used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading His dress and appointments were rich and heavily perfumed; his face was painted and powdered; his air was blasé.
make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading His coat was marvellously embroidered; its sleeves turned back from the elbow to allow his fine cambric shirt to billow forth into foamy ruffles of Mechlin.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
appointmentsnounUS /əˈpɔɪntmənts/
plural of “appointment” — the act of putting a person into a non-elective position
From this reading His dress and appointments were rich and heavily perfumed; his face was painted and powdered; his air was blasé.
archedadjectiveUS /ɑːrtʃt/
constructed with or in the form of an arch or arches
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading His coat was marvellously embroidered; its sleeves turned back from the elbow to allow his fine cambric shirt to billow forth into foamy ruffles of Mechlin.
besprinkled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His person was lavishly besprinkled with jewels, and the hilt of his sword was of wrought gold with rubies and diamonds scattered over it.
billowverbUS /ˈbɪloʊ/
rise up as if in waves
From this reading His coat was marvellously embroidered; its sleeves turned back from the elbow to allow his fine cambric shirt to billow forth into foamy ruffles of Mechlin.
blasé
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His dress and appointments were rich and heavily perfumed; his face was painted and powdered; his air was blasé.
a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
cambricnoun
a finely woven white linen
From this reading His coat was marvellously embroidered; its sleeves turned back from the elbow to allow his fine cambric shirt to billow forth into foamy ruffles of Mechlin.
carvenadjective
made for or formed by carving (“carven” is archaic or literary)
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
plural of “chair” — a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors
From this reading His coat was marvellously embroidered; its sleeves turned back from the elbow to allow his fine cambric shirt to billow forth into foamy ruffles of Mechlin.
comfits
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
COUNCILLORS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
the appearance conveyed by a person's face
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
diamondsnounUS /ˈdaɪməndz/
plural of “diamond” — a transparent piece of diamond that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
From this reading His person was lavishly besprinkled with jewels, and the hilt of his sword was of wrought gold with rubies and diamonds scattered over it.
put on clothes
From this reading His dress and appointments were rich and heavily perfumed; his face was painted and powdered; his air was blasé.
elbownounUS /ˈelboʊ/
hinge joint between the forearm and upper arm and the corresponding joint in the forelimb of a quadruped
From this reading His coat was marvellously embroidered; its sleeves turned back from the elbow to allow his fine cambric shirt to billow forth into foamy ruffles of Mechlin.
embroideredverbUS /emˈbrɔɪdərd/
past form of “embroider” — decorate with needlework
From this reading His coat was marvellously embroidered; its sleeves turned back from the elbow to allow his fine cambric shirt to billow forth into foamy ruffles of Mechlin.
extraordinarily large in size or extent or amount or power or degree
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
eyebrowsnounUS /ˈaɪbraʊz/
plural of “eyebrow” — the arch of hair above each eye
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading His dress and appointments were rich and heavily perfumed; his face was painted and powdered; his air was blasé.
facingsnounUS /ˈfeɪsɪŋz/
plural of “facing” — a lining applied to the edge of a garment for ornamentation or strengthening
From this reading He wore salmon-pink with silver facings and silver ribands.
free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading His coat was marvellously embroidered; its sleeves turned back from the elbow to allow his fine cambric shirt to billow forth into foamy ruffles of Mechlin.
fireplacenounUS /ˈfaɪərpleɪs/
an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
floridadjectiveUS /ˈflɔːrəd/
elaborately or excessively ornamented
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
foamyadjectiveUS /ˈfoʊmi/
producing or covered with lathery sweat or saliva from exhaustion or disease
From this reading His coat was marvellously embroidered; its sleeves turned back from the elbow to allow his fine cambric shirt to billow forth into foamy ruffles of Mechlin.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading His coat was marvellously embroidered; its sleeves turned back from the elbow to allow his fine cambric shirt to billow forth into foamy ruffles of Mechlin.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
coins made of gold
From this reading His person was lavishly besprinkled with jewels, and the hilt of his sword was of wrought gold with rubies and diamonds scattered over it.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He wore salmon-pink with silver facings and silver ribands.
to a considerable degree
From this reading His dress and appointments were rich and heavily perfumed; his face was painted and powdered; his air was blasé.
hiltnounUS /hɪlt/
the handle of a sword or dagger
From this reading His person was lavishly besprinkled with jewels, and the hilt of his sword was of wrought gold with rubies and diamonds scattered over it.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading His coat was marvellously embroidered; its sleeves turned back from the elbow to allow his fine cambric shirt to billow forth into foamy ruffles of Mechlin.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading His person was lavishly besprinkled with jewels, and the hilt of his sword was of wrought gold with rubies and diamonds scattered over it.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading His coat was marvellously embroidered; its sleeves turned back from the elbow to allow his fine cambric shirt to billow forth into foamy ruffles of Mechlin.
