used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Mr. Bathurst Brushes Up His History An observer of discernment would have formed the opinion that Mr. Bathurst had fallen a victim to the fascination of the history of the Stuarts.
absorbingadjectiveUS /əbˈzɔːrbɪŋ/
capable of arousing and holding the attention
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Mr. Bathurst Brushes Up His History An observer of discernment would have formed the opinion that Mr. Bathurst had fallen a victim to the fascination of the history of the Stuarts.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading “If these memoirs are in any way reliable and authentic,” he reasoned, “two screens were used in some special way towards the temporary disposal, at least, of part of Mary’s possessions.
any thing at all
From this reading “Before we begin looking for anything”—murmured Mr. Bathurst to himself—“it will probably be as well if we attempt to satisfy ourselves as to what exactly we are looking for.”
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading “Before we begin looking for anything”—murmured Mr. Bathurst to himself—“it will probably be as well if we attempt to satisfy ourselves as to what exactly we are looking for.”
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading “Before we begin looking for anything”—murmured Mr. Bathurst to himself—“it will probably be as well if we attempt to satisfy ourselves as to what exactly we are looking for.”
authenticadjectiveUS /əˈθentɪk/
conforming to fact and therefore worthy of belief
From this reading “If these memoirs are in any way reliable and authentic,” he reasoned, “two screens were used in some special way towards the temporary disposal, at least, of part of Mary’s possessions.
Bathurst
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Bathurst Brushes Up His History An observer of discernment would have formed the opinion that Mr. Bathurst had fallen a victim to the fascination of the history of the Stuarts.
Bathurst's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading “Before we begin looking for anything”—murmured Mr. Bathurst to himself—“it will probably be as well if we attempt to satisfy ourselves as to what exactly we are looking for.”
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading “Before we begin looking for anything”—murmured Mr. Bathurst to himself—“it will probably be as well if we attempt to satisfy ourselves as to what exactly we are looking for.”
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading “Before we begin looking for anything”—murmured Mr. Bathurst to himself—“it will probably be as well if we attempt to satisfy ourselves as to what exactly we are looking for.”
BrushesnounUS /ˈbrʌʃɪz/
plural of “brush” — a dense growth of bushes
From this reading Mr. Bathurst Brushes Up His History An observer of discernment would have formed the opinion that Mr. Bathurst had fallen a victim to the fascination of the history of the Stuarts.
taking care or paying attention
From this reading He took from his pocket-book a copy of the paragraph from “The Memoirs of M. Réné de St. Maure” that Peter Daventry had made, and read it through carefully more than once.
a reproduction of a written record (e.g. of a legal or school record)
From this reading He took from his pocket-book a copy of the paragraph from “The Memoirs of M. Réné de St. Maure” that Peter Daventry had made, and read it through carefully more than once.
Daventry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He took from his pocket-book a copy of the paragraph from “The Memoirs of M. Réné de St. Maure” that Peter Daventry had made, and read it through carefully more than once.
a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading He took from his pocket-book a copy of the paragraph from “The Memoirs of M. Réné de St. Maure” that Peter Daventry had made, and read it through carefully more than once.
discerningadjectiveUS /dɪˈsɜːrnɪŋ/
having or revealing keen insight and good judgment
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
discernmentnounUS /dɪˈsɝːn.mənt/
The ability to judge well and perceive the true nature of events.
From this reading Mr. Bathurst Brushes Up His History An observer of discernment would have formed the opinion that Mr. Bathurst had fallen a victim to the fascination of the history of the Stuarts.
discourteousadjective
showing no courtesy; rude
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
disposalnounUS /dɪˈspoʊzəl/
the power to use something or someone
From this reading “If these memoirs are in any way reliable and authentic,” he reasoned, “two screens were used in some special way towards the temporary disposal, at least, of part of Mary’s possessions.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
indicating exactness or preciseness
From this reading “Before we begin looking for anything”—murmured Mr. Bathurst to himself—“it will probably be as well if we attempt to satisfy ourselves as to what exactly we are looking for.”
