used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading She sat down for a moment, attempting to wait patiently and, after several glances at the large old-fashioned clock, surmounted by a threatening bronze figure of Vercingetorix the Gaul, she rose again and crossed the room with slow, lagging steps.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading She sat down for a moment, attempting to wait patiently and, after several glances at the large old-fashioned clock, surmounted by a threatening bronze figure of Vercingetorix the Gaul, she rose again and crossed the room with slow, lagging steps.
anew
From this reading She sat down for a moment, attempting to wait patiently and, after several glances at the large old-fashioned clock, surmounted by a threatening bronze figure of Vercingetorix the Gaul, she rose again and crossed the room with slow, lagging steps.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In one hand she held her umbrella, though the weather was fine and the barometer high, while with the other hand she raised the long crape veil draped over her widow’s bonnet.
armchairsnounUS /ˈɑːrmtʃerz/
plural of “armchair” — chair with a support on each side for arms
From this reading She sat down again; this time not on one of the many well-worn armchairs, whose familiar comfort seemed so inviting, but instead upon a cane-seated chair, from which she could rise more promptly and with less effort.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading MARCEL’S HOMECOMING Madame Guibert was waiting in the drawing-room at “Le Maupas,” ready to go out.
attemptingverbUS /əˈtemptɪŋ/
-ing form of “attempt” — make an effort or attempt
From this reading She sat down for a moment, attempting to wait patiently and, after several glances at the large old-fashioned clock, surmounted by a threatening bronze figure of Vercingetorix the Gaul, she rose again and crossed the room with slow, lagging steps.
barometernounUS /bərˈɑːmɪtər/
an instrument that measures atmospheric pressure
From this reading In one hand she held her umbrella, though the weather was fine and the barometer high, while with the other hand she raised the long crape veil draped over her widow’s bonnet.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading She seemed to be deep in a study of the quaint old clock-face.
bonnetnounUS /ˈbɑːnət/
a hat tied under the chin
From this reading In one hand she held her umbrella, though the weather was fine and the barometer high, while with the other hand she raised the long crape veil draped over her widow’s bonnet.
bronzenounUS /brɑːnz/
an alloy of copper and tin and sometimes other elements; also any copper-base alloy containing other elements in place of tin
From this reading She sat down for a moment, attempting to wait patiently and, after several glances at the large old-fashioned clock, surmounted by a threatening bronze figure of Vercingetorix the Gaul, she rose again and crossed the room with slow, lagging steps.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading She sat down again; this time not on one of the many well-worn armchairs, whose familiar comfort seemed so inviting, but instead upon a cane-seated chair, from which she could rise more promptly and with less effort.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading She sat down for a moment, attempting to wait patiently and, after several glances at the large old-fashioned clock, surmounted by a threatening bronze figure of Vercingetorix the Gaul, she rose again and crossed the room with slow, lagging steps.
cane-seated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She sat down again; this time not on one of the many well-worn armchairs, whose familiar comfort seemed so inviting, but instead upon a cane-seated chair, from which she could rise more promptly and with less effort.
a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading She sat down again; this time not on one of the many well-worn armchairs, whose familiar comfort seemed so inviting, but instead upon a cane-seated chair, from which she could rise more promptly and with less effort.
a timepiece that shows the time of day
From this reading She sat down for a moment, attempting to wait patiently and, after several glances at the large old-fashioned clock, surmounted by a threatening bronze figure of Vercingetorix the Gaul, she rose again and crossed the room with slow, lagging steps.
clock-face
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She seemed to be deep in a study of the quaint old clock-face.
a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain
From this reading She sat down again; this time not on one of the many well-worn armchairs, whose familiar comfort seemed so inviting, but instead upon a cane-seated chair, from which she could rise more promptly and with less effort.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading She sat down again; this time not on one of the many well-worn armchairs, whose familiar comfort seemed so inviting, but instead upon a cane-seated chair, from which she could rise more promptly and with less effort.
crapenoun
small very thin pancake
From this reading In one hand she held her umbrella, though the weather was fine and the barometer high, while with the other hand she raised the long crape veil draped over her widow’s bonnet.
placed crosswise
From this reading She sat down for a moment, attempting to wait patiently and, after several glances at the large old-fashioned clock, surmounted by a threatening bronze figure of Vercingetorix the Gaul, she rose again and crossed the room with slow, lagging steps.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading She seemed to be deep in a study of the quaint old clock-face.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading She sat down for a moment, attempting to wait patiently and, after several glances at the large old-fashioned clock, surmounted by a threatening bronze figure of Vercingetorix the Gaul, she rose again and crossed the room with slow, lagging steps.
drapedadjectiveUS /dreɪpt/
covered with or as if with clothes or a wrap or cloak
From this reading In one hand she held her umbrella, though the weather was fine and the barometer high, while with the other hand she raised the long crape veil draped over her widow’s bonnet.
