used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE dancing party at the Calmaines' was a crush, as Mrs. Calmaine's social enlargements were wont to be.
a-rumble
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
accentuatedverbUS /ækˈsentʃuːeɪtɪd/
past form of “accentuate” — to stress, single out as important
From this reading Thanks to Myra Van Vetter, whose tiring was always of the most leisurely, the Elliotts were fashionably late; and the elderly man, with the hesitant air accentuated by the unwonted dress-coat, had much ado to win through the throng in the drawing-rooms with his charges.
adonounUS /əˈduː/
a rapid active commotion
From this reading Thanks to Myra Van Vetter, whose tiring was always of the most leisurely, the Elliotts were fashionably late; and the elderly man, with the hesitant air accentuated by the unwonted dress-coat, had much ado to win through the throng in the drawing-rooms with his charges.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading Thanks to Myra Van Vetter, whose tiring was always of the most leisurely, the Elliotts were fashionably late; and the elderly man, with the hesitant air accentuated by the unwonted dress-coat, had much ado to win through the throng in the drawing-rooms with his charges.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Thanks to Myra Van Vetter, whose tiring was always of the most leisurely, the Elliotts were fashionably late; and the elderly man, with the hesitant air accentuated by the unwonted dress-coat, had much ado to win through the throng in the drawing-rooms with his charges.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading THE dancing party at the Calmaines' was a crush, as Mrs. Calmaine's social enlargements were wont to be.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE dancing party at the Calmaines' was a crush, as Mrs. Calmaine's social enlargements were wont to be.
a line of approach
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
awningnounUS /ˈɑːnɪŋ/
a canopy made of canvas to shelter people or things from rain or sun
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading THE dancing party at the Calmaines' was a crush, as Mrs. Calmaine's social enlargements were wont to be.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
biddenverbUS /ˈbɪdɪn/
inflected form of “bid” — propose a payment
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading His greeting to the hostess was sincere rather than well-turned in its phrasing; but Mrs. Calmaine was sweetly gracious.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Thanks to Myra Van Vetter, whose tiring was always of the most leisurely, the Elliotts were fashionably late; and the elderly man, with the hesitant air accentuated by the unwonted dress-coat, had much ado to win through the throng in the drawing-rooms with his charges.
Calmaine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His greeting to the hostess was sincere rather than well-turned in its phrasing; but Mrs. Calmaine was sweetly gracious.
Calmaine's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE dancing party at the Calmaines' was a crush, as Mrs. Calmaine's social enlargements were wont to be.
Calmaines
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE dancing party at the Calmaines' was a crush, as Mrs. Calmaine's social enlargements were wont to be.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading "_So_ glad to see you, Stephen," she protested; "the old friends can never be spared, you know."
carriagesnounUS /ˈkærɪdʒɪz/
plural of “carriage” — a railcar where passengers ride
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
chargesnounUS /ˈtʃɑːrdʒəz/
plural of “charge” — an impetuous rush toward someone or something
From this reading Thanks to Myra Van Vetter, whose tiring was always of the most leisurely, the Elliotts were fashionably late; and the elderly man, with the hesitant air accentuated by the unwonted dress-coat, had much ado to win through the throng in the drawing-rooms with his charges.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
crushverbUS /krʌʃ/
come down on or keep down by unjust use of one's authority
From this reading THE dancing party at the Calmaines' was a crush, as Mrs. Calmaine's social enlargements were wont to be.
curbnounUS /kɜːrb/
an edge between a sidewalk and a roadway consisting of a line of curbstones (usually forming part of a gutter)
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
taking a series of rhythmical steps (and movements) in time to music
From this reading THE dancing party at the Calmaines' was a crush, as Mrs. Calmaine's social enlargements were wont to be.
drawing-rooms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thanks to Myra Van Vetter, whose tiring was always of the most leisurely, the Elliotts were fashionably late; and the elderly man, with the hesitant air accentuated by the unwonted dress-coat, had much ado to win through the throng in the drawing-rooms with his charges.
