Chapter VIII

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

From this reading Mild, genteel applause, coming from small, female, well-gloved, though rather listless hands, greeted the noisy conclusion of the pianist, an insignificant, meagre, dark little dot of a creature, who was invisible behind the piano.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading And from one lady to another, from group to group, along sofas, from easy-chairs to small stools, under the palm branches in the pots, under the brackets bearing statuettes, from the pianoforte to the door, swiftly ran the current of feminine approval.

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

From this reading Mild, genteel applause, coming from small, female, well-gloved, though rather listless hands, greeted the noisy conclusion of the pianist, an insignificant, meagre, dark little dot of a creature, who was invisible behind the piano.

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

From this reading And from one lady to another, from group to group, along sofas, from easy-chairs to small stools, under the palm branches in the pots, under the brackets bearing statuettes, from the pianoforte to the door, swiftly ran the current of feminine approval.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading And from one lady to another, from group to group, along sofas, from easy-chairs to small stools, under the palm branches in the pots, under the brackets bearing statuettes, from the pianoforte to the door, swiftly ran the current of feminine approval.

a demonstration of approval by clapping the hands together

From this reading Mild, genteel applause, coming from small, female, well-gloved, though rather listless hands, greeted the noisy conclusion of the pianist, an insignificant, meagre, dark little dot of a creature, who was invisible behind the piano.

the formal act of approving

From this reading And from one lady to another, from group to group, along sofas, from easy-chairs to small stools, under the palm branches in the pots, under the brackets bearing statuettes, from the pianoforte to the door, swiftly ran the current of feminine approval.

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

From this reading Those standing on the threshold of the Ministerial drawing-room nodded two or three times, as if secretly wearied.

relevant relation or interconnection

From this reading And from one lady to another, from group to group, along sofas, from easy-chairs to small stools, under the palm branches in the pots, under the brackets bearing statuettes, from the pianoforte to the door, swiftly ran the current of feminine approval.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading Mild, genteel applause, coming from small, female, well-gloved, though rather listless hands, greeted the noisy conclusion of the pianist, an insignificant, meagre, dark little dot of a creature, who was invisible behind the piano.

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

From this reading 'Splendid, splendid, delightful!' said Signora di Bertrand, the wife of a high functionary, a frail Piedmontese, with a Madonna face, wearing a brocaded cloak threaded with gold.

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

From this reading 'What feeling!' exclaimed the wife of a Puglian deputy, a stout woman with a torrent of black curls on her red, shining forehead.

plural of “bracket” — a category falling within certain defined limits

From this reading And from one lady to another, from group to group, along sofas, from easy-chairs to small stools, under the palm branches in the pots, under the brackets bearing statuettes, from the pianoforte to the door, swiftly ran the current of feminine approval.

plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading And from one lady to another, from group to group, along sofas, from easy-chairs to small stools, under the palm branches in the pots, under the brackets bearing statuettes, from the pianoforte to the door, swiftly ran the current of feminine approval.

embellished with a raised pattern created by pressure or embroidery

From this reading 'Splendid, splendid, delightful!' said Signora di Bertrand, the wife of a high functionary, a frail Piedmontese, with a Madonna face, wearing a brocaded cloak threaded with gold.

anything that covers or conceals

From this reading 'Splendid, splendid, delightful!' said Signora di Bertrand, the wife of a high functionary, a frail Piedmontese, with a Madonna face, wearing a brocaded cloak threaded with gold.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading Mild, genteel applause, coming from small, female, well-gloved, though rather listless hands, greeted the noisy conclusion of the pianist, an insignificant, meagre, dark little dot of a creature, who was invisible behind the piano.

a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration

From this reading Mild, genteel applause, coming from small, female, well-gloved, though rather listless hands, greeted the noisy conclusion of the pianist, an insignificant, meagre, dark little dot of a creature, who was invisible behind the piano.

