Chapter VI · Chapter 6

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

From this reading The hall, which was brilliantly lighted, was one moving mass of black coats, with here and there a red one, and evening-dresses many colored--the people in them, chatting, bowing, laughing, being ushered to their places.

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

From this reading The hall, which was brilliantly lighted, was one moving mass of black coats, with here and there a red one, and evening-dresses many colored--the people in them, chatting, bowing, laughing, being ushered to their places.

eagerly desirous

From this reading Presently the continual roll of the carriages outside ceased, the lamps were toned down, the orchestra struck up, and Sir George and Lady Mary took their seats, looking round with anxious satisfaction at the hall crowded with people.

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

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The play was to begin at eight.

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

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading The play was to begin at eight.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading The hall, which was brilliantly lighted, was one moving mass of black coats, with here and there a red one, and evening-dresses many colored--the people in them, chatting, bowing, laughing, being ushered to their places.

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

From this reading The hall, which was brilliantly lighted, was one moving mass of black coats, with here and there a red one, and evening-dresses many colored--the people in them, chatting, bowing, laughing, being ushered to their places.

bending the head or body or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame or greeting

From this reading The hall, which was brilliantly lighted, was one moving mass of black coats, with here and there a red one, and evening-dresses many colored--the people in them, chatting, bowing, laughing, being ushered to their places.

with brightness

From this reading The hall, which was brilliantly lighted, was one moving mass of black coats, with here and there a red one, and evening-dresses many colored--the people in them, chatting, bowing, laughing, being ushered to their places.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

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

From this reading It was nearly eight o'clock when I came down.

plural of “carriage” — a railcar where passengers ride

From this reading Presently the continual roll of the carriages outside ceased, the lamps were toned down, the orchestra struck up, and Sir George and Lady Mary took their seats, looking round with anxious satisfaction at the hall crowded with people.

past form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading Presently the continual roll of the carriages outside ceased, the lamps were toned down, the orchestra struck up, and Sir George and Lady Mary took their seats, looking round with anxious satisfaction at the hall crowded with people.

inflected form of “chat” — talk socially without exchanging too much information

From this reading The hall, which was brilliantly lighted, was one moving mass of black coats, with here and there a red one, and evening-dresses many colored--the people in them, chatting, bowing, laughing, being ushered to their places.

plural of “coat” — an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors

From this reading The hall, which was brilliantly lighted, was one moving mass of black coats, with here and there a red one, and evening-dresses many colored--the people in them, chatting, bowing, laughing, being ushered to their places.

having color or a certain color; sometimes used in combination

From this reading The hall, which was brilliantly lighted, was one moving mass of black coats, with here and there a red one, and evening-dresses many colored--the people in them, chatting, bowing, laughing, being ushered to their places.

recurring regularly or frequently in a prolonged and closely spaced series

From this reading Presently the continual roll of the carriages outside ceased, the lamps were toned down, the orchestra struck up, and Sir George and Lady Mary took their seats, looking round with anxious satisfaction at the hall crowded with people.

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

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

exhibiting courtesy and politeness

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

overfilled or compacted or concentrated

From this reading Presently the continual roll of the carriages outside ceased, the lamps were toned down, the orchestra struck up, and Sir George and Lady Mary took their seats, looking round with anxious satisfaction at the hall crowded with people.

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

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

a transparent piece of diamond that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading It was nearly eight o'clock when I came down.

being one more than seven

From this reading It was nearly eight o'clock when I came down.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

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

From this reading The hall, which was brilliantly lighted, was one moving mass of black coats, with here and there a red one, and evening-dresses many colored--the people in them, chatting, bowing, laughing, being ushered to their places.

