Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading It was in the Théatre St. Philippe (they had laid a temporary floor over the parquette seats) in the city we now call New Orleans, in the month of September, and in the year 1803.

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

From this reading It was in the Théatre St. Philippe (they had laid a temporary floor over the parquette seats) in the city we now call New Orleans, in the month of September, and in the year 1803.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading Under the twinkle of numberless candles, and in a perfumed air thrilled with the wailing ecstasy of violins, the little Creole capital's proudest and best were offering up the first cool night of the languidly departing summer to the divine Terpsichore.

in an entertaining and amusing manner

From this reading It was like hustling her out, it is true, to give a select _bal masqué_ at such a very early--such an amusingly early date; but it was fitting that something should be done for the sick and the destitute; and why not this?

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading It was like hustling her out, it is true, to give a select _bal masqué_ at such a very early--such an amusingly early date; but it was fitting that something should be done for the sick and the destitute; and why not this?

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

From this reading It was in the Théatre St. Philippe (they had laid a temporary floor over the parquette seats) in the city we now call New Orleans, in the month of September, and in the year 1803.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It was like hustling her out, it is true, to give a select _bal masqué_ at such a very early--such an amusingly early date; but it was fitting that something should be done for the sick and the destitute; and why not this?

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

From this reading It was like hustling her out, it is true, to give a select _bal masqué_ at such a very early--such an amusingly early date; but it was fitting that something should be done for the sick and the destitute; and why not this?

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading It was like hustling her out, it is true, to give a select _bal masqué_ at such a very early--such an amusingly early date; but it was fitting that something should be done for the sick and the destitute; and why not this?

have

From this reading For summer there, bear in mind, is a loitering gossip, that only begins to talk of leaving when September rises to go.

plural of “begin” — Israeli statesman (born in Russia) who (as prime minister of Israel) negotiated a peace treaty with Anwar Sadat (then the president of Egypt) (1913-1992)

From this reading For summer there, bear in mind, is a loitering gossip, that only begins to talk of leaving when September rises to go.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading Under the twinkle of numberless candles, and in a perfumed air thrilled with the wailing ecstasy of violins, the little Creole capital's proudest and best were offering up the first cool night of the languidly departing summer to the divine Terpsichore.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It was like hustling her out, it is true, to give a select _bal masqué_ at such a very early--such an amusingly early date; but it was fitting that something should be done for the sick and the destitute; and why not this?

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading It was in the Théatre St. Philippe (they had laid a temporary floor over the parquette seats) in the city we now call New Orleans, in the month of September, and in the year 1803.

plural of “candle” — stick of wax with a wick in the middle

From this reading Under the twinkle of numberless candles, and in a perfumed air thrilled with the wailing ecstasy of violins, the little Creole capital's proudest and best were offering up the first cool night of the languidly departing summer to the divine Terpsichore.

possessive form of “capital” — assets available for use in the production of further assets

From this reading Under the twinkle of numberless candles, and in a perfumed air thrilled with the wailing ecstasy of violins, the little Creole capital's proudest and best were offering up the first cool night of the languidly departing summer to the divine Terpsichore.

being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits

From this reading Everybody knows the Lord loveth a cheerful giver.

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

From this reading It was in the Théatre St. Philippe (they had laid a temporary floor over the parquette seats) in the city we now call New Orleans, in the month of September, and in the year 1803.

neither warm nor very cold; giving relief from heat

From this reading Under the twinkle of numberless candles, and in a perfumed air thrilled with the wailing ecstasy of violins, the little Creole capital's proudest and best were offering up the first cool night of the languidly departing summer to the divine Terpsichore.

a person of European descent born in the West Indies or Latin America

From this reading Under the twinkle of numberless candles, and in a perfumed air thrilled with the wailing ecstasy of violins, the little Creole capital's proudest and best were offering up the first cool night of the languidly departing summer to the divine Terpsichore.

the specified day of the month

From this reading It was like hustling her out, it is true, to give a select _bal masqué_ at such a very early--such an amusingly early date; but it was fitting that something should be done for the sick and the destitute; and why not this?

-ing form of “depart” — move away from a place into another direction

From this reading Under the twinkle of numberless candles, and in a perfumed air thrilled with the wailing ecstasy of violins, the little Creole capital's proudest and best were offering up the first cool night of the languidly departing summer to the divine Terpsichore.

poor enough to need help from others

From this reading It was like hustling her out, it is true, to give a select _bal masqué_ at such a very early--such an amusingly early date; but it was fitting that something should be done for the sick and the destitute; and why not this?

emanating from God

From this reading Under the twinkle of numberless candles, and in a perfumed air thrilled with the wailing ecstasy of violins, the little Creole capital's proudest and best were offering up the first cool night of the languidly departing summer to the divine Terpsichore.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading It was like hustling her out, it is true, to give a select _bal masqué_ at such a very early--such an amusingly early date; but it was fitting that something should be done for the sick and the destitute; and why not this?

