the others furious.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Elsie, less secure of manner, followed her with the pitcher of milk, while the young men bruised each other's shins beneath the table in their zealous efforts to diminish the joy each one took in the alluring presence of his cup-bearer.
at the same time but in another place
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
the force of workers available
From this reading Elsie, less secure of manner, followed her with the pitcher of milk, while the young men bruised each other's shins beneath the table in their zealous efforts to diminish the joy each one took in the alluring presence of his cup-bearer.
a white nutritious liquid secreted by mammals and used as food by human beings
From this reading Elsie, less secure of manner, followed her with the pitcher of milk, while the young men bruised each other's shins beneath the table in their zealous efforts to diminish the joy each one took in the alluring presence of his cup-bearer.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading Calvin sat near the end of the table, and his assured manner made the others furious.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
other's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Elsie, less secure of manner, followed her with the pitcher of milk, while the young men bruised each other's shins beneath the table in their zealous efforts to diminish the joy each one took in the alluring presence of his cup-bearer.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Calvin sat near the end of the table, and his assured manner made the others furious.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
perceptionnounUS /pərˈsepʃən/
the representation of what is perceived; basic component in the formation of a concept
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
pitchernounUS /ˈpɪtʃər/
(baseball) the person who does the pitching
From this reading Elsie, less secure of manner, followed her with the pitcher of milk, while the young men bruised each other's shins beneath the table in their zealous efforts to diminish the joy each one took in the alluring presence of his cup-bearer.
plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
give pleasure to or be pleasing to
From this reading Please do!"
pliedverbUS /plaɪd/
inflected form of “ply” — give what is desired or needed, especially support, food or sustenance
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
possession of controlling influence
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading Elsie, less secure of manner, followed her with the pitcher of milk, while the young men bruised each other's shins beneath the table in their zealous efforts to diminish the joy each one took in the alluring presence of his cup-bearer.
regrettedverbUS /rɪˈɡretɪd/
inflected form of “regret” — feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading Calvin sat near the end of the table, and his assured manner made the others furious.
get by special effort
From this reading Elsie, less secure of manner, followed her with the pitcher of milk, while the young men bruised each other's shins beneath the table in their zealous efforts to diminish the joy each one took in the alluring presence of his cup-bearer.
sheriffnounUS /ˈʃerəf/
the principal law-enforcement officer in a county
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
shins
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Elsie, less secure of manner, followed her with the pitcher of milk, while the young men bruised each other's shins beneath the table in their zealous efforts to diminish the joy each one took in the alluring presence of his cup-bearer.
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
slicenounUS /slaɪs/
a share of something
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
sorelyadverbUS /ˈsɔːrli/
to a great degree
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
sweetestadjectiveUS /ˈswiːtəst/
superlative of “sweet” — having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading Elsie, less secure of manner, followed her with the pitcher of milk, while the young men bruised each other's shins beneath the table in their zealous efforts to diminish the joy each one took in the alluring presence of his cup-bearer.
Tetongs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
That's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Elsie, less secure of manner, followed her with the pitcher of milk, while the young men bruised each other's shins beneath the table in their zealous efforts to diminish the joy each one took in the alluring presence of his cup-bearer.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Elsie, less secure of manner, followed her with the pitcher of milk, while the young men bruised each other's shins beneath the table in their zealous efforts to diminish the joy each one took in the alluring presence of his cup-bearer.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Curtis, sitting at the head of the board as host, plied the sheriff with cold chicken, discussing meanwhile the difficulties under which the Tetongs labored, and drew from that sorely beleaguered officer admissions which he afterwards regretted.
Won't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "That's so, I don't know as I'd do any better in their places, but--" Jennie, with a keen perception of her power over her guests, went from one to the other, inquiring, in her sweetest voice: "Won't _you_ have another slice of bread?
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Elsie, less secure of manner, followed her with the pitcher of milk, while the young men bruised each other's shins beneath the table in their zealous efforts to diminish the joy each one took in the alluring presence of his cup-bearer.
zealousadjectiveUS /ˈzeləs/
marked by active interest and enthusiasm
From this reading Elsie, less secure of manner, followed her with the pitcher of milk, while the young men bruised each other's shins beneath the table in their zealous efforts to diminish the joy each one took in the alluring presence of his cup-bearer.