jewelledadjective
covered with beads or jewels or sequins
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
jewelsnounUS /ˈdʒuːəlz/
plural of “jewel” — a precious or semiprecious stone incorporated into a piece of jewelry
From this reading His person was lavishly besprinkled with jewels, and the hilt of his sword was of wrought gold with rubies and diamonds scattered over it.
a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
lavishlyadverbUS /ˈlævɪʃli/
in a wasteful manner
From this reading His person was lavishly besprinkled with jewels, and the hilt of his sword was of wrought gold with rubies and diamonds scattered over it.
lollingverbUS /ˈlɑːlɪŋ/
-ing form of “loll” — hang loosely or laxly
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
marvellouslyadverb
(used as an intensifier) extremely well
From this reading His coat was marvellously embroidered; its sleeves turned back from the elbow to allow his fine cambric shirt to billow forth into foamy ruffles of Mechlin.
Mechlin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His coat was marvellously embroidered; its sleeves turned back from the elbow to allow his fine cambric shirt to billow forth into foamy ruffles of Mechlin.
the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading His person was lavishly besprinkled with jewels, and the hilt of his sword was of wrought gold with rubies and diamonds scattered over it.
coated with paint
From this reading His dress and appointments were rich and heavily perfumed; his face was painted and powdered; his air was blasé.
perfumedadjectiveUS /pərˈfjuːmd/
filled or impregnated with perfume
From this reading His dress and appointments were rich and heavily perfumed; his face was painted and powdered; his air was blasé.
periwignoun
a wig for men that was fashionable in the 17th and 18th centuries
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
a human being
From this reading His person was lavishly besprinkled with jewels, and the hilt of his sword was of wrought gold with rubies and diamonds scattered over it.
powderedadjectiveUS /ˈpaʊdərd/
consisting of fine particles
From this reading His dress and appointments were rich and heavily perfumed; his face was painted and powdered; his air was blasé.
on the contrary
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
ribands
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He wore salmon-pink with silver facings and silver ribands.
possessing material wealth
From this reading His dress and appointments were rich and heavily perfumed; his face was painted and powdered; his air was blasé.
rubiesnounUS /ˈruːbiz/
plural of “ruby” — a transparent piece of ruby that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
From this reading His person was lavishly besprinkled with jewels, and the hilt of his sword was of wrought gold with rubies and diamonds scattered over it.
rufflesnounUS /ˈrʌfəlz/
plural of “ruffle” — a strip of pleated material used as a decoration or a trim
From this reading His coat was marvellously embroidered; its sleeves turned back from the elbow to allow his fine cambric shirt to billow forth into foamy ruffles of Mechlin.
salmon-pink
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He wore salmon-pink with silver facings and silver ribands.
occurring or distributed over widely spaced and irregular intervals in time or space
From this reading His person was lavishly besprinkled with jewels, and the hilt of his sword was of wrought gold with rubies and diamonds scattered over it.
selectingverbUS /səˈlektɪŋ/
-ing form of “select” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
shirtnounUS /ʃɜːrt/
a garment worn on the upper half of the body
From this reading His coat was marvellously embroidered; its sleeves turned back from the elbow to allow his fine cambric shirt to billow forth into foamy ruffles of Mechlin.
a soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal; occurs in argentite and in free form; used in coins and jewelry and tableware and photography
From this reading He wore salmon-pink with silver facings and silver ribands.
sleevesnounUS /sliːvz/
plural of “sleeve” — the part of a garment that is attached at the armhole and that provides a cloth covering for the arm
From this reading His coat was marvellously embroidered; its sleeves turned back from the elbow to allow his fine cambric shirt to billow forth into foamy ruffles of Mechlin.
a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard
From this reading His person was lavishly besprinkled with jewels, and the hilt of his sword was of wrought gold with rubies and diamonds scattered over it.
great in vertical dimension; high in stature
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading His coat was marvellously embroidered; its sleeves turned back from the elbow to allow his fine cambric shirt to billow forth into foamy ruffles of Mechlin.
precisely as stated
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading His dress and appointments were rich and heavily perfumed; his face was painted and powdered; his air was blasé.
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE KING HIS COUNCILLORS BY the fireplace, lolling in one of the carven oak chairs, and from time to time selecting comfits from a jewelled box, was a tall, fair man rather florid of countenance, with very arched eyebrows, and an enormous periwig.
inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in
From this reading He wore salmon-pink with silver facings and silver ribands.
wroughtadjectiveUS /rɔːt/
shaped to fit by or as if by altering the contours of a pliable mass (as by work or effort)
From this reading His person was lavishly besprinkled with jewels, and the hilt of his sword was of wrought gold with rubies and diamonds scattered over it.