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MARCEL’S HOMECOMING Madame Guibert was waiting in the drawing-room at “Le Maupas,” ready to go out.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading She sat down again; this time not on one of the many well-worn armchairs, whose familiar comfort seemed so inviting, but instead upon a cane-seated chair, from which she could rise more promptly and with less effort.
well known or easily recognized
From this reading She sat down again; this time not on one of the many well-worn armchairs, whose familiar comfort seemed so inviting, but instead upon a cane-seated chair, from which she could rise more promptly and with less effort.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading She sat down for a moment, attempting to wait patiently and, after several glances at the large old-fashioned clock, surmounted by a threatening bronze figure of Vercingetorix the Gaul, she rose again and crossed the room with slow, lagging steps.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading In one hand she held her umbrella, though the weather was fine and the barometer high, while with the other hand she raised the long crape veil draped over her widow’s bonnet.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading She sat down for a moment, attempting to wait patiently and, after several glances at the large old-fashioned clock, surmounted by a threatening bronze figure of Vercingetorix the Gaul, she rose again and crossed the room with slow, lagging steps.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading She sat down again; this time not on one of the many well-worn armchairs, whose familiar comfort seemed so inviting, but instead upon a cane-seated chair, from which she could rise more promptly and with less effort.
GaulnounUS /ɡɔːl/
a person of French descent
From this reading She sat down for a moment, attempting to wait patiently and, after several glances at the large old-fashioned clock, surmounted by a threatening bronze figure of Vercingetorix the Gaul, she rose again and crossed the room with slow, lagging steps.
glancesnounUS /ˈɡlænsɪz/
plural of “glance” — a quick look
From this reading She sat down for a moment, attempting to wait patiently and, after several glances at the large old-fashioned clock, surmounted by a threatening bronze figure of Vercingetorix the Gaul, she rose again and crossed the room with slow, lagging steps.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading MARCEL’S HOMECOMING Madame Guibert was waiting in the drawing-room at “Le Maupas,” ready to go out.
Guibert
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MARCEL’S HOMECOMING Madame Guibert was waiting in the drawing-room at “Le Maupas,” ready to go out.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading In one hand she held her umbrella, though the weather was fine and the barometer high, while with the other hand she raised the long crape veil draped over her widow’s bonnet.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading In one hand she held her umbrella, though the weather was fine and the barometer high, while with the other hand she raised the long crape veil draped over her widow’s bonnet.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading In one hand she held her umbrella, though the weather was fine and the barometer high, while with the other hand she raised the long crape veil draped over her widow’s bonnet.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading In one hand she held her umbrella, though the weather was fine and the barometer high, while with the other hand she raised the long crape veil draped over her widow’s bonnet.
HOMECOMINGnounUS /ˈhoʊmkʌmɪŋ/
an annual school or university reunion for graduates
From this reading MARCEL’S HOMECOMING Madame Guibert was waiting in the drawing-room at “Le Maupas,” ready to go out.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading MARCEL’S HOMECOMING Madame Guibert was waiting in the drawing-room at “Le Maupas,” ready to go out.
in place of, or as an alternative to
From this reading She sat down again; this time not on one of the many well-worn armchairs, whose familiar comfort seemed so inviting, but instead upon a cane-seated chair, from which she could rise more promptly and with less effort.
invitingadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈvaɪtɪŋ/
attractive and tempting
From this reading She sat down again; this time not on one of the many well-worn armchairs, whose familiar comfort seemed so inviting, but instead upon a cane-seated chair, from which she could rise more promptly and with less effort.
laggingnounUS /ˈlæɡɪŋ/
insulation used to wrap around pipes or boilers or laid in attics to prevent loss of heat
From this reading She sat down for a moment, attempting to wait patiently and, after several glances at the large old-fashioned clock, surmounted by a threatening bronze figure of Vercingetorix the Gaul, she rose again and crossed the room with slow, lagging steps.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading She sat down for a moment, attempting to wait patiently and, after several glances at the large old-fashioned clock, surmounted by a threatening bronze figure of Vercingetorix the Gaul, she rose again and crossed the room with slow, lagging steps.
a chronic inflammatory collagen disease affecting connective tissue (skin or joints)
From this reading MARCEL’S HOMECOMING Madame Guibert was waiting in the drawing-room at “Le Maupas,” ready to go out.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading She sat down again; this time not on one of the many well-worn armchairs, whose familiar comfort seemed so inviting, but instead upon a cane-seated chair, from which she could rise more promptly and with less effort.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading In one hand she held her umbrella, though the weather was fine and the barometer high, while with the other hand she raised the long crape veil draped over her widow’s bonnet.
title used for a married Frenchwoman
From this reading MARCEL’S HOMECOMING Madame Guibert was waiting in the drawing-room at “Le Maupas,” ready to go out.