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

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

look angry or sullen, wrinkle one's forehead, as if to signal disapproval

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

plural of “gentleman” — a man of refinement

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading The hall, which was brilliantly lighted, was one moving mass of black coats, with here and there a red one, and evening-dresses many colored--the people in them, chatting, bowing, laughing, being ushered to their places.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading The hall, which was brilliantly lighted, was one moving mass of black coats, with here and there a red one, and evening-dresses many colored--the people in them, chatting, bowing, laughing, being ushered to their places.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading It was nearly eight o'clock when I came down.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

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

From this reading The hall, which was brilliantly lighted, was one moving mass of black coats, with here and there a red one, and evening-dresses many colored--the people in them, chatting, bowing, laughing, being ushered to their places.

lying or leaning on something else

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was nearly eight o'clock when I came down.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

plural of “lamp” — an artificial source of visible illumination

From this reading Presently the continual roll of the carriages outside ceased, the lamps were toned down, the orchestra struck up, and Sir George and Lady Mary took their seats, looking round with anxious satisfaction at the hall crowded with people.

showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness

From this reading The hall, which was brilliantly lighted, was one moving mass of black coats, with here and there a red one, and evening-dresses many colored--the people in them, chatting, bowing, laughing, being ushered to their places.

set afire or burning

From this reading The hall, which was brilliantly lighted, was one moving mass of black coats, with here and there a red one, and evening-dresses many colored--the people in them, chatting, bowing, laughing, being ushered to their places.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading Presently the continual roll of the carriages outside ceased, the lamps were toned down, the orchestra struck up, and Sir George and Lady Mary took their seats, looking round with anxious satisfaction at the hall crowded with people.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading The hall, which was brilliantly lighted, was one moving mass of black coats, with here and there a red one, and evening-dresses many colored--the people in them, chatting, bowing, laughing, being ushered to their places.

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

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

the property of a body that causes it to have weight in a gravitational field

From this reading The hall, which was brilliantly lighted, was one moving mass of black coats, with here and there a red one, and evening-dresses many colored--the people in them, chatting, bowing, laughing, being ushered to their places.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

in motion

From this reading The hall, which was brilliantly lighted, was one moving mass of black coats, with here and there a red one, and evening-dresses many colored--the people in them, chatting, bowing, laughing, being ushered to their places.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading It was nearly eight o'clock when I came down.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

according to the clock

From this reading It was nearly eight o'clock when I came down.

something you have to do

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The hall, which was brilliantly lighted, was one moving mass of black coats, with here and there a red one, and evening-dresses many colored--the people in them, chatting, bowing, laughing, being ushered to their places.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The hall, which was brilliantly lighted, was one moving mass of black coats, with here and there a red one, and evening-dresses many colored--the people in them, chatting, bowing, laughing, being ushered to their places.

a musical organization consisting of a group of instrumentalists including string players

From this reading Presently the continual roll of the carriages outside ceased, the lamps were toned down, the orchestra struck up, and Sir George and Lady Mary took their seats, looking round with anxious satisfaction at the hall crowded with people.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading Presently the continual roll of the carriages outside ceased, the lamps were toned down, the orchestra struck up, and Sir George and Lady Mary took their seats, looking round with anxious satisfaction at the hall crowded with people.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading The hall, which was brilliantly lighted, was one moving mass of black coats, with here and there a red one, and evening-dresses many colored--the people in them, chatting, bowing, laughing, being ushered to their places.

plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading The hall, which was brilliantly lighted, was one moving mass of black coats, with here and there a red one, and evening-dresses many colored--the people in them, chatting, bowing, laughing, being ushered to their places.

participate in games or sport

From this reading The play was to begin at eight.

in the near future

From this reading Presently the continual roll of the carriages outside ceased, the lamps were toned down, the orchestra struck up, and Sir George and Lady Mary took their seats, looking round with anxious satisfaction at the hall crowded with people.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

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

From this reading The hall, which was brilliantly lighted, was one moving mass of black coats, with here and there a red one, and evening-dresses many colored--the people in them, chatting, bowing, laughing, being ushered to their places.