dress-coat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thanks to Myra Van Vetter, whose tiring was always of the most leisurely, the Elliotts were fashionably late; and the elderly man, with the hesitant air accentuated by the unwonted dress-coat, had much ado to win through the throng in the drawing-rooms with his charges.
elderlyadjectiveUS /ˈeldərli/
advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)
From this reading Thanks to Myra Van Vetter, whose tiring was always of the most leisurely, the Elliotts were fashionably late; and the elderly man, with the hesitant air accentuated by the unwonted dress-coat, had much ado to win through the throng in the drawing-rooms with his charges.
electric-lighted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
Elliotts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thanks to Myra Van Vetter, whose tiring was always of the most leisurely, the Elliotts were fashionably late; and the elderly man, with the hesitant air accentuated by the unwonted dress-coat, had much ado to win through the throng in the drawing-rooms with his charges.
enlargementsnounUS /ɪnˈlɑːrdʒmənts/
plural of “enlargement” — the act of increasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope
From this reading THE dancing party at the Calmaines' was a crush, as Mrs. Calmaine's social enlargements were wont to be.
relatively long in duration; tediously protracted
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
fashionablyadverbUS /ˈfæʃənəbli/
in a fashionable manner
From this reading Thanks to Myra Van Vetter, whose tiring was always of the most leisurely, the Elliotts were fashionably late; and the elderly man, with the hesitant air accentuated by the unwonted dress-coat, had much ado to win through the throng in the drawing-rooms with his charges.
flowedverbUS /floʊd/
past form of “flow” — move or progress freely as if in a stream
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading "_So_ glad to see you, Stephen," she protested; "the old friends can never be spared, you know."
showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy
From this reading "_So_ glad to see you, Stephen," she protested; "the old friends can never be spared, you know."
the act of departing
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
characterized by charm, good taste, and generosity of spirit
From this reading His greeting to the hostess was sincere rather than well-turned in its phrasing; but Mrs. Calmaine was sweetly gracious.
greetingnounUS /ˈɡriːtɪŋ/
(usually plural) an acknowledgment or expression of good will (especially on meeting)
From this reading His greeting to the hostess was sincere rather than well-turned in its phrasing; but Mrs. Calmaine was sweetly gracious.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
hesitantadjectiveUS /ˈhezɪtənt/
lacking decisiveness of character; unable to act or decide quickly or firmly
From this reading Thanks to Myra Van Vetter, whose tiring was always of the most leisurely, the Elliotts were fashionably late; and the elderly man, with the hesitant air accentuated by the unwonted dress-coat, had much ado to win through the throng in the drawing-rooms with his charges.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Thanks to Myra Van Vetter, whose tiring was always of the most leisurely, the Elliotts were fashionably late; and the elderly man, with the hesitant air accentuated by the unwonted dress-coat, had much ado to win through the throng in the drawing-rooms with his charges.
hospitableadjectiveUS /ˈhɑːˈspɪtəbəl/
favorable to life and growth
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
hostessnounUS /ˈhoʊstəs/
a woman host
From this reading His greeting to the hostess was sincere rather than well-turned in its phrasing; but Mrs. Calmaine was sweetly gracious.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Thanks to Myra Van Vetter, whose tiring was always of the most leisurely, the Elliotts were fashionably late; and the elderly man, with the hesitant air accentuated by the unwonted dress-coat, had much ado to win through the throng in the drawing-rooms with his charges.
inwardadjectiveUS /ˈɪnwərd/
relating to or existing in the mind or thoughts
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading His greeting to the hostess was sincere rather than well-turned in its phrasing; but Mrs. Calmaine was sweetly gracious.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading "_So_ glad to see you, Stephen," she protested; "the old friends can never be spared, you know."
