Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

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

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

plural of “academician” — someone elected to honorary membership in an academy

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

later than; following

From this reading But business-like to the last and after, he went off to the moment, just before the Grand Prix, choosing a week entirely blank, when, as there was no crime, or duel, or interesting lawsuit, or political event, the sensational obsequies of the Permanent Secretary would be the only pastime of the town.

past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading The traffic was stopped, and no carriages but those of persons invited were allowed to pass within the rails, strictly kept by a line of policemen posted at intervals.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading DESTINY had willed that Loisillon, fortunate always, should be fortunate in dying at the right moment.

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

From this reading The funeral mass was to be at twelve o’clock, and long before that hour an immense crowd was gathering round St. Germain des Prés.

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

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

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

From this reading But business-like to the last and after, he went off to the moment, just before the Grand Prix, choosing a week entirely blank, when, as there was no crime, or duel, or interesting lawsuit, or political event, the sensational obsequies of the Permanent Secretary would be the only pastime of the town.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading DESTINY had willed that Loisillon, fortunate always, should be fortunate in dying at the right moment.

(often followed by “to”) giving care or attention

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

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

From this reading DESTINY had willed that Loisillon, fortunate always, should be fortunate in dying at the right moment.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading But business-like to the last and after, he went off to the moment, just before the Grand Prix, choosing a week entirely blank, when, as there was no crime, or duel, or interesting lawsuit, or political event, the sensational obsequies of the Permanent Secretary would be the only pastime of the town.

(of a surface) not written or printed on

From this reading But business-like to the last and after, he went off to the moment, just before the Grand Prix, choosing a week entirely blank, when, as there was no crime, or duel, or interesting lawsuit, or political event, the sensational obsequies of the Permanent Secretary would be the only pastime of the town.

physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

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

From this reading But business-like to the last and after, he went off to the moment, just before the Grand Prix, choosing a week entirely blank, when, as there was no crime, or duel, or interesting lawsuit, or political event, the sensational obsequies of the Permanent Secretary would be the only pastime of the town.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But business-like to the last and after, he went off to the moment, just before the Grand Prix, choosing a week entirely blank, when, as there was no crime, or duel, or interesting lawsuit, or political event, the sensational obsequies of the Permanent Secretary would be the only pastime of the town.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

plural of “carriage” — a railcar where passengers ride

From this reading The traffic was stopped, and no carriages but those of persons invited were allowed to pass within the rails, strictly kept by a line of policemen posted at intervals.

a natural or artificial enclosed space

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

-ing form of “choose” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives

From this reading But business-like to the last and after, he went off to the moment, just before the Grand Prix, choosing a week entirely blank, when, as there was no crime, or duel, or interesting lawsuit, or political event, the sensational obsequies of the Permanent Secretary would be the only pastime of the town.

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

serenely self-possessed and free from agitation especially in times of stress

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act

From this reading But business-like to the last and after, he went off to the moment, just before the Grand Prix, choosing a week entirely blank, when, as there was no crime, or duel, or interesting lawsuit, or political event, the sensational obsequies of the Permanent Secretary would be the only pastime of the town.

cause to herd, drive, or crowd together

From this reading The funeral mass was to be at twelve o’clock, and long before that hour an immense crowd was gathering round St. Germain des Prés.

plural of “deputy” — someone authorized to exercise the powers of sheriff in emergencies

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

a potent estrogen used in medicine and in feed for livestock and poultry

From this reading The funeral mass was to be at twelve o’clock, and long before that hour an immense crowd was gathering round St. Germain des Prés.

an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future

From this reading DESTINY had willed that Loisillon, fortunate always, should be fortunate in dying at the right moment.

a prearranged fight with deadly weapons by two people (accompanied by seconds) in order to settle a quarrel over a point of honor

From this reading But business-like to the last and after, he went off to the moment, just before the Grand Prix, choosing a week entirely blank, when, as there was no crime, or duel, or interesting lawsuit, or political event, the sensational obsequies of the Permanent Secretary would be the only pastime of the town.

in or associated with the process of passing from life or ceasing to be

From this reading DESTINY had willed that Loisillon, fortunate always, should be fortunate in dying at the right moment.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading But business-like to the last and after, he went off to the moment, just before the Grand Prix, choosing a week entirely blank, when, as there was no crime, or duel, or interesting lawsuit, or political event, the sensational obsequies of the Permanent Secretary would be the only pastime of the town.

something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading But business-like to the last and after, he went off to the moment, just before the Grand Prix, choosing a week entirely blank, when, as there was no crime, or duel, or interesting lawsuit, or political event, the sensational obsequies of the Permanent Secretary would be the only pastime of the town.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

having unexpected good fortune

From this reading DESTINY had willed that Loisillon, fortunate always, should be fortunate in dying at the right moment.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

a ceremony at which a dead person is buried or cremated

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

a group of persons together in one place

From this reading The funeral mass was to be at twelve o’clock, and long before that hour an immense crowd was gathering round St. Germain des Prés.