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading Mild, genteel applause, coming from small, female, well-gloved, though rather listless hands, greeted the noisy conclusion of the pianist, an insignificant, meagre, dark little dot of a creature, who was invisible behind the piano.

plural of “curl” — a round shape formed by a series of concentric circles (as formed by leaves or flower petals)

From this reading 'What feeling!' exclaimed the wife of a Puglian deputy, a stout woman with a torrent of black curls on her red, shining forehead.

a flow of electricity through a conductor

From this reading And from one lady to another, from group to group, along sofas, from easy-chairs to small stools, under the palm branches in the pots, under the brackets bearing statuettes, from the pianoforte to the door, swiftly ran the current of feminine approval.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading Mild, genteel applause, coming from small, female, well-gloved, though rather listless hands, greeted the noisy conclusion of the pianist, an insignificant, meagre, dark little dot of a creature, who was invisible behind the piano.

greatly pleasing or entertaining

From this reading 'Splendid, splendid, delightful!' said Signora di Bertrand, the wife of a high functionary, a frail Piedmontese, with a Madonna face, wearing a brocaded cloak threaded with gold.

someone authorized to exercise the powers of sheriff in emergencies

From this reading 'What feeling!' exclaimed the wife of a Puglian deputy, a stout woman with a torrent of black curls on her red, shining forehead.

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

From this reading 'Splendid, splendid, delightful!' said Signora di Bertrand, the wife of a high functionary, a frail Piedmontese, with a Madonna face, wearing a brocaded cloak threaded with gold.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading And from one lady to another, from group to group, along sofas, from easy-chairs to small stools, under the palm branches in the pots, under the brackets bearing statuettes, from the pianoforte to the door, swiftly ran the current of feminine approval.

a very small circular shape

From this reading Mild, genteel applause, coming from small, female, well-gloved, though rather listless hands, greeted the noisy conclusion of the pianist, an insignificant, meagre, dark little dot of a creature, who was invisible behind the piano.

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

From this reading Those standing on the threshold of the Ministerial drawing-room nodded two or three times, as if secretly wearied.

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

From this reading And from one lady to another, from group to group, along sofas, from easy-chairs to small stools, under the palm branches in the pots, under the brackets bearing statuettes, from the pianoforte to the door, swiftly ran the current of feminine approval.

past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy

From this reading 'What feeling!' exclaimed the wife of a Puglian deputy, a stout woman with a torrent of black curls on her red, shining forehead.

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

From this reading 'Splendid, splendid, delightful!' said Signora di Bertrand, the wife of a high functionary, a frail Piedmontese, with a Madonna face, wearing a brocaded cloak threaded with gold.

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading 'What feeling!' exclaimed the wife of a Puglian deputy, a stout woman with a torrent of black curls on her red, shining forehead.

being the sex (of plant or animal) that produces fertilizable gametes (ova) from which offspring develop

From this reading Mild, genteel applause, coming from small, female, well-gloved, though rather listless hands, greeted the noisy conclusion of the pianist, an insignificant, meagre, dark little dot of a creature, who was invisible behind the piano.

associated with women and not with men

From this reading And from one lady to another, from group to group, along sofas, from easy-chairs to small stools, under the palm branches in the pots, under the brackets bearing statuettes, from the pianoforte to the door, swiftly ran the current of feminine approval.

the part of the face above the eyes

From this reading 'What feeling!' exclaimed the wife of a Puglian deputy, a stout woman with a torrent of black curls on her red, shining forehead.

physically weak

From this reading 'Splendid, splendid, delightful!' said Signora di Bertrand, the wife of a high functionary, a frail Piedmontese, with a Madonna face, wearing a brocaded cloak threaded with gold.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Mild, genteel applause, coming from small, female, well-gloved, though rather listless hands, greeted the noisy conclusion of the pianist, an insignificant, meagre, dark little dot of a creature, who was invisible behind the piano.

a worker who holds or is invested with an office

From this reading 'Splendid, splendid, delightful!' said Signora di Bertrand, the wife of a high functionary, a frail Piedmontese, with a Madonna face, wearing a brocaded cloak threaded with gold.

marked by refinement in taste and manners

From this reading Mild, genteel applause, coming from small, female, well-gloved, though rather listless hands, greeted the noisy conclusion of the pianist, an insignificant, meagre, dark little dot of a creature, who was invisible behind the piano.

coins made of gold

From this reading 'Splendid, splendid, delightful!' said Signora di Bertrand, the wife of a high functionary, a frail Piedmontese, with a Madonna face, wearing a brocaded cloak threaded with gold.

