used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading There was something rather pathetic about the glee with which the four sisters made their toilets a few hours later.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading There was something rather pathetic about the glee with which the four sisters made their toilets a few hours later.
addingverbUS /ˈædɪŋ/
-ing form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
a feeling of delighted approval and liking
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading The night's entertainment, which would have seemed so tame and ordinary to most girls of their age, appeared a very frenzy of excitement after their year of hard work and privation.
how long something has existed
From this reading The night's entertainment, which would have seemed so tame and ordinary to most girls of their age, appeared a very frenzy of excitement after their year of hard work and privation.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading Philippa wore her mother's lace, which gave a regal air to the old black silk dress; Hope was lovely, as usual, in her professional white; Madge's "subdued elegance" proved exceedingly becoming; but Theo was distinctly the most imposing figure of the four.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The night's entertainment, which would have seemed so tame and ordinary to most girls of their age, appeared a very frenzy of excitement after their year of hard work and privation.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The night's entertainment, which would have seemed so tame and ordinary to most girls of their age, appeared a very frenzy of excitement after their year of hard work and privation.
artisticadjectiveUS /ɑːrˈtɪstɪk/
relating to or characteristic of art or artists
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
according with custom or propriety
From this reading Philippa wore her mother's lace, which gave a regal air to the old black silk dress; Hope was lovely, as usual, in her professional white; Madge's "subdued elegance" proved exceedingly becoming; but Theo was distinctly the most imposing figure of the four.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading Philippa wore her mother's lace, which gave a regal air to the old black silk dress; Hope was lovely, as usual, in her professional white; Madge's "subdued elegance" proved exceedingly becoming; but Theo was distinctly the most imposing figure of the four.
bodicesnounUS /ˈbɑːdɪsɪz/
plural of “bodice” — part of a dress above the waist
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
buckleverbUS /ˈbʌkəl/
fasten with a buckle or buckles
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Philippa wore her mother's lace, which gave a regal air to the old black silk dress; Hope was lovely, as usual, in her professional white; Madge's "subdued elegance" proved exceedingly becoming; but Theo was distinctly the most imposing figure of the four.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
chapletnoun
flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
chattered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
clothing in general
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
corsagenounUS /kɔːrˈsɑːʒ/
an arrangement of flowers that is usually given as a present
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
a pair who associate with one another
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
crimpedverbUS /krɪmpt/
past form of “crimp” — make ridges into by pinching together
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
crowningadjectiveUS /ˈkraʊnɪŋ/
representing a level of the highest possible achievement or attainment
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
curlsnounUS /kɜːrlz/
plural of “curl” — a round shape formed by a series of concentric circles (as formed by leaves or flower petals)
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
made known or openly avowed
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
dining-roomnoun
a room used for dining
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
clear to the mind; with distinct mental discernment
From this reading Philippa wore her mother's lace, which gave a regal air to the old black silk dress; Hope was lovely, as usual, in her professional white; Madge's "subdued elegance" proved exceedingly becoming; but Theo was distinctly the most imposing figure of the four.
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
put on clothes
From this reading Philippa wore her mother's lace, which gave a regal air to the old black silk dress; Hope was lovely, as usual, in her professional white; Madge's "subdued elegance" proved exceedingly becoming; but Theo was distinctly the most imposing figure of the four.
effectiveadjectiveUS /ɪˈfektɪv/
producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
elegancenounUS /ˈeləɡəns/
a refined quality of gracefulness and good taste
From this reading Philippa wore her mother's lace, which gave a regal air to the old black silk dress; Hope was lovely, as usual, in her professional white; Madge's "subdued elegance" proved exceedingly becoming; but Theo was distinctly the most imposing figure of the four.
entertainmentnounUS /ˌentərˈteɪnmənt/
an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention
From this reading The night's entertainment, which would have seemed so tame and ordinary to most girls of their age, appeared a very frenzy of excitement after their year of hard work and privation.
indicating exactness or preciseness
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
to an extreme degree
From this reading Philippa wore her mother's lace, which gave a regal air to the old black silk dress; Hope was lovely, as usual, in her professional white; Madge's "subdued elegance" proved exceedingly becoming; but Theo was distinctly the most imposing figure of the four.
