used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was Christmas Day, on which occasion the Marchesa Belloni entertained her boarders with a Christmas-tree in the drawing-room, followed by a dance in the old Guercino dining-room.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading And it was amusing to see how keen all the ladies were to receive gratis in their bill for a whole winter's stay a trashy Christmas present and the opportunity of dancing without having to pay for a glass of _orgeade_ and a bit of pastry, a sandwich and a cup of soup.
in addition
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
amusingadjectiveUS /əˈmjuːzɪŋ/
providing enjoyment; pleasantly entertaining
From this reading And it was amusing to see how keen all the ladies were to receive gratis in their bill for a whole winter's stay a trashy Christmas present and the opportunity of dancing without having to pay for a glass of _orgeade_ and a bit of pastry, a sandwich and a cup of soup.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading To give a ball and a Christmas-tree was a custom with many hotel-keepers; and the _pensions_ that gave no dance or Christmas-tree were known and numbered and were greatly blamed by the foreigners for this breach of tradition.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading There were instances of very excellent _pensions_ to which many travellers, especially ladies, never went, because there was neither a dance nor a Christmas-tree at Christmas.
avoidingverbUS /əˈvɔɪdɪŋ/
-ing form of “avoid” — stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games
From this reading To give a ball and a Christmas-tree was a custom with many hotel-keepers; and the _pensions_ that gave no dance or Christmas-tree were known and numbered and were greatly blamed by the foreigners for this breach of tradition.
for the reason that
From this reading There were instances of very excellent _pensions_ to which many travellers, especially ladies, never went, because there was neither a dance nor a Christmas-tree at Christmas.
Belloni
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Christmas Day, on which occasion the Marchesa Belloni entertained her boarders with a Christmas-tree in the drawing-room, followed by a dance in the old Guercino dining-room.
a statute in draft before it becomes law
From this reading And it was amusing to see how keen all the ladies were to receive gratis in their bill for a whole winter's stay a trashy Christmas present and the opportunity of dancing without having to pay for a glass of _orgeade_ and a bit of pastry, a sandwich and a cup of soup.
a small piece or quantity of something
From this reading And it was amusing to see how keen all the ladies were to receive gratis in their bill for a whole winter's stay a trashy Christmas present and the opportunity of dancing without having to pay for a glass of _orgeade_ and a bit of pastry, a sandwich and a cup of soup.
blamedadjectiveUS /bleɪmd/
expletives used informally as intensifiers
From this reading To give a ball and a Christmas-tree was a custom with many hotel-keepers; and the _pensions_ that gave no dance or Christmas-tree were known and numbered and were greatly blamed by the foreigners for this breach of tradition.
boardersnounUS /ˈbɔːrdərz/
plural of “boarder” — a tenant in someone's house
From this reading It was Christmas Day, on which occasion the Marchesa Belloni entertained her boarders with a Christmas-tree in the drawing-room, followed by a dance in the old Guercino dining-room.
the two together, not just one
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
breachverbUS /briːtʃ/
act in disregard of laws, rules, contracts, or promises
From this reading To give a ball and a Christmas-tree was a custom with many hotel-keepers; and the _pensions_ that gave no dance or Christmas-tree were known and numbered and were greatly blamed by the foreigners for this breach of tradition.
of surpassing excellence
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It was Christmas Day, on which occasion the Marchesa Belloni entertained her boarders with a Christmas-tree in the drawing-room, followed by a dance in the old Guercino dining-room.
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading It was Christmas Day, on which occasion the Marchesa Belloni entertained her boarders with a Christmas-tree in the drawing-room, followed by a dance in the old Guercino dining-room.