past form of “greet” — express greetings upon meeting someone

From this reading Mild, genteel applause, coming from small, female, well-gloved, though rather listless hands, greeted the noisy conclusion of the pianist, an insignificant, meagre, dark little dot of a creature, who was invisible behind the piano.

any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading And from one lady to another, from group to group, along sofas, from easy-chairs to small stools, under the palm branches in the pots, under the brackets bearing statuettes, from the pianoforte to the door, swiftly ran the current of feminine approval.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading Mild, genteel applause, coming from small, female, well-gloved, though rather listless hands, greeted the noisy conclusion of the pianist, an insignificant, meagre, dark little dot of a creature, who was invisible behind the piano.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading 'What feeling!' exclaimed the wife of a Puglian deputy, a stout woman with a torrent of black curls on her red, shining forehead.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading 'Splendid, splendid, delightful!' said Signora di Bertrand, the wife of a high functionary, a frail Piedmontese, with a Madonna face, wearing a brocaded cloak threaded with gold.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Those standing on the threshold of the Ministerial drawing-room nodded two or three times, as if secretly wearied.

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

From this reading And from one lady to another, from group to group, along sofas, from easy-chairs to small stools, under the palm branches in the pots, under the brackets bearing statuettes, from the pianoforte to the door, swiftly ran the current of feminine approval.

signifying nothing

From this reading Mild, genteel applause, coming from small, female, well-gloved, though rather listless hands, greeted the noisy conclusion of the pianist, an insignificant, meagre, dark little dot of a creature, who was invisible behind the piano.

impossible or nearly impossible to see; imperceptible by the eye

From this reading Mild, genteel applause, coming from small, female, well-gloved, though rather listless hands, greeted the noisy conclusion of the pianist, an insignificant, meagre, dark little dot of a creature, who was invisible behind the piano.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading And from one lady to another, from group to group, along sofas, from easy-chairs to small stools, under the palm branches in the pots, under the brackets bearing statuettes, from the pianoforte to the door, swiftly ran the current of feminine approval.

lacking zest or vivacity

From this reading Mild, genteel applause, coming from small, female, well-gloved, though rather listless hands, greeted the noisy conclusion of the pianist, an insignificant, meagre, dark little dot of a creature, who was invisible behind the piano.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Mild, genteel applause, coming from small, female, well-gloved, though rather listless hands, greeted the noisy conclusion of the pianist, an insignificant, meagre, dark little dot of a creature, who was invisible behind the piano.

the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics

From this reading 'Splendid, splendid, delightful!' said Signora di Bertrand, the wife of a high functionary, a frail Piedmontese, with a Madonna face, wearing a brocaded cloak threaded with gold.

deficient in amount or quality or extent

From this reading Mild, genteel applause, coming from small, female, well-gloved, though rather listless hands, greeted the noisy conclusion of the pianist, an insignificant, meagre, dark little dot of a creature, who was invisible behind the piano.

moderate in type or degree or effect or force; far from extreme

From this reading Mild, genteel applause, coming from small, female, well-gloved, though rather listless hands, greeted the noisy conclusion of the pianist, an insignificant, meagre, dark little dot of a creature, who was invisible behind the piano.

of or relating to a minister of religion or the minister's office

From this reading Those standing on the threshold of the Ministerial drawing-room nodded two or three times, as if secretly wearied.

inflected form of “nod” — express or signify by nodding

From this reading Those standing on the threshold of the Ministerial drawing-room nodded two or three times, as if secretly wearied.

full of or characterized by loud and nonmusical sounds

From this reading Mild, genteel applause, coming from small, female, well-gloved, though rather listless hands, greeted the noisy conclusion of the pianist, an insignificant, meagre, dark little dot of a creature, who was invisible behind the piano.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Mild, genteel applause, coming from small, female, well-gloved, though rather listless hands, greeted the noisy conclusion of the pianist, an insignificant, meagre, dark little dot of a creature, who was invisible behind the piano.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading 'What feeling!' exclaimed the wife of a Puglian deputy, a stout woman with a torrent of black curls on her red, shining forehead.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading And from one lady to another, from group to group, along sofas, from easy-chairs to small stools, under the palm branches in the pots, under the brackets bearing statuettes, from the pianoforte to the door, swiftly ran the current of feminine approval.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Those standing on the threshold of the Ministerial drawing-room nodded two or three times, as if secretly wearied.