the feeling of lively and cheerful joy
From this reading The night's entertainment, which would have seemed so tame and ordinary to most girls of their age, appeared a very frenzy of excitement after their year of hard work and privation.
past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
a social unit living together
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
firmly closed or secured
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
feathersnounUS /ˈfeðərz/
plural of “feather” — the light horny waterproof structure forming the external covering of birds
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading There was something rather pathetic about the glee with which the four sisters made their toilets a few hours later.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading Philippa wore her mother's lace, which gave a regal air to the old black silk dress; Hope was lovely, as usual, in her professional white; Madge's "subdued elegance" proved exceedingly becoming; but Theo was distinctly the most imposing figure of the four.
start firing a weapon
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading There was something rather pathetic about the glee with which the four sisters made their toilets a few hours later.
Frenchwoman's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
frenzynounUS /ˈfrenzi/
state of violent mental agitation
From this reading The night's entertainment, which would have seemed so tame and ordinary to most girls of their age, appeared a very frenzy of excitement after their year of hard work and privation.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Philippa wore her mother's lace, which gave a regal air to the old black silk dress; Hope was lovely, as usual, in her professional white; Madge's "subdued elegance" proved exceedingly becoming; but Theo was distinctly the most imposing figure of the four.
plural of “girl” — a young female
From this reading The night's entertainment, which would have seemed so tame and ordinary to most girls of their age, appeared a very frenzy of excitement after their year of hard work and privation.
gleenounUS /ɡliː/
great merriment
From this reading There was something rather pathetic about the glee with which the four sisters made their toilets a few hours later.
gleefullyadverbUS /ˈɡliːfəli/
in a joyous and gleeful manner
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
characterized by beauty of movement, style, form, or execution
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
growthnounUS /ɡroʊθ/
(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading The night's entertainment, which would have seemed so tame and ordinary to most girls of their age, appeared a very frenzy of excitement after their year of hard work and privation.
headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The night's entertainment, which would have seemed so tame and ordinary to most girls of their age, appeared a very frenzy of excitement after their year of hard work and privation.
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 possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
plural of “head” — the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
heatedadjectiveUS /ˈhiːtəd/
made warm or hot (“het” is a dialectal variant of “heated”)
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
heirloomnounUS /ˈerluːm/
(law) any property that is considered by law or custom as inseparable from an inheritance is inherited with that inheritance
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Philippa wore her mother's lace, which gave a regal air to the old black silk dress; Hope was lovely, as usual, in her professional white; Madge's "subdued elegance" proved exceedingly becoming; but Theo was distinctly the most imposing figure of the four.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading There was something rather pathetic about the glee with which the four sisters made their toilets a few hours later.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
imposingadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpoʊzɪŋ/
impressive in appearance
From this reading Philippa wore her mother's lace, which gave a regal air to the old black silk dress; Hope was lovely, as usual, in her professional white; Madge's "subdued elegance" proved exceedingly becoming; but Theo was distinctly the most imposing figure of the four.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
ironsnounUS /ˈaɪərnz/
metal shackles; for hands or legs
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
jauntilyadverbUS /ˈdʒɔːntəli/
in a jaunty fashionable manner
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
laceverbUS /leɪs/
spin, wind, or twist together
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading There was something rather pathetic about the glee with which the four sisters made their toilets a few hours later.
past form of “laugh” — produce laughter
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
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 She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
appealing to the emotions as well as the eye
From this reading Philippa wore her mother's lace, which gave a regal air to the old black silk dress; Hope was lovely, as usual, in her professional white; Madge's "subdued elegance" proved exceedingly becoming; but Theo was distinctly the most imposing figure of the four.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading There was something rather pathetic about the glee with which the four sisters made their toilets a few hours later.
