used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading So many certificates of birth, parentage, etc., have to be produced that, it is said, the working classes can neither afford the time nor the money necessary for a legal marriage; so many of them do without it.
perfect or complete or pure
From this reading The husband is the lord and master; his wife's property passes into his keeping and is at his absolute disposal.
be able to spare or give up
From this reading So many certificates of birth, parentage, etc., have to be produced that, it is said, the working classes can neither afford the time nor the money necessary for a legal marriage; so many of them do without it.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _Foreign Etiquette of Marriage--Quaint Customs and Strange Superstitions._ Continental Weddings.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In _Germany_ it is impossible for young people to marry without the consent of their parents or legal guardians, and unless certain prescribed forms are gone through, the marriage will be null and void.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The husband is the lord and master; his wife's property passes into his keeping and is at his absolute disposal.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading In _Germany_ it is impossible for young people to marry without the consent of their parents or legal guardians, and unless certain prescribed forms are gone through, the marriage will be null and void.
the time when something begins (especially life)
From this reading So many certificates of birth, parentage, etc., have to be produced that, it is said, the working classes can neither afford the time nor the money necessary for a legal marriage; so many of them do without it.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading So many certificates of birth, parentage, etc., have to be produced that, it is said, the working classes can neither afford the time nor the money necessary for a legal marriage; so many of them do without it.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading In _Germany_ it is impossible for young people to marry without the consent of their parents or legal guardians, and unless certain prescribed forms are gone through, the marriage will be null and void.
certificatesnounUS /sərˈtɪfɪkəts/
plural of “certificate” — a document attesting to the truth of certain stated facts
From this reading So many certificates of birth, parentage, etc., have to be produced that, it is said, the working classes can neither afford the time nor the money necessary for a legal marriage; so many of them do without it.
classesnounUS /ˈklæsəz/
plural of “class” — a collection of things sharing a common attribute
From this reading Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
permission to do something
From this reading In _Germany_ it is impossible for young people to marry without the consent of their parents or legal guardians, and unless certain prescribed forms are gone through, the marriage will be null and void.
ContinentnounUS /ˈkɑːntənənt/
one of the large landmasses of the earth
From this reading Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
ContinentaladjectiveUS /ˌkɑːntəˈnentəl/
of or pertaining to or typical of Europe
From this reading _Foreign Etiquette of Marriage--Quaint Customs and Strange Superstitions._ Continental Weddings.
CustomsnounUS /ˈkʌstəmz/
money collected under a tariff
From this reading _Foreign Etiquette of Marriage--Quaint Customs and Strange Superstitions._ Continental Weddings.
detailnounUS /dɪˈteɪl/
an isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole
From this reading Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
differsverbUS /ˈdɪfərz/
third-person singular of “differ” — be different
From this reading Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
past form of “disappear” — get lost, as without warning or explanation
From this reading Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
disposalnounUS /dɪˈspoʊzəl/
the power to use something or someone
From this reading The husband is the lord and master; his wife's property passes into his keeping and is at his absolute disposal.
distinctiveadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɪŋktɪv/
of a feature that helps to distinguish a person or thing
From this reading Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading So many certificates of birth, parentage, etc., have to be produced that, it is said, the working classes can neither afford the time nor the money necessary for a legal marriage; so many of them do without it.
educatedadjectiveUS /ˈedʒəkeɪtɪd/
possessing an education (especially having more than average knowledge)
From this reading Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
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 Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
etc
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So many certificates of birth, parentage, etc., have to be produced that, it is said, the working classes can neither afford the time nor the money necessary for a legal marriage; so many of them do without it.
EtiquettenounUS /ˈetəkət/
rules governing socially acceptable behavior
From this reading _Foreign Etiquette of Marriage--Quaint Customs and Strange Superstitions._ Continental Weddings.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading In _Germany_ it is impossible for young people to marry without the consent of their parents or legal guardians, and unless certain prescribed forms are gone through, the marriage will be null and void.
of concern to or concerning the affairs of other nations (other than your own)
From this reading _Foreign Etiquette of Marriage--Quaint Customs and Strange Superstitions._ Continental Weddings.
