Chapter V · Chapter 5

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

From this reading This terrible man, acting in the name of his wife, who was a claimant of the inheritance of the late M. de Combray, had instituted a series of lawsuits against his brother-in-law.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

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

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

the performance of a part or role in a drama

From this reading This terrible man, acting in the name of his wife, who was a claimant of the inheritance of the late M. de Combray, had instituted a series of lawsuits against his brother-in-law.

plural of “adventure” — a wild and exciting undertaking (not necessarily lawful)

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading This terrible man, acting in the name of his wife, who was a claimant of the inheritance of the late M. de Combray, had instituted a series of lawsuits against his brother-in-law.

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

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

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

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

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

From this reading He proved to be such a clever tactician, that though Mme. Acquet had for some time been suing for a separation, he managed to live on the Combray estates; fortifying his position by means of a store of quotations drawn, as occasion demanded, from the Common Law of Normandy, the Revolutionary Laws and the Code Napoleon.

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

From this reading He proved to be such a clever tactician, that though Mme. Acquet had for some time been suing for a separation, he managed to live on the Combray estates; fortifying his position by means of a store of quotations drawn, as occasion demanded, from the Common Law of Normandy, the Revolutionary Laws and the Code Napoleon.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He proved to be such a clever tactician, that though Mme. Acquet had for some time been suing for a separation, he managed to live on the Combray estates; fortifying his position by means of a store of quotations drawn, as occasion demanded, from the Common Law of Normandy, the Revolutionary Laws and the Code Napoleon.

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

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

a brother by marriage

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Now, the latter had for some time returned to the enjoyment of his civil rights, but Acquet had not restored his possessions.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He proved to be such a clever tactician, that though Mme. Acquet had for some time been suing for a separation, he managed to live on the Combray estates; fortifying his position by means of a store of quotations drawn, as occasion demanded, from the Common Law of Normandy, the Revolutionary Laws and the Code Napoleon.

applying to ordinary citizens as contrasted with the military

From this reading Now, the latter had for some time returned to the enjoyment of his civil rights, but Acquet had not restored his possessions.

someone who claims a benefit or right or title

From this reading This terrible man, acting in the name of his wife, who was a claimant of the inheritance of the late M. de Combray, had instituted a series of lawsuits against his brother-in-law.

showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others

From this reading He proved to be such a clever tactician, that though Mme. Acquet had for some time been suing for a separation, he managed to live on the Combray estates; fortifying his position by means of a store of quotations drawn, as occasion demanded, from the Common Law of Normandy, the Revolutionary Laws and the Code Napoleon.

a set of rules or principles or laws (especially written ones)

From this reading He proved to be such a clever tactician, that though Mme. Acquet had for some time been suing for a separation, he managed to live on the Combray estates; fortifying his position by means of a store of quotations drawn, as occasion demanded, from the Common Law of Normandy, the Revolutionary Laws and the Code Napoleon.

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

From this reading This terrible man, acting in the name of his wife, who was a claimant of the inheritance of the late M. de Combray, had instituted a series of lawsuits against his brother-in-law.

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading He proved to be such a clever tactician, that though Mme. Acquet had for some time been suing for a separation, he managed to live on the Combray estates; fortifying his position by means of a store of quotations drawn, as occasion demanded, from the Common Law of Normandy, the Revolutionary Laws and the Code Napoleon.

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

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading To deal with these questions in detail would be wearisome and useless.

past form of “demand” — request urgently and forcefully

From this reading He proved to be such a clever tactician, that though Mme. Acquet had for some time been suing for a separation, he managed to live on the Combray estates; fortifying his position by means of a store of quotations drawn, as occasion demanded, from the Common Law of Normandy, the Revolutionary Laws and the Code Napoleon.

extensive landed property (especially in the country) retained by the owner for his own use

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

an isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole

From this reading To deal with these questions in detail would be wearisome and useless.