having dropped by the force of gravity
From this reading Mr. Bathurst Brushes Up His History An observer of discernment would have formed the opinion that Mr. Bathurst had fallen a victim to the fascination of the history of the Stuarts.
fascinationnounUS /ˌfæsəˈneɪʃən/
the state of being intensely interested (as by awe or terror)
From this reading Mr. Bathurst Brushes Up His History An observer of discernment would have formed the opinion that Mr. Bathurst had fallen a victim to the fascination of the history of the Stuarts.
plural of “feature” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading “Before we begin looking for anything”—murmured Mr. Bathurst to himself—“it will probably be as well if we attempt to satisfy ourselves as to what exactly we are looking for.”
having or given a form or shape
From this reading Mr. Bathurst Brushes Up His History An observer of discernment would have formed the opinion that Mr. Bathurst had fallen a victim to the fascination of the history of the Stuarts.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He took from his pocket-book a copy of the paragraph from “The Memoirs of M. Réné de St. Maure” that Peter Daventry had made, and read it through carefully more than once.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Mr. Bathurst Brushes Up His History An observer of discernment would have formed the opinion that Mr. Bathurst had fallen a victim to the fascination of the history of the Stuarts.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Mr. Bathurst Brushes Up His History An observer of discernment would have formed the opinion that Mr. Bathurst had fallen a victim to the fascination of the history of the Stuarts.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading “Before we begin looking for anything”—murmured Mr. Bathurst to himself—“it will probably be as well if we attempt to satisfy ourselves as to what exactly we are looking for.”
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Mr. Bathurst Brushes Up His History An observer of discernment would have formed the opinion that Mr. Bathurst had fallen a victim to the fascination of the history of the Stuarts.
the aggregate of past events
From this reading Mr. Bathurst Brushes Up His History An observer of discernment would have formed the opinion that Mr. Bathurst had fallen a victim to the fascination of the history of the Stuarts.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading “Before we begin looking for anything”—murmured Mr. Bathurst to himself—“it will probably be as well if we attempt to satisfy ourselves as to what exactly we are looking for.”
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “If these memoirs are in any way reliable and authentic,” he reasoned, “two screens were used in some special way towards the temporary disposal, at least, of part of Mary’s possessions.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “Before we begin looking for anything”—murmured Mr. Bathurst to himself—“it will probably be as well if we attempt to satisfy ourselves as to what exactly we are looking for.”
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading “Before we begin looking for anything”—murmured Mr. Bathurst to himself—“it will probably be as well if we attempt to satisfy ourselves as to what exactly we are looking for.”
the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)
From this reading He took from his pocket-book a copy of the paragraph from “The Memoirs of M. Réné de St. Maure” that Peter Daventry had made, and read it through carefully more than once.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading He took from his pocket-book a copy of the paragraph from “The Memoirs of M. Réné de St. Maure” that Peter Daventry had made, and read it through carefully more than once.
the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
Mary'snounUS /ˈmeriz/
possessive form of “mary” — the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics
From this reading “If these memoirs are in any way reliable and authentic,” he reasoned, “two screens were used in some special way towards the temporary disposal, at least, of part of Mary’s possessions.
Maure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He took from his pocket-book a copy of the paragraph from “The Memoirs of M. Réné de St. Maure” that Peter Daventry had made, and read it through carefully more than once.
MemoirsnounUS /ˈmemwɑːrz/
plural of “memoir” — an account of the author's personal experiences
From this reading He took from his pocket-book a copy of the paragraph from “The Memoirs of M. Réné de St. Maure” that Peter Daventry had made, and read it through carefully more than once.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading He took from his pocket-book a copy of the paragraph from “The Memoirs of M. Réné de St. Maure” that Peter Daventry had made, and read it through carefully more than once.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Mr. Bathurst Brushes Up His History An observer of discernment would have formed the opinion that Mr. Bathurst had fallen a victim to the fascination of the history of the Stuarts.
past form of “murmur” — speak softly or indistinctly
From this reading “Before we begin looking for anything”—murmured Mr. Bathurst to himself—“it will probably be as well if we attempt to satisfy ourselves as to what exactly we are looking for.”