Madge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
Madge's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Philippa wore her mother's lace, which gave a regal air to the old black silk dress; Hope was lovely, as usual, in her professional white; Madge's "subdued elegance" proved exceedingly becoming; but Theo was distinctly the most imposing figure of the four.
magpiesnounUS /ˈmæɡpaɪz/
plural of “magpie” — long-tailed black-and-white crow that utters a raucous chattering call
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
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 They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
used to form the superlative
From this reading The night's entertainment, which would have seemed so tame and ordinary to most girls of their age, appeared a very frenzy of excitement after their year of hard work and privation.
mother'snounUS /ˈmʌðərz/
possessive form of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading Philippa wore her mother's lace, which gave a regal air to the old black silk dress; Hope was lovely, as usual, in her professional white; Madge's "subdued elegance" proved exceedingly becoming; but Theo was distinctly the most imposing figure of the four.
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
night'snounUS /naɪts/
possessive form of “night” — the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading The night's entertainment, which would have seemed so tame and ordinary to most girls of their age, appeared a very frenzy of excitement after their year of hard work and privation.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The night's entertainment, which would have seemed so tame and ordinary to most girls of their age, appeared a very frenzy of excitement after their year of hard work and privation.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Philippa wore her mother's lace, which gave a regal air to the old black silk dress; Hope was lovely, as usual, in her professional white; Madge's "subdued elegance" proved exceedingly becoming; but Theo was distinctly the most imposing figure of the four.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
a judge of a probate court
From this reading The night's entertainment, which would have seemed so tame and ordinary to most girls of their age, appeared a very frenzy of excitement after their year of hard work and privation.
pastenounUS /peɪst/
any mixture of a soft and malleable consistency
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
patheticadjectiveUS /pəˈθetɪk/
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading There was something rather pathetic about the glee with which the four sisters made their toilets a few hours later.
petticoatsnounUS /ˈpetikoʊts/
plural of “petticoat” — undergarment worn under a skirt
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
Philippa
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Philippa wore her mother's lace, which gave a regal air to the old black silk dress; Hope was lovely, as usual, in her professional white; Madge's "subdued elegance" proved exceedingly becoming; but Theo was distinctly the most imposing figure of the four.
influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
possessornounUS /pəˈzesər/
a person who owns something
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
privationnounUS /praɪˈveɪʃən/
a state of extreme poverty
From this reading The night's entertainment, which would have seemed so tame and ordinary to most girls of their age, appeared a very frenzy of excitement after their year of hard work and privation.
professionaladjectiveUS /prəˈfeʃənəl/
engaged in a profession or engaging in as a profession or means of livelihood
From this reading Philippa wore her mother's lace, which gave a regal air to the old black silk dress; Hope was lovely, as usual, in her professional white; Madge's "subdued elegance" proved exceedingly becoming; but Theo was distinctly the most imposing figure of the four.
established beyond doubt
From this reading Philippa wore her mother's lace, which gave a regal air to the old black silk dress; Hope was lovely, as usual, in her professional white; Madge's "subdued elegance" proved exceedingly becoming; but Theo was distinctly the most imposing figure of the four.
hitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putter
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
on the contrary
From this reading There was something rather pathetic about the glee with which the four sisters made their toilets a few hours later.
regaladjectiveUS /ˈriːɡəl/
belonging to or befitting a supreme ruler
From this reading Philippa wore her mother's lace, which gave a regal air to the old black silk dress; Hope was lovely, as usual, in her professional white; Madge's "subdued elegance" proved exceedingly becoming; but Theo was distinctly the most imposing figure of the four.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
rustlingnounUS /ˈrʌslɪŋ/
the stealing of cattle
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The night's entertainment, which would have seemed so tame and ordinary to most girls of their age, appeared a very frenzy of excitement after their year of hard work and privation.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae
From this reading Philippa wore her mother's lace, which gave a regal air to the old black silk dress; Hope was lovely, as usual, in her professional white; Madge's "subdued elegance" proved exceedingly becoming; but Theo was distinctly the most imposing figure of the four.
plural of “sister” — a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading There was something rather pathetic about the glee with which the four sisters made their toilets a few hours later.
an ability that has been acquired by training
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The night's entertainment, which would have seemed so tame and ordinary to most girls of their age, appeared a very frenzy of excitement after their year of hard work and privation.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading There was something rather pathetic about the glee with which the four sisters made their toilets a few hours later.