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

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading He proved to be such a clever tactician, that though Mme. Acquet had for some time been suing for a separation, he managed to live on the Combray estates; fortifying his position by means of a store of quotations drawn, as occasion demanded, from the Common Law of Normandy, the Revolutionary Laws and the Code Napoleon.

someone who leaves one country to settle in another

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

the pleasure felt when having a good time

From this reading Now, the latter had for some time returned to the enjoyment of his civil rights, but Acquet had not restored his possessions.

plural of “estate” — everything you own; all of your assets (whether real property or personal property) and liabilities

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

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

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

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

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Now, the latter had for some time returned to the enjoyment of his civil rights, but Acquet had not restored his possessions.

-ing form of “fortify” — make strong or stronger

From this reading He proved to be such a clever tactician, that though Mme. Acquet had for some time been suing for a separation, he managed to live on the Combray estates; fortifying his position by means of a store of quotations drawn, as occasion demanded, from the Common Law of Normandy, the Revolutionary Laws and the Code Napoleon.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

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

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

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

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He proved to be such a clever tactician, that though Mme. Acquet had for some time been suing for a separation, he managed to live on the Combray estates; fortifying his position by means of a store of quotations drawn, as occasion demanded, from the Common Law of Normandy, the Revolutionary Laws and the Code Napoleon.

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

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

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

From this reading This terrible man, acting in the name of his wife, who was a claimant of the inheritance of the late M. de Combray, had instituted a series of lawsuits against his brother-in-law.

hereditary succession to a title or an office or property

From this reading This terrible man, acting in the name of his wife, who was a claimant of the inheritance of the late M. de Combray, had instituted a series of lawsuits against his brother-in-law.

past form of “institute” — set up or lay the groundwork for

From this reading This terrible man, acting in the name of his wife, who was a claimant of the inheritance of the late M. de Combray, had instituted a series of lawsuits against his brother-in-law.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading This terrible man, acting in the name of his wife, who was a claimant of the inheritance of the late M. de Combray, had instituted a series of lawsuits against his brother-in-law.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading Now, the latter had for some time returned to the enjoyment of his civil rights, but Acquet had not restored his possessions.

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading He proved to be such a clever tactician, that though Mme. Acquet had for some time been suing for a separation, he managed to live on the Combray estates; fortifying his position by means of a store of quotations drawn, as occasion demanded, from the Common Law of Normandy, the Revolutionary Laws and the Code Napoleon.

the first of three divisions of the Hebrew Scriptures comprising the first five books of the Hebrew Bible considered as a unit

From this reading He proved to be such a clever tactician, that though Mme. Acquet had for some time been suing for a separation, he managed to live on the Combray estates; fortifying his position by means of a store of quotations drawn, as occasion demanded, from the Common Law of Normandy, the Revolutionary Laws and the Code Napoleon.

plural of “lawsuit” — a comprehensive term for any proceeding in a court of law whereby an individual seeks a legal remedy

From this reading This terrible man, acting in the name of his wife, who was a claimant of the inheritance of the late M. de Combray, had instituted a series of lawsuits against his brother-in-law.

plural of “league” — an association of sports teams that organizes matches for its members

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading He proved to be such a clever tactician, that though Mme. Acquet had for some time been suing for a separation, he managed to live on the Combray estates; fortifying his position by means of a store of quotations drawn, as occasion demanded, from the Common Law of Normandy, the Revolutionary Laws and the Code Napoleon.

the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)

From this reading This terrible man, acting in the name of his wife, who was a claimant of the inheritance of the late M. de Combray, had instituted a series of lawsuits against his brother-in-law.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading This terrible man, acting in the name of his wife, who was a claimant of the inheritance of the late M. de Combray, had instituted a series of lawsuits against his brother-in-law.

past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal

From this reading He proved to be such a clever tactician, that though Mme. Acquet had for some time been suing for a separation, he managed to live on the Combray estates; fortifying his position by means of a store of quotations drawn, as occasion demanded, from the Common Law of Normandy, the Revolutionary Laws and the Code Napoleon.

the act of managing something

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading He proved to be such a clever tactician, that though Mme. Acquet had for some time been suing for a separation, he managed to live on the Combray estates; fortifying his position by means of a store of quotations drawn, as occasion demanded, from the Common Law of Normandy, the Revolutionary Laws and the Code Napoleon.

