used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible
From this reading The stately ceremonies of Stanief's reception and assumption of the regency; the dazzle and pageantry of the court even when thus subdued by mourning; his own sudden importance as the favorite of the actual sovereign, all merged into a glittering confusion through which he moved automatically.
AdriannounUS /ˈeɪdriən/
Roman Emperor who was the adoptive son of Trajan; travelled throughout his empire to strengthen its frontiers and encourage learning and architecture; on a visit to Britain in 122 he ordered the construction of Hadrian's Wall (76-138)
From this reading The first was the first morning when Stanief formally met the Emperor at the palace; and, as he had stooped to the salute, Adrian had deliberately given him an embrace so markedly affectionate that even Allard felt the significant thrill that ran through the room.
affectionateadjectiveUS /əˈfekʃənət/
having or displaying warmth or affection
From this reading The first was the first morning when Stanief formally met the Emperor at the palace; and, as he had stooped to the salute, Adrian had deliberately given him an embrace so markedly affectionate that even Allard felt the significant thrill that ran through the room.
(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 stately ceremonies of Stanief's reception and assumption of the regency; the dazzle and pageantry of the court even when thus subdued by mourning; his own sudden importance as the favorite of the actual sovereign, all merged into a glittering confusion through which he moved automatically.
Allard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So always to Allard seemed that first week in the country he learned to call home.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading So always to Allard seemed that first week in the country he learned to call home.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The first was the first morning when Stanief formally met the Emperor at the palace; and, as he had stooped to the salute, Adrian had deliberately given him an embrace so markedly affectionate that even Allard felt the significant thrill that ran through the room.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The stately ceremonies of Stanief's reception and assumption of the regency; the dazzle and pageantry of the court even when thus subdued by mourning; his own sudden importance as the favorite of the actual sovereign, all merged into a glittering confusion through which he moved automatically.
assumptionnounUS /əˈsʌmpʃən/
a statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn
From this reading The stately ceremonies of Stanief's reception and assumption of the regency; the dazzle and pageantry of the court even when thus subdued by mourning; his own sudden importance as the favorite of the actual sovereign, all merged into a glittering confusion through which he moved automatically.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The first was the first morning when Stanief formally met the Emperor at the palace; and, as he had stooped to the salute, Adrian had deliberately given him an embrace so markedly affectionate that even Allard felt the significant thrill that ran through the room.
automaticallyadverbUS /ˌɔːtəˈmætɪkli/
in a reflex manner
From this reading The stately ceremonies of Stanief's reception and assumption of the regency; the dazzle and pageantry of the court even when thus subdued by mourning; his own sudden importance as the favorite of the actual sovereign, all merged into a glittering confusion through which he moved automatically.
backgroundnounUS /ˈbækɡraʊnd/
a person's social heritage: previous experience or training
From this reading But there were two incidents which detached themselves from the bright background and always remained with him.
backwardadverbUS /ˈbækwərd/
at or to or toward the back or rear
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
blendedadjectiveUS /ˈblendɪd/
combined or mixed together so that the constituent parts are indistinguishable
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
blurverbUS /blɜːr/
become glassy; lose clear vision
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading But there were two incidents which detached themselves from the bright background and always remained with him.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But there were two incidents which detached themselves from the bright background and always remained with him.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The stately ceremonies of Stanief's reception and assumption of the regency; the dazzle and pageantry of the court even when thus subdued by mourning; his own sudden importance as the favorite of the actual sovereign, all merged into a glittering confusion through which he moved automatically.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading So always to Allard seemed that first week in the country he learned to call home.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
ceremoniesnounUS /ˈserəmoʊniz/
plural of “ceremony” — a formal event performed on a special occasion
From this reading The stately ceremonies of Stanief's reception and assumption of the regency; the dazzle and pageantry of the court even when thus subdued by mourning; his own sudden importance as the favorite of the actual sovereign, all merged into a glittering confusion through which he moved automatically.
a visual attribute of things that results from the light they emit or transmit or reflect
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
disorder resulting from a failure to behave predictably
From this reading The stately ceremonies of Stanief's reception and assumption of the regency; the dazzle and pageantry of the court even when thus subdued by mourning; his own sudden importance as the favorite of the actual sovereign, all merged into a glittering confusion through which he moved automatically.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading So always to Allard seemed that first week in the country he learned to call home.
