Chapter IV

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

From this reading Gonthram Neroweg, Count of Plouernel, occupied a cosy little house on Paradis-Poissonniere Street, built by his own grandfather.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The somewhat _rococo_ elegance of the establishment suggested it must have been constructed about the middle of the last century, and had done service as a city residence.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

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

From this reading The quarter of the Poissonnieres, or Fish-markets, as the neighborhood was called in the days of the Regency, but now almost deserted, was perfectly appropriate for those mysterious retreats that are devoted to the cult of Venus Aphrodite.

in addition

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

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

From this reading The somewhat _rococo_ elegance of the establishment suggested it must have been constructed about the middle of the last century, and had done service as a city residence.

goddess of love and beauty and daughter of Zeus in ancient mythology; identified with Roman Venus

From this reading The quarter of the Poissonnieres, or Fish-markets, as the neighborhood was called in the days of the Regency, but now almost deserted, was perfectly appropriate for those mysterious retreats that are devoted to the cult of Venus Aphrodite.

give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause

From this reading The quarter of the Poissonnieres, or Fish-markets, as the neighborhood was called in the days of the Regency, but now almost deserted, was perfectly appropriate for those mysterious retreats that are devoted to the cult of Venus Aphrodite.

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

From this reading The quarter of the Poissonnieres, or Fish-markets, as the neighborhood was called in the days of the Regency, but now almost deserted, was perfectly appropriate for those mysterious retreats that are devoted to the cult of Venus Aphrodite.

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

From this reading The somewhat _rococo_ elegance of the establishment suggested it must have been constructed about the middle of the last century, and had done service as a city residence.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

for the reason that

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The somewhat _rococo_ elegance of the establishment suggested it must have been constructed about the middle of the last century, and had done service as a city residence.

cause to be bored

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

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

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

a person with dark (brown) hair

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness

From this reading Gonthram Neroweg, Count of Plouernel, occupied a cosy little house on Paradis-Poissonniere Street, built by his own grandfather.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The quarter of the Poissonnieres, or Fish-markets, as the neighborhood was called in the days of the Regency, but now almost deserted, was perfectly appropriate for those mysterious retreats that are devoted to the cult of Venus Aphrodite.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Gonthram Neroweg, Count of Plouernel, occupied a cosy little house on Paradis-Poissonniere Street, built by his own grandfather.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading The quarter of the Poissonnieres, or Fish-markets, as the neighborhood was called in the days of the Regency, but now almost deserted, was perfectly appropriate for those mysterious retreats that are devoted to the cult of Venus Aphrodite.

past form of “care” — feel concern or interest

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

widely known and esteemed

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

a period of 100 years

From this reading The somewhat _rococo_ elegance of the establishment suggested it must have been constructed about the middle of the last century, and had done service as a city residence.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading The somewhat _rococo_ elegance of the establishment suggested it must have been constructed about the middle of the last century, and had done service as a city residence.

past form of “construct” — make by combining materials and parts

From this reading The somewhat _rococo_ elegance of the establishment suggested it must have been constructed about the middle of the last century, and had done service as a city residence.

a padded cloth covering to keep a teapot warm

From this reading Gonthram Neroweg, Count of Plouernel, occupied a cosy little house on Paradis-Poissonniere Street, built by his own grandfather.

determine the number or amount of

From this reading Gonthram Neroweg, Count of Plouernel, occupied a cosy little house on Paradis-Poissonniere Street, built by his own grandfather.

followers of an exclusive system of beliefs and practices

From this reading The quarter of the Poissonnieres, or Fish-markets, as the neighborhood was called in the days of the Regency, but now almost deserted, was perfectly appropriate for those mysterious retreats that are devoted to the cult of Venus Aphrodite.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading The quarter of the Poissonnieres, or Fish-markets, as the neighborhood was called in the days of the Regency, but now almost deserted, was perfectly appropriate for those mysterious retreats that are devoted to the cult of Venus Aphrodite.

forsaken by owner or inhabitants

From this reading The quarter of the Poissonnieres, or Fish-markets, as the neighborhood was called in the days of the Regency, but now almost deserted, was perfectly appropriate for those mysterious retreats that are devoted to the cult of Venus Aphrodite.

zealous in devotion or affection

From this reading The quarter of the Poissonnieres, or Fish-markets, as the neighborhood was called in the days of the Regency, but now almost deserted, was perfectly appropriate for those mysterious retreats that are devoted to the cult of Venus Aphrodite.

plural of “ditty” — a short simple song (or the words of a poem intended to be sung)

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading The somewhat _rococo_ elegance of the establishment suggested it must have been constructed about the middle of the last century, and had done service as a city residence.

