Chapter XXI

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

From this reading She had been imperfectly educated by a wholly incompetent woman, who had had to combine in one the offices of governess, housekeeper, and chaperon, and over whom for five years of the General’s absence in India there had been none to exercise the slightest control.

the state of being absent

From this reading She had been imperfectly educated by a wholly incompetent woman, who had had to combine in one the offices of governess, housekeeper, and chaperon, and over whom for five years of the General’s absence in India there had been none to exercise the slightest control.

plural of “accomplishment” — the action of accomplishing something

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

a public promotion of some product or service

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

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

From this reading Aunt Jean had offered to take the child to Barras to bring her up with her own, but she had altogether declined to have Malcolm even in the holidays.

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

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

(New Testament) disciple of Jesus; brother of Peter; patron saint of Scotland

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

marked by extreme anger

From this reading This had so angered the General that he had answered in the hot-headed Highland fashion that he would see to the upbringing of both his children himself and would be beholden to none.

past form of “answer” — react verbally

From this reading This had so angered the General that he had answered in the hot-headed Highland fashion that he would see to the upbringing of both his children himself and would be beholden to none.

the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle

From this reading Aunt Jean had offered to take the child to Barras to bring her up with her own, but she had altogether declined to have Malcolm even in the holidays.

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

From this reading Aunt Jean had offered to take the child to Barras to bring her up with her own, but she had altogether declined to have Malcolm even in the holidays.

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

From this reading This had so angered the General that he had answered in the hot-headed Highland fashion that he would see to the upbringing of both his children himself and would be beholden to none.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading She had been imperfectly educated by a wholly incompetent woman, who had had to combine in one the offices of governess, housekeeper, and chaperon, and over whom for five years of the General’s absence in India there had been none to exercise the slightest control.

under a moral obligation to someone

From this reading This had so angered the General that he had answered in the hot-headed Highland fashion that he would see to the upbringing of both his children himself and would be beholden to none.

the two together, not just one

From this reading She had to confess that they were meagre both in quality and quantity.

take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading Aunt Jean had offered to take the child to Barras to bring her up with her own, but she had altogether declined to have Malcolm even in the holidays.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Aunt Jean had offered to take the child to Barras to bring her up with her own, but she had altogether declined to have Malcolm even in the holidays.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading She had been imperfectly educated by a wholly incompetent woman, who had had to combine in one the offices of governess, housekeeper, and chaperon, and over whom for five years of the General’s absence in India there had been none to exercise the slightest control.

one who accompanies and supervises a young woman or gatherings of young people

From this reading She had been imperfectly educated by a wholly incompetent woman, who had had to combine in one the offices of governess, housekeeper, and chaperon, and over whom for five years of the General’s absence in India there had been none to exercise the slightest control.

a young person of either sex

From this reading Aunt Jean had offered to take the child to Barras to bring her up with her own, but she had altogether declined to have Malcolm even in the holidays.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading This had so angered the General that he had answered in the hot-headed Highland fashion that he would see to the upbringing of both his children himself and would be beholden to none.

past form of “christen” — administer baptism to

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

plural of “column” — a line of units following one after another

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

have or possess in combination

From this reading She had been imperfectly educated by a wholly incompetent woman, who had had to combine in one the offices of governess, housekeeper, and chaperon, and over whom for five years of the General’s absence in India there had been none to exercise the slightest control.

confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure

From this reading She had to confess that they were meagre both in quality and quantity.

power to direct or determine

From this reading She had been imperfectly educated by a wholly incompetent woman, who had had to combine in one the offices of governess, housekeeper, and chaperon, and over whom for five years of the General’s absence in India there had been none to exercise the slightest control.

every day; without missing a day

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

past form of “decline” — grow worse

From this reading Aunt Jean had offered to take the child to Barras to bring her up with her own, but she had altogether declined to have Malcolm even in the holidays.

possessing an education (especially having more than average knowledge)

From this reading She had been imperfectly educated by a wholly incompetent woman, who had had to combine in one the offices of governess, housekeeper, and chaperon, and over whom for five years of the General’s absence in India there had been none to exercise the slightest control.

divisible by two

From this reading Aunt Jean had offered to take the child to Barras to bring her up with her own, but she had altogether declined to have Malcolm even in the holidays.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit