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

From this reading He proved to be such a clever tactician, that though Mme. Acquet had for some time been suing for a separation, he managed to live on the Combray estates; fortifying his position by means of a store of quotations drawn, as occasion demanded, from the Common Law of Normandy, the Revolutionary Laws and the Code Napoleon.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading This terrible man, acting in the name of his wife, who was a claimant of the inheritance of the late M. de Combray, had instituted a series of lawsuits against his brother-in-law.

French general who became emperor of the French (1769-1821)

From this reading He proved to be such a clever tactician, that though Mme. Acquet had for some time been suing for a separation, he managed to live on the Combray estates; fortifying his position by means of a store of quotations drawn, as occasion demanded, from the Common Law of Normandy, the Revolutionary Laws and the Code Napoleon.

a former province of northwestern France on the English channel; divided into Haute-Normandie and Basse-Normandie

From this reading He proved to be such a clever tactician, that though Mme. Acquet had for some time been suing for a separation, he managed to live on the Combray estates; fortifying his position by means of a store of quotations drawn, as occasion demanded, from the Common Law of Normandy, the Revolutionary Laws and the Code Napoleon.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Now, the latter had for some time returned to the enjoyment of his civil rights, but Acquet had not restored his possessions.

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

From this reading Now, the latter had for some time returned to the enjoyment of his civil rights, but Acquet had not restored his possessions.

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading He proved to be such a clever tactician, that though Mme. Acquet had for some time been suing for a separation, he managed to live on the Combray estates; fortifying his position by means of a store of quotations drawn, as occasion demanded, from the Common Law of Normandy, the Revolutionary Laws and the Code Napoleon.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

above and across; more than

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading He proved to be such a clever tactician, that though Mme. Acquet had for some time been suing for a separation, he managed to live on the Combray estates; fortifying his position by means of a store of quotations drawn, as occasion demanded, from the Common Law of Normandy, the Revolutionary Laws and the Code Napoleon.

plural of “possession” — the act of having and controlling property

From this reading Now, the latter had for some time returned to the enjoyment of his civil rights, but Acquet had not restored his possessions.

something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

established beyond doubt

From this reading He proved to be such a clever tactician, that though Mme. Acquet had for some time been suing for a separation, he managed to live on the Combray estates; fortifying his position by means of a store of quotations drawn, as occasion demanded, from the Common Law of Normandy, the Revolutionary Laws and the Code Napoleon.

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

plural of “question” — an instance of questioning

From this reading To deal with these questions in detail would be wearisome and useless.

plural of “quotation” — a short note recognizing a source of information or of a quoted passage

From this reading He proved to be such a clever tactician, that though Mme. Acquet had for some time been suing for a separation, he managed to live on the Combray estates; fortifying his position by means of a store of quotations drawn, as occasion demanded, from the Common Law of Normandy, the Revolutionary Laws and the Code Napoleon.

past form of “restore” — return to its original or usable and functioning condition

From this reading Now, the latter had for some time returned to the enjoyment of his civil rights, but Acquet had not restored his possessions.