the inner surface of the hand from the wrist to the base of the fingers

From this reading And from one lady to another, from group to group, along sofas, from easy-chairs to small stools, under the palm branches in the pots, under the brackets bearing statuettes, from the pianoforte to the door, swiftly ran the current of feminine approval.

a person who plays the piano

From this reading Mild, genteel applause, coming from small, female, well-gloved, though rather listless hands, greeted the noisy conclusion of the pianist, an insignificant, meagre, dark little dot of a creature, who was invisible behind the piano.

a keyboard instrument that is played by depressing keys that cause hammers to strike tuned strings and produce sounds

From this reading Mild, genteel applause, coming from small, female, well-gloved, though rather listless hands, greeted the noisy conclusion of the pianist, an insignificant, meagre, dark little dot of a creature, who was invisible behind the piano.

a keyboard instrument that is played by depressing keys that cause hammers to strike tuned strings and produce sounds

From this reading And from one lady to another, from group to group, along sofas, from easy-chairs to small stools, under the palm branches in the pots, under the brackets bearing statuettes, from the pianoforte to the door, swiftly ran the current of feminine approval.

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

From this reading 'Splendid, splendid, delightful!' said Signora di Bertrand, the wife of a high functionary, a frail Piedmontese, with a Madonna face, wearing a brocaded cloak threaded with gold.

plural of “pot” — metal or earthenware cooking vessel that is usually round and deep; often has a handle and lid

From this reading And from one lady to another, from group to group, along sofas, from easy-chairs to small stools, under the palm branches in the pots, under the brackets bearing statuettes, from the pianoforte to the door, swiftly ran the current of feminine approval.

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

From this reading 'What feeling!' exclaimed the wife of a Puglian deputy, a stout woman with a torrent of black curls on her red, shining forehead.

inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading And from one lady to another, from group to group, along sofas, from easy-chairs to small stools, under the palm branches in the pots, under the brackets bearing statuettes, from the pianoforte to the door, swiftly ran the current of feminine approval.

on the contrary

From this reading Mild, genteel applause, coming from small, female, well-gloved, though rather listless hands, greeted the noisy conclusion of the pianist, an insignificant, meagre, dark little dot of a creature, who was invisible behind the piano.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading 'What feeling!' exclaimed the wife of a Puglian deputy, a stout woman with a torrent of black curls on her red, shining forehead.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading 'Splendid, splendid, delightful!' said Signora di Bertrand, the wife of a high functionary, a frail Piedmontese, with a Madonna face, wearing a brocaded cloak threaded with gold.

in secrecy; not openly

From this reading Those standing on the threshold of the Ministerial drawing-room nodded two or three times, as if secretly wearied.

marked by exceptional merit

From this reading 'What feeling!' exclaimed the wife of a Puglian deputy, a stout woman with a torrent of black curls on her red, shining forehead.

an Italian title of address equivalent to Mrs. when used before a name

From this reading 'Splendid, splendid, delightful!' said Signora di Bertrand, the wife of a high functionary, a frail Piedmontese, with a Madonna face, wearing a brocaded cloak threaded with gold.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Mild, genteel applause, coming from small, female, well-gloved, though rather listless hands, greeted the noisy conclusion of the pianist, an insignificant, meagre, dark little dot of a creature, who was invisible behind the piano.

plural of “sofa” — an upholstered seat for more than one person

From this reading And from one lady to another, from group to group, along sofas, from easy-chairs to small stools, under the palm branches in the pots, under the brackets bearing statuettes, from the pianoforte to the door, swiftly ran the current of feminine approval.

having great beauty and splendor

From this reading 'Splendid, splendid, delightful!' said Signora di Bertrand, the wife of a high functionary, a frail Piedmontese, with a Madonna face, wearing a brocaded cloak threaded with gold.

having a supporting base

From this reading Those standing on the threshold of the Ministerial drawing-room nodded two or three times, as if secretly wearied.