Christmas-tree
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Christmas Day, on which occasion the Marchesa Belloni entertained her boarders with a Christmas-tree in the drawing-room, followed by a dance in the old Guercino dining-room.
the total spent for goods or services including money and time and labor
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
a small open container usually used for drinking; usually has a handle
From this reading And it was amusing to see how keen all the ladies were to receive gratis in their bill for a whole winter's stay a trashy Christmas present and the opportunity of dancing without having to pay for a glass of _orgeade_ and a bit of pastry, a sandwich and a cup of soup.
accepted or habitual practice
From this reading To give a ball and a Christmas-tree was a custom with many hotel-keepers; and the _pensions_ that gave no dance or Christmas-tree were known and numbered and were greatly blamed by the foreigners for this breach of tradition.
an artistic form of nonverbal communication
From this reading It was Christmas Day, on which occasion the Marchesa Belloni entertained her boarders with a Christmas-tree in the drawing-room, followed by a dance in the old Guercino dining-room.
taking a series of rhythmical steps (and movements) in time to music
From this reading And it was amusing to see how keen all the ladies were to receive gratis in their bill for a whole winter's stay a trashy Christmas present and the opportunity of dancing without having to pay for a glass of _orgeade_ and a bit of pastry, a sandwich and a cup of soup.
past form of “dare” — take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading It was Christmas Day, on which occasion the Marchesa Belloni entertained her boarders with a Christmas-tree in the drawing-room, followed by a dance in the old Guercino dining-room.
dependedverbUS /dɪˈpendəd/
past form of “depend” — be contingent upon (something that is elided)
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
dining-roomnoun
a room used for dining
From this reading It was Christmas Day, on which occasion the Marchesa Belloni entertained her boarders with a Christmas-tree in the drawing-room, followed by a dance in the old Guercino dining-room.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Christmas Day, on which occasion the Marchesa Belloni entertained her boarders with a Christmas-tree in the drawing-room, followed by a dance in the old Guercino dining-room.
dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
entertainedadjectiveUS /ˌentərˈteɪnd/
pleasantly occupied
From this reading It was Christmas Day, on which occasion the Marchesa Belloni entertained her boarders with a Christmas-tree in the drawing-room, followed by a dance in the old Guercino dining-room.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading There were instances of very excellent _pensions_ to which many travellers, especially ladies, never went, because there was neither a dance nor a Christmas-tree at Christmas.
very good; of the highest quality
From this reading There were instances of very excellent _pensions_ to which many travellers, especially ladies, never went, because there was neither a dance nor a Christmas-tree at Christmas.
accept an excuse for
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
expensiveadjectiveUS /ɪkˈspensɪv/
high in price or charging high prices
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading It was Christmas Day, on which occasion the Marchesa Belloni entertained her boarders with a Christmas-tree in the drawing-room, followed by a dance in the old Guercino dining-room.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading To give a ball and a Christmas-tree was a custom with many hotel-keepers; and the _pensions_ that gave no dance or Christmas-tree were known and numbered and were greatly blamed by the foreigners for this breach of tradition.
foreignersnounUS /ˈfɔːrənərz/
plural of “foreigner” — a person who comes from a foreign country; someone who does not owe allegiance to your country
From this reading To give a ball and a Christmas-tree was a custom with many hotel-keepers; and the _pensions_ that gave no dance or Christmas-tree were known and numbered and were greatly blamed by the foreigners for this breach of tradition.
set up or found
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading To give a ball and a Christmas-tree was a custom with many hotel-keepers; and the _pensions_ that gave no dance or Christmas-tree were known and numbered and were greatly blamed by the foreigners for this breach of tradition.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading To give a ball and a Christmas-tree was a custom with many hotel-keepers; and the _pensions_ that gave no dance or Christmas-tree were known and numbered and were greatly blamed by the foreigners for this breach of tradition.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
gladlyadverbUS /ˈɡlædli/
in a willing manner
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure
From this reading And it was amusing to see how keen all the ladies were to receive gratis in their bill for a whole winter's stay a trashy Christmas present and the opportunity of dancing without having to pay for a glass of _orgeade_ and a bit of pastry, a sandwich and a cup of soup.
gratisadjectiveUS /ˈɡrætəs/
costing nothing
From this reading And it was amusing to see how keen all the ladies were to receive gratis in their bill for a whole winter's stay a trashy Christmas present and the opportunity of dancing without having to pay for a glass of _orgeade_ and a bit of pastry, a sandwich and a cup of soup.
to an extraordinary extent or degree
From this reading To give a ball and a Christmas-tree was a custom with many hotel-keepers; and the _pensions_ that gave no dance or Christmas-tree were known and numbered and were greatly blamed by the foreigners for this breach of tradition.