a refined quality of gracefulness and good taste

From this reading The somewhat _rococo_ elegance of the establishment suggested it must have been constructed about the middle of the last century, and had done service as a city residence.

the act of forming or establishing something

From this reading The somewhat _rococo_ elegance of the establishment suggested it must have been constructed about the middle of the last century, and had done service as a city residence.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

associated with women and not with men

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

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

From this reading The quarter of the Poissonnieres, or Fish-markets, as the neighborhood was called in the days of the Regency, but now almost deserted, was perfectly appropriate for those mysterious retreats that are devoted to the cult of Venus Aphrodite.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The quarter of the Poissonnieres, or Fish-markets, as the neighborhood was called in the days of the Regency, but now almost deserted, was perfectly appropriate for those mysterious retreats that are devoted to the cult of Venus Aphrodite.

a young female

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

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

From this reading Gonthram Neroweg, Count of Plouernel, occupied a cosy little house on Paradis-Poissonniere Street, built by his own grandfather.

the father of your father or mother

From this reading Gonthram Neroweg, Count of Plouernel, occupied a cosy little house on Paradis-Poissonniere Street, built by his own grandfather.

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

From this reading The somewhat _rococo_ elegance of the establishment suggested it must have been constructed about the middle of the last century, and had done service as a city residence.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The somewhat _rococo_ elegance of the establishment suggested it must have been constructed about the middle of the last century, and had done service as a city residence.

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

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

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

From this reading Gonthram Neroweg, Count of Plouernel, occupied a cosy little house on Paradis-Poissonniere Street, built by his own grandfather.

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

From this reading Gonthram Neroweg, Count of Plouernel, occupied a cosy little house on Paradis-Poissonniere Street, built by his own grandfather.

capable of being imagined

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

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

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

-ing form of “improvise” — perform without preparation

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

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

From this reading The quarter of the Poissonnieres, or Fish-markets, as the neighborhood was called in the days of the Regency, but now almost deserted, was perfectly appropriate for those mysterious retreats that are devoted to the cult of Venus Aphrodite.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The somewhat _rococo_ elegance of the establishment suggested it must have been constructed about the middle of the last century, and had done service as a city residence.

inadequate in amount or degree

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

immediately past

From this reading The somewhat _rococo_ elegance of the establishment suggested it must have been constructed about the middle of the last century, and had done service as a city residence.

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

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

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 The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Gonthram Neroweg, Count of Plouernel, occupied a cosy little house on Paradis-Poissonniere Street, built by his own grandfather.

full of life and energy

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

an area that is approximately central within some larger region

From this reading The somewhat _rococo_ elegance of the establishment suggested it must have been constructed about the middle of the last century, and had done service as a city residence.

great merriment

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading The somewhat _rococo_ elegance of the establishment suggested it must have been constructed about the middle of the last century, and had done service as a city residence.

of an obscure nature

From this reading The quarter of the Poissonnieres, or Fish-markets, as the neighborhood was called in the days of the Regency, but now almost deserted, was perfectly appropriate for those mysterious retreats that are devoted to the cult of Venus Aphrodite.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

a surrounding or nearby region

From this reading The quarter of the Poissonnieres, or Fish-markets, as the neighborhood was called in the days of the Regency, but now almost deserted, was perfectly appropriate for those mysterious retreats that are devoted to the cult of Venus Aphrodite.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

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

From this reading Gonthram Neroweg, Count of Plouernel, occupied a cosy little house on Paradis-Poissonniere Street, built by his own grandfather.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

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

From this reading The quarter of the Poissonnieres, or Fish-markets, as the neighborhood was called in the days of the Regency, but now almost deserted, was perfectly appropriate for those mysterious retreats that are devoted to the cult of Venus Aphrodite.

held or filled or in use

From this reading Gonthram Neroweg, Count of Plouernel, occupied a cosy little house on Paradis-Poissonniere Street, built by his own grandfather.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Gonthram Neroweg, Count of Plouernel, occupied a cosy little house on Paradis-Poissonniere Street, built by his own grandfather.

many times at short intervals

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Gonthram Neroweg, Count of Plouernel, occupied a cosy little house on Paradis-Poissonniere Street, built by his own grandfather.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The quarter of the Poissonnieres, or Fish-markets, as the neighborhood was called in the days of the Regency, but now almost deserted, was perfectly appropriate for those mysterious retreats that are devoted to the cult of Venus Aphrodite.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Gonthram Neroweg, Count of Plouernel, occupied a cosy little house on Paradis-Poissonniere Street, built by his own grandfather.