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading Now, the latter had for some time returned to the enjoyment of his civil rights, but Acquet had not restored his possessions.

markedly new or introducing radical change

From this reading He proved to be such a clever tactician, that though Mme. Acquet had for some time been suing for a separation, he managed to live on the Combray estates; fortifying his position by means of a store of quotations drawn, as occasion demanded, from the Common Law of Normandy, the Revolutionary Laws and the Code Napoleon.

plural of “right” — an abstract idea of that which is due to a person or governmental body by law or tradition or nature

From this reading Now, the latter had for some time returned to the enjoyment of his civil rights, but Acquet had not restored his possessions.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

an act of economizing; reduction in cost

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

the state of lacking unity

From this reading He proved to be such a clever tactician, that though Mme. Acquet had for some time been suing for a separation, he managed to live on the Combray estates; fortifying his position by means of a store of quotations drawn, as occasion demanded, from the Common Law of Normandy, the Revolutionary Laws and the Code Napoleon.

similar things placed in order or happening one after another

From this reading This terrible man, acting in the name of his wife, who was a claimant of the inheritance of the late M. de Combray, had instituted a series of lawsuits against his brother-in-law.

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Now, the latter had for some time returned to the enjoyment of his civil rights, but Acquet had not restored his possessions.

a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services

From this reading He proved to be such a clever tactician, that though Mme. Acquet had for some time been suing for a separation, he managed to live on the Combray estates; fortifying his position by means of a store of quotations drawn, as occasion demanded, from the Common Law of Normandy, the Revolutionary Laws and the Code Napoleon.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading He proved to be such a clever tactician, that though Mme. Acquet had for some time been suing for a separation, he managed to live on the Combray estates; fortifying his position by means of a store of quotations drawn, as occasion demanded, from the Common Law of Normandy, the Revolutionary Laws and the Code Napoleon.

-ing form of “sue” — institute legal proceedings against; file a suit against

From this reading He proved to be such a clever tactician, that though Mme. Acquet had for some time been suing for a separation, he managed to live on the Combray estates; fortifying his position by means of a store of quotations drawn, as occasion demanded, from the Common Law of Normandy, the Revolutionary Laws and the Code Napoleon.

a person who is skilled at planning tactics

From this reading He proved to be such a clever tactician, that though Mme. Acquet had for some time been suing for a separation, he managed to live on the Combray estates; fortifying his position by means of a store of quotations drawn, as occasion demanded, from the Common Law of Normandy, the Revolutionary Laws and the Code Napoleon.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading This terrible man, acting in the name of his wife, who was a claimant of the inheritance of the late M. de Combray, had instituted a series of lawsuits against his brother-in-law.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He proved to be such a clever tactician, that though Mme. Acquet had for some time been suing for a separation, he managed to live on the Combray estates; fortifying his position by means of a store of quotations drawn, as occasion demanded, from the Common Law of Normandy, the Revolutionary Laws and the Code Napoleon.

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

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading To deal with these questions in detail would be wearisome and useless.

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

From this reading This terrible man, acting in the name of his wife, who was a claimant of the inheritance of the late M. de Combray, had instituted a series of lawsuits against his brother-in-law.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading He proved to be such a clever tactician, that though Mme. Acquet had for some time been suing for a separation, he managed to live on the Combray estates; fortifying his position by means of a store of quotations drawn, as occasion demanded, from the Common Law of Normandy, the Revolutionary Laws and the Code Napoleon.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Now, the latter had for some time returned to the enjoyment of his civil rights, but Acquet had not restored his possessions.

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

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

the funds of a government or institution or individual

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

having no beneficial use or incapable of functioning usefully

From this reading To deal with these questions in detail would be wearisome and useless.

past form of “usurp” — seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

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

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

so lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness

From this reading To deal with these questions in detail would be wearisome and useless.

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

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

which person or people

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF D'ACHE The demesne of Donnay, situated about three leagues from Falaise on the road to Harcourt, was one of the estates which Acquet de Ferolles had usurped, under pretext of saving them from the Public Treasury and of taking over the management of the property of his brother-in-law, Bonnoeil, who was an emigre.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading This terrible man, acting in the name of his wife, who was a claimant of the inheritance of the late M. de Combray, had instituted a series of lawsuits against his brother-in-law.

in the company of; together with

From this reading To deal with these questions in detail would be wearisome and useless.

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

From this reading To deal with these questions in detail would be wearisome and useless.