observernounUS /əbˈzɜːrvər/
a person who becomes aware (of things or events) through the senses
From this reading Mr. Bathurst Brushes Up His History An observer of discernment would have formed the opinion that Mr. Bathurst had fallen a victim to the fascination of the history of the Stuarts.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Mr. Bathurst Brushes Up His History An observer of discernment would have formed the opinion that Mr. Bathurst had fallen a victim to the fascination of the history of the Stuarts.
on one occasion
From this reading He took from his pocket-book a copy of the paragraph from “The Memoirs of M. Réné de St. Maure” that Peter Daventry had made, and read it through carefully more than once.
a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty
From this reading Mr. Bathurst Brushes Up His History An observer of discernment would have formed the opinion that Mr. Bathurst had fallen a victim to the fascination of the history of the Stuarts.
used when we are both doing the action and receiving it
From this reading “Before we begin looking for anything”—murmured Mr. Bathurst to himself—“it will probably be as well if we attempt to satisfy ourselves as to what exactly we are looking for.”
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
paragraphnounUS /ˈpærəɡræf/
one of several distinct subdivisions of a text intended to separate ideas; the beginning is usually marked by a new indented line
From this reading He took from his pocket-book a copy of the paragraph from “The Memoirs of M. Réné de St. Maure” that Peter Daventry had made, and read it through carefully more than once.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading “If these memoirs are in any way reliable and authentic,” he reasoned, “two screens were used in some special way towards the temporary disposal, at least, of part of Mary’s possessions.
peernounUS /pɪr/
a person who is of equal standing with another in a group
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
disciple of Jesus and leader of the Apostles; regarded by Catholics as the vicar of Christ on earth and first Pope
From this reading He took from his pocket-book a copy of the paragraph from “The Memoirs of M. Réné de St. Maure” that Peter Daventry had made, and read it through carefully more than once.
pocket-book
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He took from his pocket-book a copy of the paragraph from “The Memoirs of M. Réné de St. Maure” that Peter Daventry had made, and read it through carefully more than once.
possessionsnounUS /pəˈzeʃənz/
plural of “possession” — the act of having and controlling property
From this reading “If these memoirs are in any way reliable and authentic,” he reasoned, “two screens were used in some special way towards the temporary disposal, at least, of part of Mary’s possessions.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
with considerable certainty; without much doubt
From this reading “Before we begin looking for anything”—murmured Mr. Bathurst to himself—“it will probably be as well if we attempt to satisfy ourselves as to what exactly we are looking for.”
the only fertile female in a colony of social insects such as bees and ants and termites; its function is to lay eggs
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
rangedverbUS /reɪndʒd/
past form of “range” — change or be different within limits
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
reasonedadjectiveUS /ˈriːzənd/
logically valid
From this reading “If these memoirs are in any way reliable and authentic,” he reasoned, “two screens were used in some special way towards the temporary disposal, at least, of part of Mary’s possessions.
reliableadjectiveUS /rɪˈlaɪəbəl/
worthy of reliance or trust
From this reading “If these memoirs are in any way reliable and authentic,” he reasoned, “two screens were used in some special way towards the temporary disposal, at least, of part of Mary’s possessions.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
Réné
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He took from his pocket-book a copy of the paragraph from “The Memoirs of M. Réné de St. Maure” that Peter Daventry had made, and read it through carefully more than once.
Identical; not different.
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
satisfyverbUS /ˈsætəsfaɪ/
meet the requirements or expectations of
From this reading “Before we begin looking for anything”—murmured Mr. Bathurst to himself—“it will probably be as well if we attempt to satisfy ourselves as to what exactly we are looking for.”
ScotsnounUS /skɑːts/
the dialect of English used in Scotland
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
screensnounUS /skriːnz/
plural of “screen” — a white or silvered surface where pictures can be projected for viewing
From this reading “If these memoirs are in any way reliable and authentic,” he reasoned, “two screens were used in some special way towards the temporary disposal, at least, of part of Mary’s possessions.
lift onto one's shoulders
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading “If these memoirs are in any way reliable and authentic,” he reasoned, “two screens were used in some special way towards the temporary disposal, at least, of part of Mary’s possessions.