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading Thanks to Myra Van Vetter, whose tiring was always of the most leisurely, the Elliotts were fashionably late; and the elderly man, with the hesitant air accentuated by the unwonted dress-coat, had much ado to win through the throng in the drawing-rooms with his charges.
leisurelyadverbUS /ˈliːzərli/
in an unhurried way or at one's convenience
From this reading Thanks to Myra Van Vetter, whose tiring was always of the most leisurely, the Elliotts were fashionably late; and the elderly man, with the hesitant air accentuated by the unwonted dress-coat, had much ado to win through the throng in the drawing-rooms with his charges.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Thanks to Myra Van Vetter, whose tiring was always of the most leisurely, the Elliotts were fashionably late; and the elderly man, with the hesitant air accentuated by the unwonted dress-coat, had much ado to win through the throng in the drawing-rooms with his charges.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Thanks to Myra Van Vetter, whose tiring was always of the most leisurely, the Elliotts were fashionably late; and the elderly man, with the hesitant air accentuated by the unwonted dress-coat, had much ado to win through the throng in the drawing-rooms with his charges.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading THE dancing party at the Calmaines' was a crush, as Mrs. Calmaine's social enlargements were wont to be.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Thanks to Myra Van Vetter, whose tiring was always of the most leisurely, the Elliotts were fashionably late; and the elderly man, with the hesitant air accentuated by the unwonted dress-coat, had much ado to win through the throng in the drawing-rooms with his charges.
Myra
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thanks to Myra Van Vetter, whose tiring was always of the most leisurely, the Elliotts were fashionably late; and the elderly man, with the hesitant air accentuated by the unwonted dress-coat, had much ado to win through the throng in the drawing-rooms with his charges.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading "_So_ glad to see you, Stephen," she protested; "the old friends can never be spared, you know."
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading "_So_ glad to see you, Stephen," she protested; "the old friends can never be spared, you know."
plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading THE dancing party at the Calmaines' was a crush, as Mrs. Calmaine's social enlargements were wont to be.
phrasingnounUS /ˈfreɪzɪŋ/
the grouping of musical phrases in a melodic line
From this reading His greeting to the hostess was sincere rather than well-turned in its phrasing; but Mrs. Calmaine was sweetly gracious.
past form of “protest” — utter words of protest
From this reading "_So_ glad to see you, Stephen," she protested; "the old friends can never be spared, you know."
on the contrary
From this reading His greeting to the hostess was sincere rather than well-turned in its phrasing; but Mrs. Calmaine was sweetly gracious.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading "_So_ glad to see you, Stephen," she protested; "the old friends can never be spared, you know."
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "_So_ glad to see you, Stephen," she protested; "the old friends can never be spared, you know."
sincereadjectiveUS /sɪnˈsɪr/
open and genuine; not deceitful
From this reading His greeting to the hostess was sincere rather than well-turned in its phrasing; but Mrs. Calmaine was sweetly gracious.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading "_So_ glad to see you, Stephen," she protested; "the old friends can never be spared, you know."
relating to human society and its members
From this reading THE dancing party at the Calmaines' was a crush, as Mrs. Calmaine's social enlargements were wont to be.
sparedverbUS /sperd/
past form of “spare” — refrain from harming
From this reading "_So_ glad to see you, Stephen," she protested; "the old friends can never be spared, you know."
at a steady rate or pace
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
StephennounUS /ˈstiːvən/
English writer (1832-1904)
From this reading "_So_ glad to see you, Stephen," she protested; "the old friends can never be spared, you know."
a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
sweetlyadverbUS /ˈswiːtli/
in an affectionate or loving manner (“sweet” is sometimes a poetic or informal variant of “sweetly”)
From this reading His greeting to the hostess was sincere rather than well-turned in its phrasing; but Mrs. Calmaine was sweetly gracious.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading His greeting to the hostess was sincere rather than well-turned in its phrasing; but Mrs. Calmaine was sweetly gracious.