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading It was like hustling her out, it is true, to give a select _bal masqué_ at such a very early--such an amusingly early date; but it was fitting that something should be done for the sick and the destitute; and why not this?

a state of being carried away by overwhelming emotion

From this reading Under the twinkle of numberless candles, and in a perfumed air thrilled with the wailing ecstasy of violins, the little Creole capital's proudest and best were offering up the first cool night of the languidly departing summer to the divine Terpsichore.

every person

From this reading Everybody knows the Lord loveth a cheerful giver.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Under the twinkle of numberless candles, and in a perfumed air thrilled with the wailing ecstasy of violins, the little Creole capital's proudest and best were offering up the first cool night of the languidly departing summer to the divine Terpsichore.

in harmony with the spirit of particular persons or occasion

From this reading It was like hustling her out, it is true, to give a select _bal masqué_ at such a very early--such an amusingly early date; but it was fitting that something should be done for the sick and the destitute; and why not this?

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading It was in the Théatre St. Philippe (they had laid a temporary floor over the parquette seats) in the city we now call New Orleans, in the month of September, and in the year 1803.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For summer there, bear in mind, is a loitering gossip, that only begins to talk of leaving when September rises to go.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading It was like hustling her out, it is true, to give a select _bal masqué_ at such a very early--such an amusingly early date; but it was fitting that something should be done for the sick and the destitute; and why not this?

someone who devotes himself completely

From this reading Everybody knows the Lord loveth a cheerful giver.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading For summer there, bear in mind, is a loitering gossip, that only begins to talk of leaving when September rises to go.

light informal conversation for social occasions

From this reading For summer there, bear in mind, is a loitering gossip, that only begins to talk of leaving when September rises to go.

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

From this reading It was in the Théatre St. Philippe (they had laid a temporary floor over the parquette seats) in the city we now call New Orleans, in the month of September, and in the year 1803.

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

From this reading It was like hustling her out, it is true, to give a select _bal masqué_ at such a very early--such an amusingly early date; but it was fitting that something should be done for the sick and the destitute; and why not this?

-ing form of “hustle” — cause to move furtively and hurriedly

From this reading It was like hustling her out, it is true, to give a select _bal masqué_ at such a very early--such an amusingly early date; but it was fitting that something should be done for the sick and the destitute; and why not this?

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

From this reading It was in the Théatre St. Philippe (they had laid a temporary floor over the parquette seats) in the city we now call New Orleans, in the month of September, and in the year 1803.

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

From this reading For summer there, bear in mind, is a loitering gossip, that only begins to talk of leaving when September rises to go.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was in the Théatre St. Philippe (they had laid a temporary floor over the parquette seats) in the city we now call New Orleans, in the month of September, and in the year 1803.

plural of “know” — the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people

From this reading Everybody knows the Lord loveth a cheerful giver.

set down according to a plan

From this reading It was in the Théatre St. Philippe (they had laid a temporary floor over the parquette seats) in the city we now call New Orleans, in the month of September, and in the year 1803.

in a languid and lethargic manner

From this reading Under the twinkle of numberless candles, and in a perfumed air thrilled with the wailing ecstasy of violins, the little Creole capital's proudest and best were offering up the first cool night of the languidly departing summer to the divine Terpsichore.

the act of departing

From this reading For summer there, bear in mind, is a loitering gossip, that only begins to talk of leaving when September rises to go.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading It was like hustling her out, it is true, to give a select _bal masqué_ at such a very early--such an amusingly early date; but it was fitting that something should be done for the sick and the destitute; and why not this?

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

From this reading Under the twinkle of numberless candles, and in a perfumed air thrilled with the wailing ecstasy of violins, the little Creole capital's proudest and best were offering up the first cool night of the languidly departing summer to the divine Terpsichore.

-ing form of “loiter” — be about

From this reading For summer there, bear in mind, is a loitering gossip, that only begins to talk of leaving when September rises to go.

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading Everybody knows the Lord loveth a cheerful giver.

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

From this reading Everybody knows the Lord loveth a cheerful giver.

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

From this reading It was like hustling her out, it is true, to give a select _bal masqué_ at such a very early--such an amusingly early date; but it was fitting that something should be done for the sick and the destitute; and why not this?

