Chapter XVI · Chapter 16

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

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

later than; following

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

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

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

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

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

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

From this reading Besides, now they would have the chateau to themselves--or at least the old Marquise, when she came, would be there as a guest and not a ruler--and visions of smart house-parties and big shoots lit up the first weeks of Undine's enforced seclusion.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Undine, at first, had supposed that the resulting change could not be other than favourable.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Undine, at first, had supposed that the resulting change could not be other than favourable.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

a person who has suffered the death of someone they loved

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

in addition to; as well as

From this reading Besides, now they would have the chateau to themselves--or at least the old Marquise, when she came, would be there as a guest and not a ruler--and visions of smart house-parties and big shoots lit up the first weeks of Undine's enforced seclusion.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Besides, now they would have the chateau to themselves--or at least the old Marquise, when she came, would be there as a guest and not a ruler--and visions of smart house-parties and big shoots lit up the first weeks of Undine's enforced seclusion.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Then, by degrees, the inexorable conditions of French mourning closed in on her.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Besides, now they would have the chateau to themselves--or at least the old Marquise, when she came, would be there as a guest and not a ruler--and visions of smart house-parties and big shoots lit up the first weeks of Undine's enforced seclusion.

characterized by pomp and ceremony and stately display

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading Undine, at first, had supposed that the resulting change could not be other than favourable.

an impressive country house (or castle) in France

From this reading Besides, now they would have the chateau to themselves--or at least the old Marquise, when she came, would be there as a guest and not a ruler--and visions of smart house-parties and big shoots lit up the first weeks of Undine's enforced seclusion.

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading Then, by degrees, the inexorable conditions of French mourning closed in on her.

the prevailing context that influences the performance or the outcome of a process

From this reading Then, by degrees, the inexorable conditions of French mourning closed in on her.

without variation or change, in every case

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

following accepted customs and proprieties

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Undine, at first, had supposed that the resulting change could not be other than favourable.

female equivalent of a count or earl

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

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

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

plural of “daughter” — a female human offspring

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

plural of “degree” — a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading Then, by degrees, the inexorable conditions of French mourning closed in on her.

leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

confined on all sides

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

forced or compelled or put in force

From this reading Besides, now they would have the chateau to themselves--or at least the old Marquise, when she came, would be there as a guest and not a ruler--and visions of smart house-parties and big shoots lit up the first weeks of Undine's enforced seclusion.

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

a social unit living together

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

the father of your spouse

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

encouraging or approving or pleasing

From this reading Undine, at first, had supposed that the resulting change could not be other than favourable.

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Undine, at first, had supposed that the resulting change could not be other than favourable.

(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

being in accord with established forms and conventions and requirements (as e.g. of formal dress)

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France

From this reading Then, by degrees, the inexorable conditions of French mourning closed in on her.

activities that are enjoyable or amusing

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

a ceremony at which a dead person is buried or cremated

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

a man of refinement

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading Besides, now they would have the chateau to themselves--or at least the old Marquise, when she came, would be there as a guest and not a ruler--and visions of smart house-parties and big shoots lit up the first weeks of Undine's enforced seclusion.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Undine, at first, had supposed that the resulting change could not be other than favourable.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Besides, now they would have the chateau to themselves--or at least the old Marquise, when she came, would be there as a guest and not a ruler--and visions of smart house-parties and big shoots lit up the first weeks of Undine's enforced seclusion.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

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

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

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

From this reading Besides, now they would have the chateau to themselves--or at least the old Marquise, when she came, would be there as a guest and not a ruler--and visions of smart house-parties and big shoots lit up the first weeks of Undine's enforced seclusion.

a married man; a woman's partner in marriage

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

plural of “image” — an iconic mental representation

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

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

From this reading Then, by degrees, the inexorable conditions of French mourning closed in on her.

not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty

From this reading Then, by degrees, the inexorable conditions of French mourning closed in on her.

(of a substance) incapable of being dissolved

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

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 Besides, now they would have the chateau to themselves--or at least the old Marquise, when she came, would be there as a guest and not a ruler--and visions of smart house-parties and big shoots lit up the first weeks of Undine's enforced seclusion.

provided with artificial light

From this reading Besides, now they would have the chateau to themselves--or at least the old Marquise, when she came, would be there as a guest and not a ruler--and visions of smart house-parties and big shoots lit up the first weeks of Undine's enforced seclusion.

be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

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

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

the wife or widow of a marquis

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

a noblewoman ranking below a duchess and above a countess

From this reading Besides, now they would have the chateau to themselves--or at least the old Marquise, when she came, would be there as a guest and not a ruler--and visions of smart house-parties and big shoots lit up the first weeks of Undine's enforced seclusion.

superlative of “mere” — being nothing more than specified

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

state of sorrow over the death or departure of a loved one

From this reading Then, by degrees, the inexorable conditions of French mourning closed in on her.

plural of “movement” — a change of position that does not entail a change of location

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Undine, at first, had supposed that the resulting change could not be other than favourable.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Besides, now they would have the chateau to themselves--or at least the old Marquise, when she came, would be there as a guest and not a ruler--and visions of smart house-parties and big shoots lit up the first weeks of Undine's enforced seclusion.