From this reading She had been imperfectly educated by a wholly incompetent woman, who had had to combine in one the offices of governess, housekeeper, and chaperon, and over whom for five years of the General’s absence in India there had been none to exercise the slightest control.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading This had so angered the General that he had answered in the hot-headed Highland fashion that he would see to the upbringing of both his children himself and would be beholden to none.

start firing a weapon

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

From this reading She had been imperfectly educated by a wholly incompetent woman, who had had to combine in one the offices of governess, housekeeper, and chaperon, and over whom for five years of the General’s absence in India there had been none to exercise the slightest control.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading She had been imperfectly educated by a wholly incompetent woman, who had had to combine in one the offices of governess, housekeeper, and chaperon, and over whom for five years of the General’s absence in India there had been none to exercise the slightest control.

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

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

spectators at a golf or tennis match

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading This had so angered the General that he had answered in the hot-headed Highland fashion that he would see to the upbringing of both his children himself and would be beholden to none.

possessive form of “general” — a general officer of the highest rank

From this reading She had been imperfectly educated by a wholly incompetent woman, who had had to combine in one the offices of governess, housekeeper, and chaperon, and over whom for five years of the General’s absence in India there had been none to exercise the slightest control.

a woman entrusted with the care and supervision of a child (especially in a private home)

From this reading She had been imperfectly educated by a wholly incompetent woman, who had had to combine in one the offices of governess, housekeeper, and chaperon, and over whom for five years of the General’s absence in India there had been none to exercise the slightest control.

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

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Aunt Jean had offered to take the child to Barras to bring her up with her own, but she had altogether declined to have Malcolm even in the holidays.

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

From this reading This had so angered the General that he had answered in the hot-headed Highland fashion that he would see to the upbringing of both his children himself and would be beholden to none.

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

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

elevated (e.g., mountainous) land

From this reading This had so angered the General that he had answered in the hot-headed Highland fashion that he would see to the upbringing of both his children himself and would be beholden to none.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading This had so angered the General that he had answered in the hot-headed Highland fashion that he would see to the upbringing of both his children himself and would be beholden to none.

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

From this reading This had so angered the General that he had answered in the hot-headed Highland fashion that he would see to the upbringing of both his children himself and would be beholden to none.

plural of “holiday” — leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure

From this reading Aunt Jean had offered to take the child to Barras to bring her up with her own, but she had altogether declined to have Malcolm even in the holidays.

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

From this reading This had so angered the General that he had answered in the hot-headed Highland fashion that he would see to the upbringing of both his children himself and would be beholden to none.

a servant who is employed to perform domestic task in a household

From this reading She had been imperfectly educated by a wholly incompetent woman, who had had to combine in one the offices of governess, housekeeper, and chaperon, and over whom for five years of the General’s absence in India there had been none to exercise the slightest control.

in an imperfect or faulty way

From this reading She had been imperfectly educated by a wholly incompetent woman, who had had to combine in one the offices of governess, housekeeper, and chaperon, and over whom for five years of the General’s absence in India there had been none to exercise the slightest control.

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

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

someone who is not competent to take effective action

From this reading She had been imperfectly educated by a wholly incompetent woman, who had had to combine in one the offices of governess, housekeeper, and chaperon, and over whom for five years of the General’s absence in India there had been none to exercise the slightest control.

a republic in the Asian subcontinent in southern Asia; second most populous country in the world; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1947

From this reading She had been imperfectly educated by a wholly incompetent woman, who had had to combine in one the offices of governess, housekeeper, and chaperon, and over whom for five years of the General’s absence in India there had been none to exercise the slightest control.

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

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

a coarse durable twill-weave cotton fabric

From this reading Aunt Jean had offered to take the child to Barras to bring her up with her own, but she had altogether declined to have Malcolm even in the holidays.