plural of “form” — the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading In _Germany_ it is impossible for young people to marry without the consent of their parents or legal guardians, and unless certain prescribed forms are gone through, the marriage will be null and void.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
GermanynounUS /ˈdʒɜːrməni/
a republic in central Europe; split into East Germany and West Germany after World War II and reunited in 1990
From this reading In _Germany_ it is impossible for young people to marry without the consent of their parents or legal guardians, and unless certain prescribed forms are gone through, the marriage will be null and void.
destroyed or killed
From this reading In _Germany_ it is impossible for young people to marry without the consent of their parents or legal guardians, and unless certain prescribed forms are gone through, the marriage will be null and void.
guardiansnounUS /ˈɡɑːrdiənz/
plural of “guardian” — a person who cares for persons or property
From this reading In _Germany_ it is impossible for young people to marry without the consent of their parents or legal guardians, and unless certain prescribed forms are gone through, the marriage will be null and void.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The husband is the lord and master; his wife's property passes into his keeping and is at his absolute disposal.
a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading The husband is the lord and master; his wife's property passes into his keeping and is at his absolute disposal.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading In _Germany_ it is impossible for young people to marry without the consent of their parents or legal guardians, and unless certain prescribed forms are gone through, the marriage will be null and void.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The husband is the lord and master; his wife's property passes into his keeping and is at his absolute disposal.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading In _Germany_ it is impossible for young people to marry without the consent of their parents or legal guardians, and unless certain prescribed forms are gone through, the marriage will be null and void.
conformity or harmony
From this reading The husband is the lord and master; his wife's property passes into his keeping and is at his absolute disposal.
legaladjectiveUS /ˈliːɡəl/
established by or founded upon law or official or accepted rules
From this reading In _Germany_ it is impossible for young people to marry without the consent of their parents or legal guardians, and unless certain prescribed forms are gone through, the marriage will be null and void.
terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God
From this reading The husband is the lord and master; his wife's property passes into his keeping and is at his absolute disposal.
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 Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)
From this reading _Foreign Etiquette of Marriage--Quaint Customs and Strange Superstitions._ Continental Weddings.
take in marriage
From this reading In _Germany_ it is impossible for young people to marry without the consent of their parents or legal guardians, and unless certain prescribed forms are gone through, the marriage will be null and void.
an artist of consummate skill
From this reading The husband is the lord and master; his wife's property passes into his keeping and is at his absolute disposal.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender
From this reading So many certificates of birth, parentage, etc., have to be produced that, it is said, the working classes can neither afford the time nor the money necessary for a legal marriage; so many of them do without it.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
of or relating to or belonging to a nation or country
From this reading Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
absolutely essential
From this reading So many certificates of birth, parentage, etc., have to be produced that, it is said, the working classes can neither afford the time nor the money necessary for a legal marriage; so many of them do without it.
not one and not the other of two
From this reading So many certificates of birth, parentage, etc., have to be produced that, it is said, the working classes can neither afford the time nor the money necessary for a legal marriage; so many of them do without it.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading So many certificates of birth, parentage, etc., have to be produced that, it is said, the working classes can neither afford the time nor the money necessary for a legal marriage; so many of them do without it.
nulladjectiveUS /nʌl/
lacking any legal or binding force
From this reading In _Germany_ it is impossible for young people to marry without the consent of their parents or legal guardians, and unless certain prescribed forms are gone through, the marriage will be null and void.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _Foreign Etiquette of Marriage--Quaint Customs and Strange Superstitions._ Continental Weddings.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading In _Germany_ it is impossible for young people to marry without the consent of their parents or legal guardians, and unless certain prescribed forms are gone through, the marriage will be null and void.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
parentagenounUS /ˈperəntədʒ/
the state of being a parent
From this reading So many certificates of birth, parentage, etc., have to be produced that, it is said, the working classes can neither afford the time nor the money necessary for a legal marriage; so many of them do without it.
plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian
From this reading In _Germany_ it is impossible for young people to marry without the consent of their parents or legal guardians, and unless certain prescribed forms are gone through, the marriage will be null and void.
passesnounUS /ˈpæsəz/
plural of “pass” — (baseball) an advance to first base by a batter who receives four balls
From this reading The husband is the lord and master; his wife's property passes into his keeping and is at his absolute disposal.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading In _Germany_ it is impossible for young people to marry without the consent of their parents or legal guardians, and unless certain prescribed forms are gone through, the marriage will be null and void.