plural of “statuette” — a small carved or molded figure

From this reading And from one lady to another, from group to group, along sofas, from easy-chairs to small stools, under the palm branches in the pots, under the brackets bearing statuettes, from the pianoforte to the door, swiftly ran the current of feminine approval.

plural of “stool” — a simple seat without a back or arms

From this reading And from one lady to another, from group to group, along sofas, from easy-chairs to small stools, under the palm branches in the pots, under the brackets bearing statuettes, from the pianoforte to the door, swiftly ran the current of feminine approval.

dependable

From this reading 'What feeling!' exclaimed the wife of a Puglian deputy, a stout woman with a torrent of black curls on her red, shining forehead.

in a swift manner

From this reading And from one lady to another, from group to group, along sofas, from easy-chairs to small stools, under the palm branches in the pots, under the brackets bearing statuettes, from the pianoforte to the door, swiftly ran the current of feminine approval.

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

From this reading Mild, genteel applause, coming from small, female, well-gloved, though rather listless hands, greeted the noisy conclusion of the pianist, an insignificant, meagre, dark little dot of a creature, who was invisible behind the piano.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Those standing on the threshold of the Ministerial drawing-room nodded two or three times, as if secretly wearied.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Mild, genteel applause, coming from small, female, well-gloved, though rather listless hands, greeted the noisy conclusion of the pianist, an insignificant, meagre, dark little dot of a creature, who was invisible behind the piano.

(of bolts or screws) having screw threads

From this reading 'Splendid, splendid, delightful!' said Signora di Bertrand, the wife of a high functionary, a frail Piedmontese, with a Madonna face, wearing a brocaded cloak threaded with gold.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Those standing on the threshold of the Ministerial drawing-room nodded two or three times, as if secretly wearied.

the starting point for a new state or experience

From this reading Those standing on the threshold of the Ministerial drawing-room nodded two or three times, as if secretly wearied.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading Those standing on the threshold of the Ministerial drawing-room nodded two or three times, as if secretly wearied.

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

From this reading And from one lady to another, from group to group, along sofas, from easy-chairs to small stools, under the palm branches in the pots, under the brackets bearing statuettes, from the pianoforte to the door, swiftly ran the current of feminine approval.

a heavy rain

From this reading 'What feeling!' exclaimed the wife of a Puglian deputy, a stout woman with a torrent of black curls on her red, shining forehead.

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

From this reading Those standing on the threshold of the Ministerial drawing-room nodded two or three times, as if secretly wearied.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading And from one lady to another, from group to group, along sofas, from easy-chairs to small stools, under the palm branches in the pots, under the brackets bearing statuettes, from the pianoforte to the door, swiftly ran the current of feminine approval.

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

From this reading Mild, genteel applause, coming from small, female, well-gloved, though rather listless hands, greeted the noisy conclusion of the pianist, an insignificant, meagre, dark little dot of a creature, who was invisible behind the piano.

exhausted

From this reading Those standing on the threshold of the Ministerial drawing-room nodded two or three times, as if secretly wearied.

(geology) the mechanical process of wearing or grinding something down (as by particles washing over it)

From this reading 'Splendid, splendid, delightful!' said Signora di Bertrand, the wife of a high functionary, a frail Piedmontese, with a Madonna face, wearing a brocaded cloak threaded with gold.

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

From this reading Mild, genteel applause, coming from small, female, well-gloved, though rather listless hands, greeted the noisy conclusion of the pianist, an insignificant, meagre, dark little dot of a creature, who was invisible behind the piano.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading 'What feeling!' exclaimed the wife of a Puglian deputy, a stout woman with a torrent of black curls on her red, shining forehead.

which person or people

From this reading Mild, genteel applause, coming from small, female, well-gloved, though rather listless hands, greeted the noisy conclusion of the pianist, an insignificant, meagre, dark little dot of a creature, who was invisible behind the piano.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading 'What feeling!' exclaimed the wife of a Puglian deputy, a stout woman with a torrent of black curls on her red, shining forehead.

in the company of; together with

From this reading 'What feeling!' exclaimed the wife of a Puglian deputy, a stout woman with a torrent of black curls on her red, shining forehead.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading 'What feeling!' exclaimed the wife of a Puglian deputy, a stout woman with a torrent of black curls on her red, shining forehead.