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

From this reading Gonthram Neroweg, Count of Plouernel, occupied a cosy little house on Paradis-Poissonniere Street, built by his own grandfather.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading The quarter of the Poissonnieres, or Fish-markets, as the neighborhood was called in the days of the Regency, but now almost deserted, was perfectly appropriate for those mysterious retreats that are devoted to the cult of Venus Aphrodite.

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

From this reading Gonthram Neroweg, Count of Plouernel, occupied a cosy little house on Paradis-Poissonniere Street, built by his own grandfather.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

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

From this reading The quarter of the Poissonnieres, or Fish-markets, as the neighborhood was called in the days of the Regency, but now almost deserted, was perfectly appropriate for those mysterious retreats that are devoted to the cult of Venus Aphrodite.

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

From this reading PRADELINE.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

one of four equal parts

From this reading The quarter of the Poissonnieres, or Fish-markets, as the neighborhood was called in the days of the Regency, but now almost deserted, was perfectly appropriate for those mysterious retreats that are devoted to the cult of Venus Aphrodite.

the only fertile female in a colony of social insects such as bees and ants and termites; its function is to lay eggs

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

the state of having been made ready or prepared for use or action (especially military action)

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

bringing about salvation or redemption from sin

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

the period of time during which a regent governs

From this reading The quarter of the Poissonnieres, or Fish-markets, as the neighborhood was called in the days of the Regency, but now almost deserted, was perfectly appropriate for those mysterious retreats that are devoted to the cult of Venus Aphrodite.

any address at which you dwell more than temporarily

From this reading The somewhat _rococo_ elegance of the establishment suggested it must have been constructed about the middle of the last century, and had done service as a city residence.

plural of “retreat” — (military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat

From this reading The quarter of the Poissonnieres, or Fish-markets, as the neighborhood was called in the days of the Regency, but now almost deserted, was perfectly appropriate for those mysterious retreats that are devoted to the cult of Venus Aphrodite.

fanciful but graceful asymmetric ornamentation in art and architecture that originated in France in the 18th century

From this reading The somewhat _rococo_ elegance of the establishment suggested it must have been constructed about the middle of the last century, and had done service as a city residence.

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading The somewhat _rococo_ elegance of the establishment suggested it must have been constructed about the middle of the last century, and had done service as a city residence.

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

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading The somewhat _rococo_ elegance of the establishment suggested it must have been constructed about the middle of the last century, and had done service as a city residence.

the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading Gonthram Neroweg, Count of Plouernel, occupied a cosy little house on Paradis-Poissonniere Street, built by his own grandfather.

plural of “subject” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading The somewhat _rococo_ elegance of the establishment suggested it must have been constructed about the middle of the last century, and had done service as a city residence.

plural of “supper” — a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

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

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

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

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

a coming to an end of a contract period

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

a private conversation between two people

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The quarter of the Poissonnieres, or Fish-markets, as the neighborhood was called in the days of the Regency, but now almost deserted, was perfectly appropriate for those mysterious retreats that are devoted to the cult of Venus Aphrodite.

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

From this reading The somewhat _rococo_ elegance of the establishment suggested it must have been constructed about the middle of the last century, and had done service as a city residence.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading The quarter of the Poissonnieres, or Fish-markets, as the neighborhood was called in the days of the Regency, but now almost deserted, was perfectly appropriate for those mysterious retreats that are devoted to the cult of Venus Aphrodite.

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

From this reading The quarter of the Poissonnieres, or Fish-markets, as the neighborhood was called in the days of the Regency, but now almost deserted, was perfectly appropriate for those mysterious retreats that are devoted to the cult of Venus Aphrodite.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

the second nearest planet to the sun

From this reading The quarter of the Poissonnieres, or Fish-markets, as the neighborhood was called in the days of the Regency, but now almost deserted, was perfectly appropriate for those mysterious retreats that are devoted to the cult of Venus Aphrodite.

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

From this reading The quarter of the Poissonnieres, or Fish-markets, as the neighborhood was called in the days of the Regency, but now almost deserted, was perfectly appropriate for those mysterious retreats that are devoted to the cult of Venus Aphrodite.

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

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

which person or people

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

belonging to which person

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

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

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.

a late time of life

From this reading The Count of Plouernel was breakfasting _tete-a-tete_ with a pretty girl of about twenty years--a brunette, lively and laughterful, who had been surnamed Pradeline because of her readiness, at the suppers of which she always was the soul and often the queen also, in improvising upon all imaginable subjects, ditties that the celebrated improviser, whose name she bore with a feminine termination, would surely not have cared to father, but which had at least the redeeming feature of lacking neither in point nor in mirthfulness.