picturesqueadjectiveUS /ˈpɪktʃərəsk/
suggesting or suitable for a picture; pretty as a picture
From this reading Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
plural of “point” — a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
prescribedadjectiveUS /priˈskraɪbd/
set down as a rule or guide
From this reading In _Germany_ it is impossible for young people to marry without the consent of their parents or legal guardians, and unless certain prescribed forms are gone through, the marriage will be null and void.
past form of “produce” — bring forth or yield
From this reading So many certificates of birth, parentage, etc., have to be produced that, it is said, the working classes can neither afford the time nor the money necessary for a legal marriage; so many of them do without it.
something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone
From this reading The husband is the lord and master; his wife's property passes into his keeping and is at his absolute disposal.
QuaintadjectiveUS /kweɪnt/
strange in an interesting or pleasing way
From this reading _Foreign Etiquette of Marriage--Quaint Customs and Strange Superstitions._ Continental Weddings.
stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading So many certificates of birth, parentage, etc., have to be produced that, it is said, the working classes can neither afford the time nor the money necessary for a legal marriage; so many of them do without it.
used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest
From this reading Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading So many certificates of birth, parentage, etc., have to be produced that, it is said, the working classes can neither afford the time nor the money necessary for a legal marriage; so many of them do without it.
not in physical motion
From this reading Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading _Foreign Etiquette of Marriage--Quaint Customs and Strange Superstitions._ Continental Weddings.
SuperstitionsnounUS /ˌsuːpərˈstɪʃənz/
plural of “superstition” — an irrational belief arising from ignorance or fear
From this reading _Foreign Etiquette of Marriage--Quaint Customs and Strange Superstitions._ Continental Weddings.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading In _Germany_ it is impossible for young people to marry without the consent of their parents or legal guardians, and unless certain prescribed forms are gone through, the marriage will be null and void.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading So many certificates of birth, parentage, etc., have to be produced that, it is said, the working classes can neither afford the time nor the money necessary for a legal marriage; so many of them do without it.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading In _Germany_ it is impossible for young people to marry without the consent of their parents or legal guardians, and unless certain prescribed forms are gone through, the marriage will be null and void.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading So many certificates of birth, parentage, etc., have to be produced that, it is said, the working classes can neither afford the time nor the money necessary for a legal marriage; so many of them do without it.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In _Germany_ it is impossible for young people to marry without the consent of their parents or legal guardians, and unless certain prescribed forms are gone through, the marriage will be null and void.
townspeoplenounUS /ˈtaʊnzpiːpəl/
the people living in a municipality smaller than a city
From this reading Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
except if; if not
From this reading In _Germany_ it is impossible for young people to marry without the consent of their parents or legal guardians, and unless certain prescribed forms are gone through, the marriage will be null and void.
voidadjectiveUS /vɔɪd/
lacking any legal or binding force
From this reading In _Germany_ it is impossible for young people to marry without the consent of their parents or legal guardians, and unless certain prescribed forms are gone through, the marriage will be null and void.
structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired
From this reading Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Many of the national, picturesque customs have disappeared from the weddings of the townspeople and the more educated classes on the Continent; but many distinctive points of etiquette still remain, and we shall find that in matters of detail there is much that differs from our English ways.
WeddingsnounUS /ˈwedɪŋz/
plural of “wedding” — the social event at which the ceremony of marriage is performed
From this reading _Foreign Etiquette of Marriage--Quaint Customs and Strange Superstitions._ Continental Weddings.
wife'snounUS /waɪfs/
possessive form of “wife” — a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading The husband is the lord and master; his wife's property passes into his keeping and is at his absolute disposal.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading In _Germany_ it is impossible for young people to marry without the consent of their parents or legal guardians, and unless certain prescribed forms are gone through, the marriage will be null and void.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading In _Germany_ it is impossible for young people to marry without the consent of their parents or legal guardians, and unless certain prescribed forms are gone through, the marriage will be null and void.
actively engaged in paid work
From this reading So many certificates of birth, parentage, etc., have to be produced that, it is said, the working classes can neither afford the time nor the money necessary for a legal marriage; so many of them do without it.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading In _Germany_ it is impossible for young people to marry without the consent of their parents or legal guardians, and unless certain prescribed forms are gone through, the marriage will be null and void.