an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
From this reading The stately ceremonies of Stanief's reception and assumption of the regency; the dazzle and pageantry of the court even when thus subdued by mourning; his own sudden importance as the favorite of the actual sovereign, all merged into a glittering confusion through which he moved automatically.
dazzleverbUS /ˈdæzəl/
to cause someone to lose clear vision, especially from intense light
From this reading The stately ceremonies of Stanief's reception and assumption of the regency; the dazzle and pageantry of the court even when thus subdued by mourning; his own sudden importance as the favorite of the actual sovereign, all merged into a glittering confusion through which he moved automatically.
deliberatelyadverbUS /dɪˈlɪbərətli/
with intention; in an intentional manner
From this reading The first was the first morning when Stanief formally met the Emperor at the palace; and, as he had stooped to the salute, Adrian had deliberately given him an embrace so markedly affectionate that even Allard felt the significant thrill that ran through the room.
detachedadjectiveUS /dɪˈtætʃt/
showing lack of emotional involvement
From this reading But there were two incidents which detached themselves from the bright background and always remained with him.
distinctadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɪŋkt/
(often followed by “from”) not alike; different in nature or quality
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
(used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
embraceverbUS /emˈbreɪs/
include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory
From this reading The first was the first morning when Stanief formally met the Emperor at the palace; and, as he had stooped to the salute, Adrian had deliberately given him an embrace so markedly affectionate that even Allard felt the significant thrill that ran through the room.
the male ruler of an empire
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
divisible by two
From this reading The stately ceremonies of Stanief's reception and assumption of the regency; the dazzle and pageantry of the court even when thus subdued by mourning; his own sudden importance as the favorite of the actual sovereign, all merged into a glittering confusion through which he moved automatically.
favoritenounUS /ˈfeɪvərɪt/
something regarded with special favor or liking
From this reading The stately ceremonies of Stanief's reception and assumption of the regency; the dazzle and pageantry of the court even when thus subdued by mourning; his own sudden importance as the favorite of the actual sovereign, all merged into a glittering confusion through which he moved automatically.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading The first was the first morning when Stanief formally met the Emperor at the palace; and, as he had stooped to the salute, Adrian had deliberately given him an embrace so markedly affectionate that even Allard felt the significant thrill that ran through the room.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading So always to Allard seemed that first week in the country he learned to call home.
formallyadverbUS /ˈfɔːrməli/
with official authorization
From this reading The first was the first morning when Stanief formally met the Emperor at the palace; and, as he had stooped to the salute, Adrian had deliberately given him an embrace so markedly affectionate that even Allard felt the significant thrill that ran through the room.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading But there were two incidents which detached themselves from the bright background and always remained with him.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading The first was the first morning when Stanief formally met the Emperor at the palace; and, as he had stooped to the salute, Adrian had deliberately given him an embrace so markedly affectionate that even Allard felt the significant thrill that ran through the room.
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
glitteringadjectiveUS /ˈɡlɪtərɪŋ/
having brief brilliant points or flashes of light
From this reading The stately ceremonies of Stanief's reception and assumption of the regency; the dazzle and pageantry of the court even when thus subdued by mourning; his own sudden importance as the favorite of the actual sovereign, all merged into a glittering confusion through which he moved automatically.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The first was the first morning when Stanief formally met the Emperor at the palace; and, as he had stooped to the salute, Adrian had deliberately given him an embrace so markedly affectionate that even Allard felt the significant thrill that ran through the room.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading So always to Allard seemed that first week in the country he learned to call home.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading But there were two incidents which detached themselves from the bright background and always remained with him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The stately ceremonies of Stanief's reception and assumption of the regency; the dazzle and pageantry of the court even when thus subdued by mourning; his own sudden importance as the favorite of the actual sovereign, all merged into a glittering confusion through which he moved automatically.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading So always to Allard seemed that first week in the country he learned to call home.
the quality of being important and worthy of note
From this reading The stately ceremonies of Stanief's reception and assumption of the regency; the dazzle and pageantry of the court even when thus subdued by mourning; his own sudden importance as the favorite of the actual sovereign, all merged into a glittering confusion through which he moved automatically.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
incidentsnounUS /ˈɪnsədənts/
plural of “incident” — a single distinct event
From this reading But there were two incidents which detached themselves from the bright background and always remained with him.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The stately ceremonies of Stanief's reception and assumption of the regency; the dazzle and pageantry of the court even when thus subdued by mourning; his own sudden importance as the favorite of the actual sovereign, all merged into a glittering confusion through which he moved automatically.
having or showing profound knowledge
From this reading So always to Allard seemed that first week in the country he learned to call home.
markedlyadverbUS /ˈmɑːrkədli/
in a clearly noticeable manner
From this reading The first was the first morning when Stanief formally met the Emperor at the palace; and, as he had stooped to the salute, Adrian had deliberately given him an embrace so markedly affectionate that even Allard felt the significant thrill that ran through the room.
come together
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information and knowledge.