having great beauty and splendor

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

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

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

move by turning over or rotating

From this reading Presently the continual roll of the carriages outside ceased, the lamps were toned down, the orchestra struck up, and Sir George and Lady Mary took their seats, looking round with anxious satisfaction at the hall crowded with people.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading Presently the continual roll of the carriages outside ceased, the lamps were toned down, the orchestra struck up, and Sir George and Lady Mary took their seats, looking round with anxious satisfaction at the hall crowded with people.

the contentment one feels when one has fulfilled a desire, need, or expectation

From this reading Presently the continual roll of the carriages outside ceased, the lamps were toned down, the orchestra struck up, and Sir George and Lady Mary took their seats, looking round with anxious satisfaction at the hall crowded with people.

an area that includes places where several people can sit

From this reading Presently the continual roll of the carriages outside ceased, the lamps were toned down, the orchestra struck up, and Sir George and Lady Mary took their seats, looking round with anxious satisfaction at the hall crowded with people.

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

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

term of address for a man

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

not moving or operating freely

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading Presently the continual roll of the carriages outside ceased, the lamps were toned down, the orchestra struck up, and Sir George and Lady Mary took their seats, looking round with anxious satisfaction at the hall crowded with people.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

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

From this reading The play was to begin at eight.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The hall, which was brilliantly lighted, was one moving mass of black coats, with here and there a red one, and evening-dresses many colored--the people in them, chatting, bowing, laughing, being ushered to their places.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The hall, which was brilliantly lighted, was one moving mass of black coats, with here and there a red one, and evening-dresses many colored--the people in them, chatting, bowing, laughing, being ushered to their places.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

in or at that place or location

From this reading The hall, which was brilliantly lighted, was one moving mass of black coats, with here and there a red one, and evening-dresses many colored--the people in them, chatting, bowing, laughing, being ushered to their places.

a jeweled headdress worn by women on formal occasions

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

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

From this reading The play was to begin at eight.

having or characterized or distinguished by tone or a specific tone; often used in combination

From this reading Presently the continual roll of the carriages outside ceased, the lamps were toned down, the orchestra struck up, and Sir George and Lady Mary took their seats, looking round with anxious satisfaction at the hall crowded with people.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading Presently the continual roll of the carriages outside ceased, the lamps were toned down, the orchestra struck up, and Sir George and Lady Mary took their seats, looking round with anxious satisfaction at the hall crowded with people.

a cold pudding made of layers of sponge cake spread with fruit or jelly; may be decorated with nuts, cream, or chocolate

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

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

From this reading Presently the continual roll of the carriages outside ceased, the lamps were toned down, the orchestra struck up, and Sir George and Lady Mary took their seats, looking round with anxious satisfaction at the hall crowded with people.

in a vertical position; not sloping

From this reading Lady Mary and Sir George Danvers side by side received their guests at the foot of the grand staircase, Lady Mary, resplendent in diamond tiara and riviere, smiling as if she could never frown; Sir George upright, courteous, a trifle stiff, as most English country gentlemen feel it incumbent on themselves to be on such occasions.

past form of “usher” — take (someone) to their seats, as in theaters or auditoriums

From this reading The hall, which was brilliantly lighted, was one moving mass of black coats, with here and there a red one, and evening-dresses many colored--the people in them, chatting, bowing, laughing, being ushered to their places.

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

From this reading It was nearly eight o'clock when I came down.

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

From this reading Presently the continual roll of the carriages outside ceased, the lamps were toned down, the orchestra struck up, and Sir George and Lady Mary took their seats, looking round with anxious satisfaction at the hall crowded with people.

at the time that

From this reading It was nearly eight o'clock when I came down.

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

From this reading The hall, which was brilliantly lighted, was one moving mass of black coats, with here and there a red one, and evening-dresses many colored--the people in them, chatting, bowing, laughing, being ushered to their places.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The hall, which was brilliantly lighted, was one moving mass of black coats, with here and there a red one, and evening-dresses many colored--the people in them, chatting, bowing, laughing, being ushered to their places.