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 She sat down again; this time not on one of the many well-worn armchairs, whose familiar comfort seemed so inviting, but instead upon a cane-seated chair, from which she could rise more promptly and with less effort.
MARCEL'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MARCEL’S HOMECOMING Madame Guibert was waiting in the drawing-room at “Le Maupas,” ready to go out.
Maupas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MARCEL’S HOMECOMING Madame Guibert was waiting in the drawing-room at “Le Maupas,” ready to go out.
a particular point in time
From this reading She sat down for a moment, attempting to wait patiently and, after several glances at the large old-fashioned clock, surmounted by a threatening bronze figure of Vercingetorix the Gaul, she rose again and crossed the room with slow, lagging steps.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading She sat down again; this time not on one of the many well-worn armchairs, whose familiar comfort seemed so inviting, but instead upon a cane-seated chair, from which she could rise more promptly and with less effort.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading She sat down again; this time not on one of the many well-worn armchairs, whose familiar comfort seemed so inviting, but instead upon a cane-seated chair, from which she could rise more promptly and with less effort.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading She sat down for a moment, attempting to wait patiently and, after several glances at the large old-fashioned clock, surmounted by a threatening bronze figure of Vercingetorix the Gaul, she rose again and crossed the room with slow, lagging steps.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading She seemed to be deep in a study of the quaint old clock-face.
old-fashionedadjectiveUS /ˌoʊldˈfæʃənd/
out of fashion
From this reading She sat down for a moment, attempting to wait patiently and, after several glances at the large old-fashioned clock, surmounted by a threatening bronze figure of Vercingetorix the Gaul, she rose again and crossed the room with slow, lagging steps.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading She sat down again; this time not on one of the many well-worn armchairs, whose familiar comfort seemed so inviting, but instead upon a cane-seated chair, from which she could rise more promptly and with less effort.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading In one hand she held her umbrella, though the weather was fine and the barometer high, while with the other hand she raised the long crape veil draped over her widow’s bonnet.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading In one hand she held her umbrella, though the weather was fine and the barometer high, while with the other hand she raised the long crape veil draped over her widow’s bonnet.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading MARCEL’S HOMECOMING Madame Guibert was waiting in the drawing-room at “Le Maupas,” ready to go out.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading In one hand she held her umbrella, though the weather was fine and the barometer high, while with the other hand she raised the long crape veil draped over her widow’s bonnet.
patientlyadverbUS /ˈpeɪʃəntli/
with patience; in a patient manner
From this reading She sat down for a moment, attempting to wait patiently and, after several glances at the large old-fashioned clock, surmounted by a threatening bronze figure of Vercingetorix the Gaul, she rose again and crossed the room with slow, lagging steps.
with little or no delay
From this reading She sat down again; this time not on one of the many well-worn armchairs, whose familiar comfort seemed so inviting, but instead upon a cane-seated chair, from which she could rise more promptly and with less effort.
quaintadjectiveUS /kweɪnt/
strange in an interesting or pleasing way
From this reading She seemed to be deep in a study of the quaint old clock-face.
located or moved above the surround or above the normal position
From this reading In one hand she held her umbrella, though the weather was fine and the barometer high, while with the other hand she raised the long crape veil draped over her widow’s bonnet.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading MARCEL’S HOMECOMING Madame Guibert was waiting in the drawing-room at “Le Maupas,” ready to go out.
move upward
From this reading She sat down again; this time not on one of the many well-worn armchairs, whose familiar comfort seemed so inviting, but instead upon a cane-seated chair, from which she could rise more promptly and with less effort.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading She sat down for a moment, attempting to wait patiently and, after several glances at the large old-fashioned clock, surmounted by a threatening bronze figure of Vercingetorix the Gaul, she rose again and crossed the room with slow, lagging steps.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading She sat down for a moment, attempting to wait patiently and, after several glances at the large old-fashioned clock, surmounted by a threatening bronze figure of Vercingetorix the Gaul, she rose again and crossed the room with slow, lagging steps.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading She sat down for a moment, attempting to wait patiently and, after several glances at the large old-fashioned clock, surmounted by a threatening bronze figure of Vercingetorix the Gaul, she rose again and crossed the room with slow, lagging steps.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading She seemed to be deep in a study of the quaint old clock-face.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading She sat down for a moment, attempting to wait patiently and, after several glances at the large old-fashioned clock, surmounted by a threatening bronze figure of Vercingetorix the Gaul, she rose again and crossed the room with slow, lagging steps.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In one hand she held her umbrella, though the weather was fine and the barometer high, while with the other hand she raised the long crape veil draped over her widow’s bonnet.