Guercino
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Christmas Day, on which occasion the Marchesa Belloni entertained her boarders with a Christmas-tree in the drawing-room, followed by a dance in the old Guercino dining-room.
pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading And it was amusing to see how keen all the ladies were to receive gratis in their bill for a whole winter's stay a trashy Christmas present and the opportunity of dancing without having to pay for a glass of _orgeade_ and a bit of pastry, a sandwich and a cup of soup.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading It was Christmas Day, on which occasion the Marchesa Belloni entertained her boarders with a Christmas-tree in the drawing-room, followed by a dance in the old Guercino dining-room.
hotel-keepers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To give a ball and a Christmas-tree was a custom with many hotel-keepers; and the _pensions_ that gave no dance or Christmas-tree were known and numbered and were greatly blamed by the foreigners for this breach of tradition.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And it was amusing to see how keen all the ladies were to receive gratis in their bill for a whole winter's stay a trashy Christmas present and the opportunity of dancing without having to pay for a glass of _orgeade_ and a bit of pastry, a sandwich and a cup of soup.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was Christmas Day, on which occasion the Marchesa Belloni entertained her boarders with a Christmas-tree in the drawing-room, followed by a dance in the old Guercino dining-room.
instancesnounUS /ˈɪnstənsəz/
plural of “instance” — an occurrence of something
From this reading There were instances of very excellent _pensions_ to which many travellers, especially ladies, never went, because there was neither a dance nor a Christmas-tree at Christmas.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was Christmas Day, on which occasion the Marchesa Belloni entertained her boarders with a Christmas-tree in the drawing-room, followed by a dance in the old Guercino dining-room.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
From this reading And it was amusing to see how keen all the ladies were to receive gratis in their bill for a whole winter's stay a trashy Christmas present and the opportunity of dancing without having to pay for a glass of _orgeade_ and a bit of pastry, a sandwich and a cup of soup.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading To give a ball and a Christmas-tree was a custom with many hotel-keepers; and the _pensions_ that gave no dance or Christmas-tree were known and numbered and were greatly blamed by the foreigners for this breach of tradition.
plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading There were instances of very excellent _pensions_ to which many travellers, especially ladies, never went, because there was neither a dance nor a Christmas-tree at Christmas.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading To give a ball and a Christmas-tree was a custom with many hotel-keepers; and the _pensions_ that gave no dance or Christmas-tree were known and numbered and were greatly blamed by the foreigners for this breach of tradition.
Marchesa
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Christmas Day, on which occasion the Marchesa Belloni entertained her boarders with a Christmas-tree in the drawing-room, followed by a dance in the old Guercino dining-room.
the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
not one and not the other of two
From this reading There were instances of very excellent _pensions_ to which many travellers, especially ladies, never went, because there was neither a dance nor a Christmas-tree at Christmas.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading There were instances of very excellent _pensions_ to which many travellers, especially ladies, never went, because there was neither a dance nor a Christmas-tree at Christmas.
not any; not one
From this reading To give a ball and a Christmas-tree was a custom with many hotel-keepers; and the _pensions_ that gave no dance or Christmas-tree were known and numbered and were greatly blamed by the foreigners for this breach of tradition.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading There were instances of very excellent _pensions_ to which many travellers, especially ladies, never went, because there was neither a dance nor a Christmas-tree at Christmas.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
numberedverbUS /ˈnʌmbərd/
past form of “number” — add up in number or quantity
From this reading To give a ball and a Christmas-tree was a custom with many hotel-keepers; and the _pensions_ that gave no dance or Christmas-tree were known and numbered and were greatly blamed by the foreigners for this breach of tradition.