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
mergedadjectiveUS /mɜːrdʒd/
formed or united into a whole
From this reading The stately ceremonies of Stanief's reception and assumption of the regency; the dazzle and pageantry of the court even when thus subdued by mourning; his own sudden importance as the favorite of the actual sovereign, all merged into a glittering confusion through which he moved automatically.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading The first was the first morning when Stanief formally met the Emperor at the palace; and, as he had stooped to the salute, Adrian had deliberately given him an embrace so markedly affectionate that even Allard felt the significant thrill that ran through the room.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading The first was the first morning when Stanief formally met the Emperor at the palace; and, as he had stooped to the salute, Adrian had deliberately given him an embrace so markedly affectionate that even Allard felt the significant thrill that ran through the room.
mourningnounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/
state of sorrow over the death or departure of a loved one
From this reading The stately ceremonies of Stanief's reception and assumption of the regency; the dazzle and pageantry of the court even when thus subdued by mourning; his own sudden importance as the favorite of the actual sovereign, all merged into a glittering confusion through which he moved automatically.
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading The stately ceremonies of Stanief's reception and assumption of the regency; the dazzle and pageantry of the court even when thus subdued by mourning; his own sudden importance as the favorite of the actual sovereign, all merged into a glittering confusion through which he moved automatically.
not any; not one
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading The stately ceremonies of Stanief's reception and assumption of the regency; the dazzle and pageantry of the court even when thus subdued by mourning; his own sudden importance as the favorite of the actual sovereign, all merged into a glittering confusion through which he moved automatically.
pageantrynounUS /ˈpædʒəntri/
a rich and spectacular ceremony
From this reading The stately ceremonies of Stanief's reception and assumption of the regency; the dazzle and pageantry of the court even when thus subdued by mourning; his own sudden importance as the favorite of the actual sovereign, all merged into a glittering confusion through which he moved automatically.
a large and stately mansion
From this reading The first was the first morning when Stanief formally met the Emperor at the palace; and, as he had stooped to the salute, Adrian had deliberately given him an embrace so markedly affectionate that even Allard felt the significant thrill that ran through the room.
periodsnounUS /ˈpɪriədz/
plural of “period” — an amount of time
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading The first was the first morning when Stanief formally met the Emperor at the palace; and, as he had stooped to the salute, Adrian had deliberately given him an embrace so markedly affectionate that even Allard felt the significant thrill that ran through the room.
on the contrary
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
receptionnounUS /rɪˈsepʃən/
the manner in which something is greeted
From this reading The stately ceremonies of Stanief's reception and assumption of the regency; the dazzle and pageantry of the court even when thus subdued by mourning; his own sudden importance as the favorite of the actual sovereign, all merged into a glittering confusion through which he moved automatically.
regencynounUS /ˈriːdʒənsi/
the period of time during which a regent governs
From this reading The stately ceremonies of Stanief's reception and assumption of the regency; the dazzle and pageantry of the court even when thus subdued by mourning; his own sudden importance as the favorite of the actual sovereign, all merged into a glittering confusion through which he moved automatically.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading But there were two incidents which detached themselves from the bright background and always remained with him.
possessing material wealth
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading The first was the first morning when Stanief formally met the Emperor at the palace; and, as he had stooped to the salute, Adrian had deliberately given him an embrace so markedly affectionate that even Allard felt the significant thrill that ran through the room.
saluteverbUS /səˈluːt/
propose a toast to
From this reading The first was the first morning when Stanief formally met the Emperor at the palace; and, as he had stooped to the salute, Adrian had deliberately given him an embrace so markedly affectionate that even Allard felt the significant thrill that ran through the room.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading So always to Allard seemed that first week in the country he learned to call home.
marked by exceptional merit
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
significantadjectiveUS /səɡˈnɪfɪkənt/
important in effect or meaning
From this reading The first was the first morning when Stanief formally met the Emperor at the palace; and, as he had stooped to the salute, Adrian had deliberately given him an embrace so markedly affectionate that even Allard felt the significant thrill that ran through the room.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading So always to Allard seemed that first week in the country he learned to call home.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
sovereignadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːv.rən/
Possessing supreme or ultimate power; autonomous and commanding.