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

From this reading The funeral mass was to be at twelve o’clock, and long before that hour an immense crowd was gathering round St. Germain des Prés.

of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope

From this reading But business-like to the last and after, he went off to the moment, just before the Grand Prix, choosing a week entirely blank, when, as there was no crime, or duel, or interesting lawsuit, or political event, the sensational obsequies of the Permanent Secretary would be the only pastime of the town.

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

From this reading DESTINY had willed that Loisillon, fortunate always, should be fortunate in dying at the right moment.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

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

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

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

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading The funeral mass was to be at twelve o’clock, and long before that hour an immense crowd was gathering round St. Germain des Prés.

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading The funeral mass was to be at twelve o’clock, and long before that hour an immense crowd was gathering round St. Germain des Prés.

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

From this reading DESTINY had willed that Loisillon, fortunate always, should be fortunate in dying at the right moment.

set up or lay the groundwork for

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

arousing or holding the attention

From this reading But business-like to the last and after, he went off to the moment, just before the Grand Prix, choosing a week entirely blank, when, as there was no crime, or duel, or interesting lawsuit, or political event, the sensational obsequies of the Permanent Secretary would be the only pastime of the town.

plural of “interval” — a definite length of time marked off by two instants

From this reading The traffic was stopped, and no carriages but those of persons invited were allowed to pass within the rails, strictly kept by a line of policemen posted at intervals.

past form of “invite” — increase the likelihood of

From this reading The traffic was stopped, and no carriages but those of persons invited were allowed to pass within the rails, strictly kept by a line of policemen posted at intervals.

and nothing more

From this reading But business-like to the last and after, he went off to the moment, just before the Grand Prix, choosing a week entirely blank, when, as there was no crime, or duel, or interesting lawsuit, or political event, the sensational obsequies of the Permanent Secretary would be the only pastime of the town.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading The traffic was stopped, and no carriages but those of persons invited were allowed to pass within the rails, strictly kept by a line of policemen posted at intervals.

immediately past

From this reading But business-like to the last and after, he went off to the moment, just before the Grand Prix, choosing a week entirely blank, when, as there was no crime, or duel, or interesting lawsuit, or political event, the sensational obsequies of the Permanent Secretary would be the only pastime of the town.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

a comprehensive term for any proceeding in a court of law whereby an individual seeks a legal remedy

From this reading But business-like to the last and after, he went off to the moment, just before the Grand Prix, choosing a week entirely blank, when, as there was no crime, or duel, or interesting lawsuit, or political event, the sensational obsequies of the Permanent Secretary would be the only pastime of the town.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading The traffic was stopped, and no carriages but those of persons invited were allowed to pass within the rails, strictly kept by a line of policemen posted at intervals.

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

From this reading DESTINY had willed that Loisillon, fortunate always, should be fortunate in dying at the right moment.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading The funeral mass was to be at twelve o’clock, and long before that hour an immense crowd was gathering round St. Germain des Prés.

the property of a body that causes it to have weight in a gravitational field

From this reading The funeral mass was to be at twelve o’clock, and long before that hour an immense crowd was gathering round St. Germain des Prés.

a particular point in time

From this reading DESTINY had willed that Loisillon, fortunate always, should be fortunate in dying at the right moment.

not any; not one

From this reading But business-like to the last and after, he went off to the moment, just before the Grand Prix, choosing a week entirely blank, when, as there was no crime, or duel, or interesting lawsuit, or political event, the sensational obsequies of the Permanent Secretary would be the only pastime of the town.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

amounting to a large indefinite number

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

according to the clock

From this reading The funeral mass was to be at twelve o’clock, and long before that hour an immense crowd was gathering round St. Germain des Prés.

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

From this reading But business-like to the last and after, he went off to the moment, just before the Grand Prix, choosing a week entirely blank, when, as there was no crime, or duel, or interesting lawsuit, or political event, the sensational obsequies of the Permanent Secretary would be the only pastime of the town.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading But business-like to the last and after, he went off to the moment, just before the Grand Prix, choosing a week entirely blank, when, as there was no crime, or duel, or interesting lawsuit, or political event, the sensational obsequies of the Permanent Secretary would be the only pastime of the town.

and nothing more

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

go across or through

From this reading The traffic was stopped, and no carriages but those of persons invited were allowed to pass within the rails, strictly kept by a line of policemen posted at intervals.

a diversion that occupies one's time and thoughts (usually pleasantly)

From this reading But business-like to the last and after, he went off to the moment, just before the Grand Prix, choosing a week entirely blank, when, as there was no crime, or duel, or interesting lawsuit, or political event, the sensational obsequies of the Permanent Secretary would be the only pastime of the town.

continuing or enduring without marked change in status or condition or place

From this reading But business-like to the last and after, he went off to the moment, just before the Grand Prix, choosing a week entirely blank, when, as there was no crime, or duel, or interesting lawsuit, or political event, the sensational obsequies of the Permanent Secretary would be the only pastime of the town.