subduedadjectiveUS /səbˈduːd/
in a softened tone
From this reading Philippa wore her mother's lace, which gave a regal air to the old black silk dress; Hope was lovely, as usual, in her professional white; Madge's "subdued elegance" proved exceedingly becoming; but Theo was distinctly the most imposing figure of the four.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
talentnounUS /ˈtælənt/
natural abilities or qualities
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
tameverbUS /teɪm/
correct by punishment or discipline
From this reading The night's entertainment, which would have seemed so tame and ordinary to most girls of their age, appeared a very frenzy of excitement after their year of hard work and privation.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading There was something rather pathetic about the glee with which the four sisters made their toilets a few hours later.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading There was something rather pathetic about the glee with which the four sisters made their toilets a few hours later.
Theo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Philippa wore her mother's lace, which gave a regal air to the old black silk dress; Hope was lovely, as usual, in her professional white; Madge's "subdued elegance" proved exceedingly becoming; but Theo was distinctly the most imposing figure of the four.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There was something rather pathetic about the glee with which the four sisters made their toilets a few hours later.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The night's entertainment, which would have seemed so tame and ordinary to most girls of their age, appeared a very frenzy of excitement after their year of hard work and privation.
toiletsnounUS /ˈtɔɪləts/
plural of “toilet” — a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading There was something rather pathetic about the glee with which the four sisters made their toilets a few hours later.
touchesnounUS /ˈtʌtʃəz/
plural of “touch” — the event of something coming in contact with the body
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
toupees
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
in the direction of
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
transformationsnounUS /ˌtrænsfərˈmeɪʃənz/
plural of “transformation” — a qualitative change
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
plural of “turn” — a circular segment of a curve
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
unpicked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading Philippa wore her mother's lace, which gave a regal air to the old black silk dress; Hope was lovely, as usual, in her professional white; Madge's "subdued elegance" proved exceedingly becoming; but Theo was distinctly the most imposing figure of the four.
precisely as stated
From this reading The night's entertainment, which would have seemed so tame and ordinary to most girls of their age, appeared a very frenzy of excitement after their year of hard work and privation.
violetsnounUS /ˈvaɪələts/
plural of “violet” — any of numerous low-growing violas with small flowers
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There was something rather pathetic about the glee with which the four sisters made their toilets a few hours later.
past form of “wave” — signal with the hands or nod
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading There was something rather pathetic about the glee with which the four sisters made their toilets a few hours later.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading They laughed and chattered like so many magpies, ran about from room to room in lace petticoats and pretty low bodices, and sat in turns before the dining-room fire, while Hope-- happy possessor of natural curls!--heated irons and waved and crimped with such artistic skill that, as Madge gleefully declared, the three heads were `transformations' indeed--far more like toupees than natural growth.
a Caucasian
From this reading Philippa wore her mother's lace, which gave a regal air to the old black silk dress; Hope was lovely, as usual, in her professional white; Madge's "subdued elegance" proved exceedingly becoming; but Theo was distinctly the most imposing figure of the four.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading She possessed the Frenchwoman's talent for putting on her clothes and adding those little touches which go so far towards making an effective whole, and her sisters exclaimed with surprised admiration as she came rustling into the drawing-room, a chaplet of violets crowning the graceful head, and a couple of black feathers fastened jauntily at the side of the low corsage by a paste buckle, which looked exactly like a family heirloom, and not in the least as if it had been unpicked from the side of a felt hat but ten minutes before.
in the company of; together with
From this reading There was something rather pathetic about the glee with which the four sisters made their toilets a few hours later.
inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in
From this reading Philippa wore her mother's lace, which gave a regal air to the old black silk dress; Hope was lovely, as usual, in her professional white; Madge's "subdued elegance" proved exceedingly becoming; but Theo was distinctly the most imposing figure of the four.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading The night's entertainment, which would have seemed so tame and ordinary to most girls of their age, appeared a very frenzy of excitement after their year of hard work and privation.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The night's entertainment, which would have seemed so tame and ordinary to most girls of their age, appeared a very frenzy of excitement after their year of hard work and privation.
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading The night's entertainment, which would have seemed so tame and ordinary to most girls of their age, appeared a very frenzy of excitement after their year of hard work and privation.