From this reading The stately ceremonies of Stanief's reception and assumption of the regency; the dazzle and pageantry of the court even when thus subdued by mourning; his own sudden importance as the favorite of the actual sovereign, all merged into a glittering confusion through which he moved automatically.
Stanief
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first was the first morning when Stanief formally met the Emperor at the palace; and, as he had stooped to the salute, Adrian had deliberately given him an embrace so markedly affectionate that even Allard felt the significant thrill that ran through the room.
Stanief's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The stately ceremonies of Stanief's reception and assumption of the regency; the dazzle and pageantry of the court even when thus subdued by mourning; his own sudden importance as the favorite of the actual sovereign, all merged into a glittering confusion through which he moved automatically.
statelyadjectiveUS /ˈsteɪtli/
impressive in appearance
From this reading The stately ceremonies of Stanief's reception and assumption of the regency; the dazzle and pageantry of the court even when thus subdued by mourning; his own sudden importance as the favorite of the actual sovereign, all merged into a glittering confusion through which he moved automatically.
stoopedadjectiveUS /stuːpt/
having the back and shoulders rounded; not erect
From this reading The first was the first morning when Stanief formally met the Emperor at the palace; and, as he had stooped to the salute, Adrian had deliberately given him an embrace so markedly affectionate that even Allard felt the significant thrill that ran through the room.
subduedadjectiveUS /səbˈduːd/
in a softened tone
From this reading The stately ceremonies of Stanief's reception and assumption of the regency; the dazzle and pageantry of the court even when thus subdued by mourning; his own sudden importance as the favorite of the actual sovereign, all merged into a glittering confusion through which he moved automatically.
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading The stately ceremonies of Stanief's reception and assumption of the regency; the dazzle and pageantry of the court even when thus subdued by mourning; his own sudden importance as the favorite of the actual sovereign, all merged into a glittering confusion through which he moved automatically.
tapestrynounUS /ˈtæpəstri/
something that resembles a tapestry in its intricacy
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading So always to Allard seemed that first week in the country he learned to call home.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading But there were two incidents which detached themselves from the bright background and always remained with him.
in or at that place or location
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
threadverbUS /θred/
to move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
thrillnounUS /θrɪl/
the swift release of a store of affective force
From this reading The first was the first morning when Stanief formally met the Emperor at the palace; and, as he had stooped to the salute, Adrian had deliberately given him an embrace so markedly affectionate that even Allard felt the significant thrill that ran through the room.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading The stately ceremonies of Stanief's reception and assumption of the regency; the dazzle and pageantry of the court even when thus subdued by mourning; his own sudden importance as the favorite of the actual sovereign, all merged into a glittering confusion through which he moved automatically.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading The stately ceremonies of Stanief's reception and assumption of the regency; the dazzle and pageantry of the court even when thus subdued by mourning; his own sudden importance as the favorite of the actual sovereign, all merged into a glittering confusion through which he moved automatically.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading But there were two incidents which detached themselves from the bright background and always remained with him.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The first was the first morning when Stanief formally met the Emperor at the palace; and, as he had stooped to the salute, Adrian had deliberately given him an embrace so markedly affectionate that even Allard felt the significant thrill that ran through the room.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading So always to Allard seemed that first week in the country he learned to call home.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading But there were two incidents which detached themselves from the bright background and always remained with him.
at the time that
From this reading The stately ceremonies of Stanief's reception and assumption of the regency; the dazzle and pageantry of the court even when thus subdued by mourning; his own sudden importance as the favorite of the actual sovereign, all merged into a glittering confusion through which he moved automatically.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading TO MEET THE EMPEROR There are some periods which offer to the backward glance of memory rather a blur of blended color than a distinct picture, a rich and shining tapestry in which no one thread can be distinguished.
in the company of; together with
From this reading But there were two incidents which detached themselves from the bright background and always remained with him.