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading The traffic was stopped, and no carriages but those of persons invited were allowed to pass within the rails, strictly kept by a line of policemen posted at intervals.

plural of “policeman” — a member of a police force

From this reading The traffic was stopped, and no carriages but those of persons invited were allowed to pass within the rails, strictly kept by a line of policemen posted at intervals.

involving or characteristic of politics or parties or politicians

From this reading But business-like to the last and after, he went off to the moment, just before the Grand Prix, choosing a week entirely blank, when, as there was no crime, or duel, or interesting lawsuit, or political event, the sensational obsequies of the Permanent Secretary would be the only pastime of the town.

publicly displayed

From this reading The traffic was stopped, and no carriages but those of persons invited were allowed to pass within the rails, strictly kept by a line of policemen posted at intervals.

an executive officer of a firm or corporation

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

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

From this reading But business-like to the last and after, he went off to the moment, just before the Grand Prix, choosing a week entirely blank, when, as there was no crime, or duel, or interesting lawsuit, or political event, the sensational obsequies of the Permanent Secretary would be the only pastime of the town.

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

From this reading The funeral mass was to be at twelve o’clock, and long before that hour an immense crowd was gathering round St. Germain des Prés.

a bar or pair of parallel bars of rolled steel making the railway along which railroad cars or other vehicles can roll

From this reading The traffic was stopped, and no carriages but those of persons invited were allowed to pass within the rails, strictly kept by a line of policemen posted at intervals.

precisely, exactly

From this reading DESTINY had willed that Loisillon, fortunate always, should be fortunate in dying at the right moment.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading The funeral mass was to be at twelve o’clock, and long before that hour an immense crowd was gathering round St. Germain des Prés.

a person who is head of an administrative department of government

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

causing intense interest, curiosity, or emotion

From this reading But business-like to the last and after, he went off to the moment, just before the Grand Prix, choosing a week entirely blank, when, as there was no crime, or duel, or interesting lawsuit, or political event, the sensational obsequies of the Permanent Secretary would be the only pastime of the town.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading DESTINY had willed that Loisillon, fortunate always, should be fortunate in dying at the right moment.

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

plural of “society” — an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

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

From this reading The funeral mass was to be at twelve o’clock, and long before that hour an immense crowd was gathering round St. Germain des Prés.

(of a nose) blocked

From this reading The traffic was stopped, and no carriages but those of persons invited were allowed to pass within the rails, strictly kept by a line of policemen posted at intervals.

restricted to something

From this reading The traffic was stopped, and no carriages but those of persons invited were allowed to pass within the rails, strictly kept by a line of policemen posted at intervals.

plural of “tally” — a score in baseball made by a runner touching all four bases safely

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading DESTINY had willed that Loisillon, fortunate always, should be fortunate in dying at the right moment.

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

From this reading DESTINY had willed that Loisillon, fortunate always, should be fortunate in dying at the right moment.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

in or at that place or location

From this reading But business-like to the last and after, he went off to the moment, just before the Grand Prix, choosing a week entirely blank, when, as there was no crime, or duel, or interesting lawsuit, or political event, the sensational obsequies of the Permanent Secretary would be the only pastime of the town.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading The traffic was stopped, and no carriages but those of persons invited were allowed to pass within the rails, strictly kept by a line of policemen posted at intervals.

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

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading But business-like to the last and after, he went off to the moment, just before the Grand Prix, choosing a week entirely blank, when, as there was no crime, or duel, or interesting lawsuit, or political event, the sensational obsequies of the Permanent Secretary would be the only pastime of the town.

the aggregation of things (pedestrians or vehicles) coming and going in a particular locality during a specified period of time

From this reading The traffic was stopped, and no carriages but those of persons invited were allowed to pass within the rails, strictly kept by a line of policemen posted at intervals.

create by training and teaching

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading The funeral mass was to be at twelve o’clock, and long before that hour an immense crowd was gathering round St. Germain des Prés.

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

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

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

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading But business-like to the last and after, he went off to the moment, just before the Grand Prix, choosing a week entirely blank, when, as there was no crime, or duel, or interesting lawsuit, or political event, the sensational obsequies of the Permanent Secretary would be the only pastime of the town.

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

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

at the time that

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

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

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.

past form of “will” — decree or ordain

From this reading DESTINY had willed that Loisillon, fortunate always, should be fortunate in dying at the right moment.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading The traffic was stopped, and no carriages but those of persons invited were allowed to pass within the rails, strictly kept by a line of policemen posted at intervals.

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

From this reading A week later, when houses were closed, society broken up, the Chamber and the Institute not sitting, his funeral train would have been composed of Academicians attentive to their tallies, followed only by deputies from the numerous societies of which he was Secretary or President.