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading It was Christmas Day, on which occasion the Marchesa Belloni entertained her boarders with a Christmas-tree in the drawing-room, followed by a dance in the old Guercino dining-room.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading To give a ball and a Christmas-tree was a custom with many hotel-keepers; and the _pensions_ that gave no dance or Christmas-tree were known and numbered and were greatly blamed by the foreigners for this breach of tradition.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading It was Christmas Day, on which occasion the Marchesa Belloni entertained her boarders with a Christmas-tree in the drawing-room, followed by a dance in the old Guercino dining-room.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It was Christmas Day, on which occasion the Marchesa Belloni entertained her boarders with a Christmas-tree in the drawing-room, followed by a dance in the old Guercino dining-room.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading And it was amusing to see how keen all the ladies were to receive gratis in their bill for a whole winter's stay a trashy Christmas present and the opportunity of dancing without having to pay for a glass of _orgeade_ and a bit of pastry, a sandwich and a cup of soup.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading To give a ball and a Christmas-tree was a custom with many hotel-keepers; and the _pensions_ that gave no dance or Christmas-tree were known and numbered and were greatly blamed by the foreigners for this breach of tradition.
orgeade
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And it was amusing to see how keen all the ladies were to receive gratis in their bill for a whole winter's stay a trashy Christmas present and the opportunity of dancing without having to pay for a glass of _orgeade_ and a bit of pastry, a sandwich and a cup of soup.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
pastrynounUS /ˈpeɪstri/
a dough of flour and water and shortening
From this reading And it was amusing to see how keen all the ladies were to receive gratis in their bill for a whole winter's stay a trashy Christmas present and the opportunity of dancing without having to pay for a glass of _orgeade_ and a bit of pastry, a sandwich and a cup of soup.
give money, usually in exchange for goods or services
From this reading And it was amusing to see how keen all the ladies were to receive gratis in their bill for a whole winter's stay a trashy Christmas present and the opportunity of dancing without having to pay for a glass of _orgeade_ and a bit of pastry, a sandwich and a cup of soup.
pensionnounUS /ˈpenʃən/
a regular payment to a person that is intended to allow them to subsist without working
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
pensionsnounUS /ˈpenʃənz/
plural of “pension” — a regular payment to a person that is intended to allow them to subsist without working
From this reading To give a ball and a Christmas-tree was a custom with many hotel-keepers; and the _pensions_ that gave no dance or Christmas-tree were known and numbered and were greatly blamed by the foreigners for this breach of tradition.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading And it was amusing to see how keen all the ladies were to receive gratis in their bill for a whole winter's stay a trashy Christmas present and the opportunity of dancing without having to pay for a glass of _orgeade_ and a bit of pastry, a sandwich and a cup of soup.
successfully completed or brought to an end
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
get something; come into possession of
From this reading And it was amusing to see how keen all the ladies were to receive gratis in their bill for a whole winter's stay a trashy Christmas present and the opportunity of dancing without having to pay for a glass of _orgeade_ and a bit of pastry, a sandwich and a cup of soup.
the state of being held in high esteem and honor
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
sandwichnounUS /ˈsændwɪtʃ/
two (or more) slices of bread with a filling between them
From this reading And it was amusing to see how keen all the ladies were to receive gratis in their bill for a whole winter's stay a trashy Christmas present and the opportunity of dancing without having to pay for a glass of _orgeade_ and a bit of pastry, a sandwich and a cup of soup.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading And it was amusing to see how keen all the ladies were to receive gratis in their bill for a whole winter's stay a trashy Christmas present and the opportunity of dancing without having to pay for a glass of _orgeade_ and a bit of pastry, a sandwich and a cup of soup.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
smartnessnounUS /ˈsmɑːrtnɪs/
a kind of pain such as that caused by a wound or a burn or a sore
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
soupnounUS /suːp/
liquid food especially of meat or fish or vegetable stock often containing pieces of solid food
From this reading And it was amusing to see how keen all the ladies were to receive gratis in their bill for a whole winter's stay a trashy Christmas present and the opportunity of dancing without having to pay for a glass of _orgeade_ and a bit of pastry, a sandwich and a cup of soup.
stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading And it was amusing to see how keen all the ladies were to receive gratis in their bill for a whole winter's stay a trashy Christmas present and the opportunity of dancing without having to pay for a glass of _orgeade_ and a bit of pastry, a sandwich and a cup of soup.