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading For summer there, bear in mind, is a loitering gossip, that only begins to talk of leaving when September rises to go.

one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading It was in the Théatre St. Philippe (they had laid a temporary floor over the parquette seats) in the city we now call New Orleans, in the month of September, and in the year 1803.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading It was in the Théatre St. Philippe (they had laid a temporary floor over the parquette seats) in the city we now call New Orleans, in the month of September, and in the year 1803.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading Under the twinkle of numberless candles, and in a perfumed air thrilled with the wailing ecstasy of violins, the little Creole capital's proudest and best were offering up the first cool night of the languidly departing summer to the divine Terpsichore.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It was like hustling her out, it is true, to give a select _bal masqué_ at such a very early--such an amusingly early date; but it was fitting that something should be done for the sick and the destitute; and why not this?

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

From this reading It was in the Théatre St. Philippe (they had laid a temporary floor over the parquette seats) in the city we now call New Orleans, in the month of September, and in the year 1803.

too numerous to be counted

From this reading Under the twinkle of numberless candles, and in a perfumed air thrilled with the wailing ecstasy of violins, the little Creole capital's proudest and best were offering up the first cool night of the languidly departing summer to the divine Terpsichore.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was in the Théatre St. Philippe (they had laid a temporary floor over the parquette seats) in the city we now call New Orleans, in the month of September, and in the year 1803.

something offered (as a proposal or bid)

From this reading Under the twinkle of numberless candles, and in a perfumed air thrilled with the wailing ecstasy of violins, the little Creole capital's proudest and best were offering up the first cool night of the languidly departing summer to the divine Terpsichore.

and nothing more

From this reading For summer there, bear in mind, is a loitering gossip, that only begins to talk of leaving when September rises to go.

a city on the Loire river in north central France; site of the siege of Orleans by the English (1428-1429)

From this reading It was in the Théatre St. Philippe (they had laid a temporary floor over the parquette seats) in the city we now call New Orleans, in the month of September, and in the year 1803.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading It was like hustling her out, it is true, to give a select _bal masqué_ at such a very early--such an amusingly early date; but it was fitting that something should be done for the sick and the destitute; and why not this?

above and across; more than

From this reading It was in the Théatre St. Philippe (they had laid a temporary floor over the parquette seats) in the city we now call New Orleans, in the month of September, and in the year 1803.

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

From this reading It was in the Théatre St. Philippe (they had laid a temporary floor over the parquette seats) in the city we now call New Orleans, in the month of September, and in the year 1803.

filled or impregnated with perfume

From this reading Under the twinkle of numberless candles, and in a perfumed air thrilled with the wailing ecstasy of violins, the little Creole capital's proudest and best were offering up the first cool night of the languidly departing summer to the divine Terpsichore.

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

From this reading It was in the Théatre St. Philippe (they had laid a temporary floor over the parquette seats) in the city we now call New Orleans, in the month of September, and in the year 1803.

superlative of “proud” — feeling self-respect or pleasure in something by which you measure your self-worth; or being a reason for pride

From this reading Under the twinkle of numberless candles, and in a perfumed air thrilled with the wailing ecstasy of violins, the little Creole capital's proudest and best were offering up the first cool night of the languidly departing summer to the divine Terpsichore.

plural of “rise” — a growth in strength or number or importance

From this reading For summer there, bear in mind, is a loitering gossip, that only begins to talk of leaving when September rises to go.

an area that includes places where several people can sit

From this reading It was in the Théatre St. Philippe (they had laid a temporary floor over the parquette seats) in the city we now call New Orleans, in the month of September, and in the year 1803.

of superior grade

From this reading It was like hustling her out, it is true, to give a select _bal masqué_ at such a very early--such an amusingly early date; but it was fitting that something should be done for the sick and the destitute; and why not this?

the month following August and preceding October

From this reading It was in the Théatre St. Philippe (they had laid a temporary floor over the parquette seats) in the city we now call New Orleans, in the month of September, and in the year 1803.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading It was like hustling her out, it is true, to give a select _bal masqué_ at such a very early--such an amusingly early date; but it was fitting that something should be done for the sick and the destitute; and why not this?

affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function

From this reading It was like hustling her out, it is true, to give a select _bal masqué_ at such a very early--such an amusingly early date; but it was fitting that something should be done for the sick and the destitute; and why not this?

a thing, without saying which

From this reading It was like hustling her out, it is true, to give a select _bal masqué_ at such a very early--such an amusingly early date; but it was fitting that something should be done for the sick and the destitute; and why not this?

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

From this reading It was in the Théatre St. Philippe (they had laid a temporary floor over the parquette seats) in the city we now call New Orleans, in the month of September, and in the year 1803.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading It was like hustling her out, it is true, to give a select _bal masqué_ at such a very early--such an amusingly early date; but it was fitting that something should be done for the sick and the destitute; and why not this?

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading Under the twinkle of numberless candles, and in a perfumed air thrilled with the wailing ecstasy of violins, the little Creole capital's proudest and best were offering up the first cool night of the languidly departing summer to the divine Terpsichore.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading For summer there, bear in mind, is a loitering gossip, that only begins to talk of leaving when September rises to go.

not permanent; not lasting

From this reading It was in the Théatre St. Philippe (they had laid a temporary floor over the parquette seats) in the city we now call New Orleans, in the month of September, and in the year 1803.