an acknowledgment of appreciation
From this reading Thanks to Myra Van Vetter, whose tiring was always of the most leisurely, the Elliotts were fashionably late; and the elderly man, with the hesitant air accentuated by the unwonted dress-coat, had much ado to win through the throng in the drawing-rooms with his charges.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE dancing party at the Calmaines' was a crush, as Mrs. Calmaine's social enlargements were wont to be.
throngnounUS /θrɔːŋ/
a large gathering of people
From this reading Thanks to Myra Van Vetter, whose tiring was always of the most leisurely, the Elliotts were fashionably late; and the elderly man, with the hesitant air accentuated by the unwonted dress-coat, had much ado to win through the throng in the drawing-rooms with his charges.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Thanks to Myra Van Vetter, whose tiring was always of the most leisurely, the Elliotts were fashionably late; and the elderly man, with the hesitant air accentuated by the unwonted dress-coat, had much ado to win through the throng in the drawing-rooms with his charges.
tiringadjectiveUS /ˈtaɪrɪŋ/
producing exhaustion
From this reading Thanks to Myra Van Vetter, whose tiring was always of the most leisurely, the Elliotts were fashionably late; and the elderly man, with the hesitant air accentuated by the unwonted dress-coat, had much ado to win through the throng in the drawing-rooms with his charges.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE dancing party at the Calmaines' was a crush, as Mrs. Calmaine's social enlargements were wont to be.
tricklingverbUS /ˈtrɪklɪŋ/
-ing form of “trickle” — run or flow slowly, as in drops or in an unsteady stream
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
unwontedadjective
unaccustomed or unusual
From this reading Thanks to Myra Van Vetter, whose tiring was always of the most leisurely, the Elliotts were fashionably late; and the elderly man, with the hesitant air accentuated by the unwonted dress-coat, had much ado to win through the throng in the drawing-rooms with his charges.
any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)
From this reading Thanks to Myra Van Vetter, whose tiring was always of the most leisurely, the Elliotts were fashionably late; and the elderly man, with the hesitant air accentuated by the unwonted dress-coat, had much ado to win through the throng in the drawing-rooms with his charges.
precisely as stated
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
Vetter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thanks to Myra Van Vetter, whose tiring was always of the most leisurely, the Elliotts were fashionably late; and the elderly man, with the hesitant air accentuated by the unwonted dress-coat, had much ado to win through the throng in the drawing-rooms with his charges.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE dancing party at the Calmaines' was a crush, as Mrs. Calmaine's social enlargements were wont to be.
accept gladly
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
well-turnedadjective
of a pleasing shape
From this reading His greeting to the hostess was sincere rather than well-turned in its phrasing; but Mrs. Calmaine was sweetly gracious.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading THE dancing party at the Calmaines' was a crush, as Mrs. Calmaine's social enlargements were wont to be.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
belonging to which person
From this reading Thanks to Myra Van Vetter, whose tiring was always of the most leisurely, the Elliotts were fashionably late; and the elderly man, with the hesitant air accentuated by the unwonted dress-coat, had much ado to win through the throng in the drawing-rooms with his charges.
be the winner in a contest or competition; be victorious
From this reading Thanks to Myra Van Vetter, whose tiring was always of the most leisurely, the Elliotts were fashionably late; and the elderly man, with the hesitant air accentuated by the unwonted dress-coat, had much ado to win through the throng in the drawing-rooms with his charges.
in the company of; together with
From this reading For an hour or more the avenue had been a-rumble with carriages coming and going, and a trickling stream of bidden ones flowed steadily inward under the electric-lighted awning, which extended the welcome of the hospitable house to the very curb.
wontnounUS /woʊnt/
an established custom
From this reading THE dancing party at the Calmaines' was a crush, as Mrs. Calmaine's social enlargements were wont to be.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "_So_ glad to see you, Stephen," she protested; "the old friends can never be spared, you know."