table-d'hôte
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading To give a ball and a Christmas-tree was a custom with many hotel-keepers; and the _pensions_ that gave no dance or Christmas-tree were known and numbered and were greatly blamed by the foreigners for this breach of tradition.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was Christmas Day, on which occasion the Marchesa Belloni entertained her boarders with a Christmas-tree in the drawing-room, followed by a dance in the old Guercino dining-room.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading And it was amusing to see how keen all the ladies were to receive gratis in their bill for a whole winter's stay a trashy Christmas present and the opportunity of dancing without having to pay for a glass of _orgeade_ and a bit of pastry, a sandwich and a cup of soup.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There were instances of very excellent _pensions_ to which many travellers, especially ladies, never went, because there was neither a dance nor a Christmas-tree at Christmas.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading To give a ball and a Christmas-tree was a custom with many hotel-keepers; and the _pensions_ that gave no dance or Christmas-tree were known and numbered and were greatly blamed by the foreigners for this breach of tradition.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading To give a ball and a Christmas-tree was a custom with many hotel-keepers; and the _pensions_ that gave no dance or Christmas-tree were known and numbered and were greatly blamed by the foreigners for this breach of tradition.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
traditionnounUS /trəˈdɪʃən/
an inherited pattern of thought or action
From this reading To give a ball and a Christmas-tree was a custom with many hotel-keepers; and the _pensions_ that gave no dance or Christmas-tree were known and numbered and were greatly blamed by the foreigners for this breach of tradition.
trashyadjectiveUS /ˈtræʃi/
cheap and inferior; of no value
From this reading And it was amusing to see how keen all the ladies were to receive gratis in their bill for a whole winter's stay a trashy Christmas present and the opportunity of dancing without having to pay for a glass of _orgeade_ and a bit of pastry, a sandwich and a cup of soup.
travellersnounUS /ˈtrævələrz/
plural of “traveller” — a person who changes location
From this reading There were instances of very excellent _pensions_ to which many travellers, especially ladies, never went, because there was neither a dance nor a Christmas-tree at Christmas.
a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
precisely as stated
From this reading There were instances of very excellent _pensions_ to which many travellers, especially ladies, never went, because there was neither a dance nor a Christmas-tree at Christmas.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was Christmas Day, on which occasion the Marchesa Belloni entertained her boarders with a Christmas-tree in the drawing-room, followed by a dance in the old Guercino dining-room.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading There were instances of very excellent _pensions_ to which many travellers, especially ladies, never went, because there was neither a dance nor a Christmas-tree at Christmas.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading To give a ball and a Christmas-tree was a custom with many hotel-keepers; and the _pensions_ that gave no dance or Christmas-tree were known and numbered and were greatly blamed by the foreigners for this breach of tradition.
in or at the place that
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It was Christmas Day, on which occasion the Marchesa Belloni entertained her boarders with a Christmas-tree in the drawing-room, followed by a dance in the old Guercino dining-room.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading And it was amusing to see how keen all the ladies were to receive gratis in their bill for a whole winter's stay a trashy Christmas present and the opportunity of dancing without having to pay for a glass of _orgeade_ and a bit of pastry, a sandwich and a cup of soup.
winter'snounUS /ˈwɪntərz/
possessive form of “winter” — the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading And it was amusing to see how keen all the ladies were to receive gratis in their bill for a whole winter's stay a trashy Christmas present and the opportunity of dancing without having to pay for a glass of _orgeade_ and a bit of pastry, a sandwich and a cup of soup.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It was Christmas Day, on which occasion the Marchesa Belloni entertained her boarders with a Christmas-tree in the drawing-room, followed by a dance in the old Guercino dining-room.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading And it was amusing to see how keen all the ladies were to receive gratis in their bill for a whole winter's stay a trashy Christmas present and the opportunity of dancing without having to pay for a glass of _orgeade_ and a bit of pastry, a sandwich and a cup of soup.
worldlinessnounUS /ˈwɜːrldlinəs/
the quality or character of being intellectually sophisticated and worldly through cultivation or experience or disillusionment
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The marchesa realized that her tree was expensive and that her dance cost money too and she would gladly have found an excuse for avoiding both, but she dared not: the reputation of her _pension_, as it happened, depended on its worldliness and smartness, on the _table-d'hôte_ in the handsome dining-room, where people dressed for dinner, and also on the brilliant party given at Christmas.