not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time
From this reading She sat down for a moment, attempting to wait patiently and, after several glances at the large old-fashioned clock, surmounted by a threatening bronze figure of Vercingetorix the Gaul, she rose again and crossed the room with slow, lagging steps.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading She sat down again; this time not on one of the many well-worn armchairs, whose familiar comfort seemed so inviting, but instead upon a cane-seated chair, from which she could rise more promptly and with less effort.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading She sat down for a moment, attempting to wait patiently and, after several glances at the large old-fashioned clock, surmounted by a threatening bronze figure of Vercingetorix the Gaul, she rose again and crossed the room with slow, lagging steps.
a detailed critical inspection
From this reading She seemed to be deep in a study of the quaint old clock-face.
surmountedadjectiveUS /sərˈmaʊntɪd/
having something on top
From this reading She sat down for a moment, attempting to wait patiently and, after several glances at the large old-fashioned clock, surmounted by a threatening bronze figure of Vercingetorix the Gaul, she rose again and crossed the room with slow, lagging steps.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading MARCEL’S HOMECOMING Madame Guibert was waiting in the drawing-room at “Le Maupas,” ready to go out.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading She sat down again; this time not on one of the many well-worn armchairs, whose familiar comfort seemed so inviting, but instead upon a cane-seated chair, from which she could rise more promptly and with less effort.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading In one hand she held her umbrella, though the weather was fine and the barometer high, while with the other hand she raised the long crape veil draped over her widow’s bonnet.
threateningadjectiveUS /ˈθretənɪŋ/
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
From this reading She sat down for a moment, attempting to wait patiently and, after several glances at the large old-fashioned clock, surmounted by a threatening bronze figure of Vercingetorix the Gaul, she rose again and crossed the room with slow, lagging steps.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading She sat down again; this time not on one of the many well-worn armchairs, whose familiar comfort seemed so inviting, but instead upon a cane-seated chair, from which she could rise more promptly and with less effort.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading MARCEL’S HOMECOMING Madame Guibert was waiting in the drawing-room at “Le Maupas,” ready to go out.
umbrellanounUS /əmˈbrelə/
a lightweight handheld collapsible canopy
From this reading In one hand she held her umbrella, though the weather was fine and the barometer high, while with the other hand she raised the long crape veil draped over her widow’s bonnet.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading She sat down again; this time not on one of the many well-worn armchairs, whose familiar comfort seemed so inviting, but instead upon a cane-seated chair, from which she could rise more promptly and with less effort.
a garment that covers the head and face
From this reading In one hand she held her umbrella, though the weather was fine and the barometer high, while with the other hand she raised the long crape veil draped over her widow’s bonnet.
Vercingetorix
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She sat down for a moment, attempting to wait patiently and, after several glances at the large old-fashioned clock, surmounted by a threatening bronze figure of Vercingetorix the Gaul, she rose again and crossed the room with slow, lagging steps.
stay in one place and anticipate or expect something
From this reading She sat down for a moment, attempting to wait patiently and, after several glances at the large old-fashioned clock, surmounted by a threatening bronze figure of Vercingetorix the Gaul, she rose again and crossed the room with slow, lagging steps.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading MARCEL’S HOMECOMING Madame Guibert was waiting in the drawing-room at “Le Maupas,” ready to go out.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading MARCEL’S HOMECOMING Madame Guibert was waiting in the drawing-room at “Le Maupas,” ready to go out.
the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation
From this reading In one hand she held her umbrella, though the weather was fine and the barometer high, while with the other hand she raised the long crape veil draped over her widow’s bonnet.
well-wornadjective
showing signs of much wear or use
From this reading She sat down again; this time not on one of the many well-worn armchairs, whose familiar comfort seemed so inviting, but instead upon a cane-seated chair, from which she could rise more promptly and with less effort.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading She sat down again; this time not on one of the many well-worn armchairs, whose familiar comfort seemed so inviting, but instead upon a cane-seated chair, from which she could rise more promptly and with less effort.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading In one hand she held her umbrella, though the weather was fine and the barometer high, while with the other hand she raised the long crape veil draped over her widow’s bonnet.
belonging to which person
From this reading She sat down again; this time not on one of the many well-worn armchairs, whose familiar comfort seemed so inviting, but instead upon a cane-seated chair, from which she could rise more promptly and with less effort.
widow'snounUS /ˈwɪdoʊz/
possessive form of “widow” — a woman whose husband is dead especially one who has not remarried
From this reading In one hand she held her umbrella, though the weather was fine and the barometer high, while with the other hand she raised the long crape veil draped over her widow’s bonnet.
in the company of; together with
From this reading In one hand she held her umbrella, though the weather was fine and the barometer high, while with the other hand she raised the long crape veil draped over her widow’s bonnet.