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

From this reading Aunt Jean had offered to take the child to Barras to bring her up with her own, but she had altogether declined to have Malcolm even in the holidays.

the world of commercial activity where goods and services are bought and sold

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

being in demand by especially employers

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

deficient in amount or quality or extent

From this reading She had to confess that they were meagre both in quality and quantity.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

not one, and not any

From this reading She had been imperfectly educated by a wholly incompetent woman, who had had to combine in one the offices of governess, housekeeper, and chaperon, and over whom for five years of the General’s absence in India there had been none to exercise the slightest control.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading Aunt Jean had offered to take the child to Barras to bring her up with her own, but she had altogether declined to have Malcolm even in the holidays.

plural of “office” — place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading She had been imperfectly educated by a wholly incompetent woman, who had had to combine in one the offices of governess, housekeeper, and chaperon, and over whom for five years of the General’s absence in India there had been none to exercise the slightest control.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading She had been imperfectly educated by a wholly incompetent woman, who had had to combine in one the offices of governess, housekeeper, and chaperon, and over whom for five years of the General’s absence in India there had been none to exercise the slightest control.

above and across; more than

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Aunt Jean had offered to take the child to Barras to bring her up with her own, but she had altogether declined to have Malcolm even in the holidays.

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

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

affix in a public place or for public notice

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone

From this reading She had to confess that they were meagre both in quality and quantity.

how much there is or how many there are of something that you can quantify

From this reading She had to confess that they were meagre both in quality and quantity.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading This had so angered the General that he had answered in the hot-headed Highland fashion that he would see to the upbringing of both his children himself and would be beholden to none.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading She had to confess that they were meagre both in quality and quantity.

superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some

From this reading She had been imperfectly educated by a wholly incompetent woman, who had had to combine in one the offices of governess, housekeeper, and chaperon, and over whom for five years of the General’s absence in India there had been none to exercise the slightest control.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading This had so angered the General that he had answered in the hot-headed Highland fashion that he would see to the upbringing of both his children himself and would be beholden to none.

distribute or disperse widely

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

the capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

carry out

From this reading Aunt Jean had offered to take the child to Barras to bring her up with her own, but she had altogether declined to have Malcolm even in the holidays.

apparatus used to communicate at a distance over a wire (usually in Morse code)

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

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

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

in or at that place or location

From this reading She had been imperfectly educated by a wholly incompetent woman, who had had to combine in one the offices of governess, housekeeper, and chaperon, and over whom for five years of the General’s absence in India there had been none to exercise the slightest control.

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

From this reading She had to confess that they were meagre both in quality and quantity.

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

From this reading This had so angered the General that he had answered in the hot-headed Highland fashion that he would see to the upbringing of both his children himself and would be beholden to none.

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

From this reading She had to confess that they were meagre both in quality and quantity.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

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

From this reading Aunt Jean had offered to take the child to Barras to bring her up with her own, but she had altogether declined to have Malcolm even in the holidays.

properties acquired during a person's formative years

From this reading This had so angered the General that he had answered in the hot-headed Highland fashion that he would see to the upbringing of both his children himself and would be beholden to none.

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

From this reading She had to confess that they were meagre both in quality and quantity.

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

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

which person or people

From this reading She had been imperfectly educated by a wholly incompetent woman, who had had to combine in one the offices of governess, housekeeper, and chaperon, and over whom for five years of the General’s absence in India there had been none to exercise the slightest control.

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

From this reading She had been imperfectly educated by a wholly incompetent woman, who had had to combine in one the offices of governess, housekeeper, and chaperon, and over whom for five years of the General’s absence in India there had been none to exercise the slightest control.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading She had been imperfectly educated by a wholly incompetent woman, who had had to combine in one the offices of governess, housekeeper, and chaperon, and over whom for five years of the General’s absence in India there had been none to exercise the slightest control.

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE MARKET PLACE That evening, over her fire in the room which Andrew Fraser had christened "The Pictur Gallery," Isla took stock of her marketable accomplishments with the advertizing columns of the "Morning Post" and the "Daily Telegraph" spread on the table in front of her.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading She had been imperfectly educated by a wholly incompetent woman, who had had to combine in one the offices of governess, housekeeper, and chaperon, and over whom for five years of the General’s absence in India there had been none to exercise the slightest control.

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

From this reading This had so angered the General that he had answered in the hot-headed Highland fashion that he would see to the upbringing of both his children himself and would be beholden to none.

a late time of life

From this reading She had been imperfectly educated by a wholly incompetent woman, who had had to combine in one the offices of governess, housekeeper, and chaperon, and over whom for five years of the General’s absence in India there had been none to exercise the slightest control.