(Greek mythology) the Muse of the dance and of choral song

From this reading Under the twinkle of numberless candles, and in a perfumed air thrilled with the wailing ecstasy of violins, the little Creole capital's proudest and best were offering up the first cool night of the languidly departing summer to the divine Terpsichore.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading For summer there, bear in mind, is a loitering gossip, that only begins to talk of leaving when September rises to go.

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

From this reading It was in the Théatre St. Philippe (they had laid a temporary floor over the parquette seats) in the city we now call New Orleans, in the month of September, and in the year 1803.

in or at that place or location

From this reading For summer there, bear in mind, is a loitering gossip, that only begins to talk of leaving when September rises to go.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading It was in the Théatre St. Philippe (they had laid a temporary floor over the parquette seats) in the city we now call New Orleans, in the month of September, and in the year 1803.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading It was like hustling her out, it is true, to give a select _bal masqué_ at such a very early--such an amusingly early date; but it was fitting that something should be done for the sick and the destitute; and why not this?

feeling intense pleasurable excitement

From this reading Under the twinkle of numberless candles, and in a perfumed air thrilled with the wailing ecstasy of violins, the little Creole capital's proudest and best were offering up the first cool night of the languidly departing summer to the divine Terpsichore.

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

From this reading It was in the Théatre St. Philippe (they had laid a temporary floor over the parquette seats) in the city we now call New Orleans, in the month of September, and in the year 1803.

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

From this reading Under the twinkle of numberless candles, and in a perfumed air thrilled with the wailing ecstasy of violins, the little Creole capital's proudest and best were offering up the first cool night of the languidly departing summer to the divine Terpsichore.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading It was like hustling her out, it is true, to give a select _bal masqué_ at such a very early--such an amusingly early date; but it was fitting that something should be done for the sick and the destitute; and why not this?

gleam or glow intermittently

From this reading Under the twinkle of numberless candles, and in a perfumed air thrilled with the wailing ecstasy of violins, the little Creole capital's proudest and best were offering up the first cool night of the languidly departing summer to the divine Terpsichore.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Under the twinkle of numberless candles, and in a perfumed air thrilled with the wailing ecstasy of violins, the little Creole capital's proudest and best were offering up the first cool night of the languidly departing summer to the divine Terpsichore.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Under the twinkle of numberless candles, and in a perfumed air thrilled with the wailing ecstasy of violins, the little Creole capital's proudest and best were offering up the first cool night of the languidly departing summer to the divine Terpsichore.

precisely as stated

From this reading It was like hustling her out, it is true, to give a select _bal masqué_ at such a very early--such an amusingly early date; but it was fitting that something should be done for the sick and the destitute; and why not this?

plural of “violin” — bowed stringed instrument that is the highest member of the violin family; this instrument has four strings and a hollow body and an unfretted fingerboard and is played with a bow

From this reading Under the twinkle of numberless candles, and in a perfumed air thrilled with the wailing ecstasy of violins, the little Creole capital's proudest and best were offering up the first cool night of the languidly departing summer to the divine Terpsichore.

loud cries made while weeping

From this reading Under the twinkle of numberless candles, and in a perfumed air thrilled with the wailing ecstasy of violins, the little Creole capital's proudest and best were offering up the first cool night of the languidly departing summer to the divine Terpsichore.

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

From this reading It was in the Théatre St. Philippe (they had laid a temporary floor over the parquette seats) in the city we now call New Orleans, in the month of September, and in the year 1803.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading It was in the Théatre St. Philippe (they had laid a temporary floor over the parquette seats) in the city we now call New Orleans, in the month of September, and in the year 1803.

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

From this reading Under the twinkle of numberless candles, and in a perfumed air thrilled with the wailing ecstasy of violins, the little Creole capital's proudest and best were offering up the first cool night of the languidly departing summer to the divine Terpsichore.

at the time that

From this reading For summer there, bear in mind, is a loitering gossip, that only begins to talk of leaving when September rises to go.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading It was like hustling her out, it is true, to give a select _bal masqué_ at such a very early--such an amusingly early date; but it was fitting that something should be done for the sick and the destitute; and why not this?

in the company of; together with

From this reading Under the twinkle of numberless candles, and in a perfumed air thrilled with the wailing ecstasy of violins, the little Creole capital's proudest and best were offering up the first cool night of the languidly departing summer to the divine Terpsichore.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading It was in the Théatre St. Philippe (they had laid a temporary floor over the parquette seats) in the city we now call New Orleans, in the month of September, and in the year 1803.