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
St
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He took from his pocket-book a copy of the paragraph from “The Memoirs of M. Réné de St. Maure” that Peter Daventry had made, and read it through carefully more than once.
StuartsnounUS /ˈstuːərts/
plural of “stuart” — United States painter best known for his portraits of George Washington (1755-1828)
From this reading Mr. Bathurst Brushes Up His History An observer of discernment would have formed the opinion that Mr. Bathurst had fallen a victim to the fascination of the history of the Stuarts.
to a sufficient degree
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
temporaryadjectiveUS /ˈtempəreri/
not permanent; not lasting
From this reading “If these memoirs are in any way reliable and authentic,” he reasoned, “two screens were used in some special way towards the temporary disposal, at least, of part of Mary’s possessions.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading He took from his pocket-book a copy of the paragraph from “The Memoirs of M. Réné de St. Maure” that Peter Daventry had made, and read it through carefully more than once.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Mr. Bathurst Brushes Up His History An observer of discernment would have formed the opinion that Mr. Bathurst had fallen a victim to the fascination of the history of the Stuarts.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Mr. Bathurst Brushes Up His History An observer of discernment would have formed the opinion that Mr. Bathurst had fallen a victim to the fascination of the history of the Stuarts.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading “If these memoirs are in any way reliable and authentic,” he reasoned, “two screens were used in some special way towards the temporary disposal, at least, of part of Mary’s possessions.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading He took from his pocket-book a copy of the paragraph from “The Memoirs of M. Réné de St. Maure” that Peter Daventry had made, and read it through carefully more than once.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Mr. Bathurst Brushes Up His History An observer of discernment would have formed the opinion that Mr. Bathurst had fallen a victim to the fascination of the history of the Stuarts.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading He took from his pocket-book a copy of the paragraph from “The Memoirs of M. Réné de St. Maure” that Peter Daventry had made, and read it through carefully more than once.
in the direction of
From this reading “If these memoirs are in any way reliable and authentic,” he reasoned, “two screens were used in some special way towards the temporary disposal, at least, of part of Mary’s possessions.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading “If these memoirs are in any way reliable and authentic,” he reasoned, “two screens were used in some special way towards the temporary disposal, at least, of part of Mary’s possessions.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Mr. Bathurst Brushes Up His History An observer of discernment would have formed the opinion that Mr. Bathurst had fallen a victim to the fascination of the history of the Stuarts.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading “If these memoirs are in any way reliable and authentic,” he reasoned, “two screens were used in some special way towards the temporary disposal, at least, of part of Mary’s possessions.
an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance
From this reading Mr. Bathurst Brushes Up His History An observer of discernment would have formed the opinion that Mr. Bathurst had fallen a victim to the fascination of the history of the Stuarts.
volumesnounUS /ˈvɑːljuːmz/
plural of “volume” — the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading “If these memoirs are in any way reliable and authentic,” he reasoned, “two screens were used in some special way towards the temporary disposal, at least, of part of Mary’s possessions.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading “Before we begin looking for anything”—murmured Mr. Bathurst to himself—“it will probably be as well if we attempt to satisfy ourselves as to what exactly we are looking for.”
(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 “Before we begin looking for anything”—murmured Mr. Bathurst to himself—“it will probably be as well if we attempt to satisfy ourselves as to what exactly we are looking for.”
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading At least half a dozen volumes were ranged round him; and the same discerning observer, had he been sufficiently discourteous to peer over Mr. Bathurst’s shoulder as he read, would have discovered that the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, appeared to present special features of absorbing interest.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading “Before we begin looking for anything”—murmured Mr. Bathurst to himself—“it will probably be as well if we attempt to satisfy ourselves as to what exactly we are looking for.”
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading “Before we begin looking for anything”—murmured Mr. Bathurst to himself—“it will probably be as well if we attempt to satisfy ourselves as to what exactly we are looking for.”
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Mr. Bathurst Brushes Up His History An observer of discernment would have formed the opinion that Mr. Bathurst had fallen a victim to the fascination of the history of the Stuarts.