plural of “observance” — the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

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

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

and nothing more

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Besides, now they would have the chateau to themselves--or at least the old Marquise, when she came, would be there as a guest and not a ruler--and visions of smart house-parties and big shoots lit up the first weeks of Undine's enforced seclusion.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Undine, at first, had supposed that the resulting change could not be other than favourable.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

a sudden sharp feeling

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

the complex of all the attributes--behavioral, temperamental, emotional and mental--that characterize a unique individual

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

plural of “point” — a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

located far away spatially

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

-ing form of “result” — issue or terminate (in a specified way, state, etc.); end

From this reading Undine, at first, had supposed that the resulting change could not be other than favourable.

a person who rules or commands

From this reading Besides, now they would have the chateau to themselves--or at least the old Marquise, when she came, would be there as a guest and not a ruler--and visions of smart house-parties and big shoots lit up the first weeks of Undine's enforced seclusion.

a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

keep away from others

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

the quality of being secluded from the presence or view of others

From this reading Besides, now they would have the chateau to themselves--or at least the old Marquise, when she came, would be there as a guest and not a ruler--and visions of smart house-parties and big shoots lit up the first weeks of Undine's enforced seclusion.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

plural of “shoot” — a new branch

From this reading Besides, now they would have the chateau to themselves--or at least the old Marquise, when she came, would be there as a guest and not a ruler--and visions of smart house-parties and big shoots lit up the first weeks of Undine's enforced seclusion.

past form of “shroud” — cover as if with a shroud

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

showing mental alertness and calculation and resourcefulness

From this reading Besides, now they would have the chateau to themselves--or at least the old Marquise, when she came, would be there as a guest and not a ruler--and visions of smart house-parties and big shoots lit up the first weeks of Undine's enforced seclusion.

plural of “son” — a male human offspring

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

plural of “son-in-law” — the husband of your daughter

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

required or under orders

From this reading Undine, at first, had supposed that the resulting change could not be other than favourable.

status with respect to the relations between people or groups

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Undine, at first, had supposed that the resulting change could not be other than favourable.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Undine, at first, had supposed that the resulting change could not be other than favourable.

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

From this reading Undine, at first, had supposed that the resulting change could not be other than favourable.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Besides, now they would have the chateau to themselves--or at least the old Marquise, when she came, would be there as a guest and not a ruler--and visions of smart house-parties and big shoots lit up the first weeks of Undine's enforced seclusion.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then, by degrees, the inexorable conditions of French mourning closed in on her.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Besides, now they would have the chateau to themselves--or at least the old Marquise, when she came, would be there as a guest and not a ruler--and visions of smart house-parties and big shoots lit up the first weeks of Undine's enforced seclusion.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Besides, now they would have the chateau to themselves--or at least the old Marquise, when she came, would be there as a guest and not a ruler--and visions of smart house-parties and big shoots lit up the first weeks of Undine's enforced seclusion.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

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

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

any of various female water spirits

From this reading Undine, at first, had supposed that the resulting change could not be other than favourable.

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

From this reading Besides, now they would have the chateau to themselves--or at least the old Marquise, when she came, would be there as a guest and not a ruler--and visions of smart house-parties and big shoots lit up the first weeks of Undine's enforced seclusion.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Besides, now they would have the chateau to themselves--or at least the old Marquise, when she came, would be there as a guest and not a ruler--and visions of smart house-parties and big shoots lit up the first weeks of Undine's enforced seclusion.

plural of “vision” — a vivid mental image

From this reading Besides, now they would have the chateau to themselves--or at least the old Marquise, when she came, would be there as a guest and not a ruler--and visions of smart house-parties and big shoots lit up the first weeks of Undine's enforced seclusion.

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

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading Besides, now they would have the chateau to themselves--or at least the old Marquise, when she came, would be there as a guest and not a ruler--and visions of smart house-parties and big shoots lit up the first weeks of Undine's enforced seclusion.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

at the time that

From this reading Besides, now they would have the chateau to themselves--or at least the old Marquise, when she came, would be there as a guest and not a ruler--and visions of smart house-parties and big shoots lit up the first weeks of Undine's enforced seclusion.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

in the company of; together with

From this reading She had been on too formal terms with her father-in-law--a remote and ceremonious old gentleman to whom her own personality was evidently an insoluble enigma--to feel more than the merest conventional pang at his death; and it was certainly "more fun" to be a marchioness than a countess, and to know that one's husband was the head of the house.

misery resulting from affliction

From this reading Immediately after the long-drawn funeral observances the bereaved family--mother, daughters, sons and sons-in-law--came down to seclude themselves at Saint Desert; and Undine, through the slow hot crape-smelling months, lived encircled by shrouded images of woe in which the only live points were the eyes constantly fixed on her least movements.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Besides, now they would have the chateau to themselves--or at least the old Marquise, when she came, would be there as a guest and not a ruler--and visions of smart house-parties and big shoots lit up the first weeks of Undine's enforced seclusion.