Chapter I

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

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

showing adoration

From this reading Hers was a face to which in repose Rossetti would have woven an adoring sonnet, though not as to another "lazy, laughing, languid Jenny, fond of a kiss, and fond of a guinea," but a sonnet of purity and peace.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

(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 Yet if the sonnet had been written, and the woman had read, the full scarlet lips which seemed to have gathered into them all the colour from her face, would have parted in scornful laughter.

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

From this reading Seated at an open casement looking out into the London night was a woman.

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

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading Hers was a face to which in repose Rossetti would have woven an adoring sonnet, though not as to another "lazy, laughing, languid Jenny, fond of a kiss, and fond of a guinea," but a sonnet of purity and peace.

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

From this reading Hers was a face to which in repose Rossetti would have woven an adoring sonnet, though not as to another "lazy, laughing, languid Jenny, fond of a kiss, and fond of a guinea," but a sonnet of purity and peace.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Seated at an open casement looking out into the London night was a woman.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Yet if the sonnet had been written, and the woman had read, the full scarlet lips which seemed to have gathered into them all the colour from her face, would have parted in scornful laughter.

the quality or state of the achromatic color of least lightness (bearing the least resemblance to white)

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

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

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

To consume or be consumed by fire.

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Hers was a face to which in repose Rossetti would have woven an adoring sonnet, though not as to another "lazy, laughing, languid Jenny, fond of a kiss, and fond of a guinea," but a sonnet of purity and peace.

make calm or still

From this reading Her hands grasped each other over her knee with a tense grip which gave the lie to the calm of her face.

a window sash that is hinged (usually on one side)

From this reading Seated at an open casement looking out into the London night was a woman.

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

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

having or capable of producing colors

From this reading Yet if the sonnet had been written, and the woman had read, the full scarlet lips which seemed to have gathered into them all the colour from her face, would have parted in scornful laughter.

an adventurer (especially one who led the Spanish conquest of Mexico and Peru in the 16th century)

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

drive around aimlessly but ostentatiously and at leisure

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

without liveliness

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Her hands grasped each other over her knee with a tense grip which gave the lie to the calm of her face.

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

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

having or displaying warmth or affection

From this reading Hers was a face to which in repose Rossetti would have woven an adoring sonnet, though not as to another "lazy, laughing, languid Jenny, fond of a kiss, and fond of a guinea," but a sonnet of purity and peace.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Yet if the sonnet had been written, and the woman had read, the full scarlet lips which seemed to have gathered into them all the colour from her face, would have parted in scornful laughter.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading Yet if the sonnet had been written, and the woman had read, the full scarlet lips which seemed to have gathered into them all the colour from her face, would have parted in scornful laughter.

brought together in one place

From this reading Yet if the sonnet had been written, and the woman had read, the full scarlet lips which seemed to have gathered into them all the colour from her face, would have parted in scornful laughter.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Her hands grasped each other over her knee with a tense grip which gave the lie to the calm of her face.

past form of “grasp” — hold firmly

From this reading Her hands grasped each other over her knee with a tense grip which gave the lie to the calm of her face.

the act of grasping

From this reading Her hands grasped each other over her knee with a tense grip which gave the lie to the calm of her face.

a former British gold coin worth 21 shillings

From this reading Hers was a face to which in repose Rossetti would have woven an adoring sonnet, though not as to another "lazy, laughing, languid Jenny, fond of a kiss, and fond of a guinea," but a sonnet of purity and peace.

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

From this reading Yet if the sonnet had been written, and the woman had read, the full scarlet lips which seemed to have gathered into them all the colour from her face, would have parted in scornful laughter.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading Her hands grasped each other over her knee with a tense grip which gave the lie to the calm of her face.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Hers was a face to which in repose Rossetti would have woven an adoring sonnet, though not as to another "lazy, laughing, languid Jenny, fond of a kiss, and fond of a guinea," but a sonnet of purity and peace.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

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

From this reading Her hands grasped each other over her knee with a tense grip which gave the lie to the calm of her face.

the one or ones belonging to her

From this reading Hers was a face to which in repose Rossetti would have woven an adoring sonnet, though not as to another "lazy, laughing, languid Jenny, fond of a kiss, and fond of a guinea," but a sonnet of purity and peace.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Yet if the sonnet had been written, and the woman had read, the full scarlet lips which seemed to have gathered into them all the colour from her face, would have parted in scornful laughter.

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

From this reading Hers was a face to which in repose Rossetti would have woven an adoring sonnet, though not as to another "lazy, laughing, languid Jenny, fond of a kiss, and fond of a guinea," but a sonnet of purity and peace.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Seated at an open casement looking out into the London night was a woman.

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

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

United States architect who designed the first skyscraper in which a metal skeleton was used (1832-1907)

From this reading Hers was a face to which in repose Rossetti would have woven an adoring sonnet, though not as to another "lazy, laughing, languid Jenny, fond of a kiss, and fond of a guinea," but a sonnet of purity and peace.

the month following May and preceding July

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

the act of caressing with the lips (or an instance thereof)

From this reading Hers was a face to which in repose Rossetti would have woven an adoring sonnet, though not as to another "lazy, laughing, languid Jenny, fond of a kiss, and fond of a guinea," but a sonnet of purity and peace.

hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella

From this reading Her hands grasped each other over her knee with a tense grip which gave the lie to the calm of her face.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

plural of “lamp” — an artificial source of visible illumination

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

lacking spirit or liveliness

From this reading Hers was a face to which in repose Rossetti would have woven an adoring sonnet, though not as to another "lazy, laughing, languid Jenny, fond of a kiss, and fond of a guinea," but a sonnet of purity and peace.

showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness

From this reading Hers was a face to which in repose Rossetti would have woven an adoring sonnet, though not as to another "lazy, laughing, languid Jenny, fond of a kiss, and fond of a guinea," but a sonnet of purity and peace.

the sound of laughing

From this reading Yet if the sonnet had been written, and the woman had read, the full scarlet lips which seemed to have gathered into them all the colour from her face, would have parted in scornful laughter.

moving slowly and gently

From this reading Hers was a face to which in repose Rossetti would have woven an adoring sonnet, though not as to another "lazy, laughing, languid Jenny, fond of a kiss, and fond of a guinea," but a sonnet of purity and peace.

be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position

From this reading Her hands grasped each other over her knee with a tense grip which gave the lie to the calm of her face.

plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking

From this reading Yet if the sonnet had been written, and the woman had read, the full scarlet lips which seemed to have gathered into them all the colour from her face, would have parted in scornful laughter.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading Seated at an open casement looking out into the London night was a woman.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading Seated at an open casement looking out into the London night was a woman.

machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

Having no name, or having a name that is kept secret or unknown.

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Hers was a face to which in repose Rossetti would have woven an adoring sonnet, though not as to another "lazy, laughing, languid Jenny, fond of a kiss, and fond of a guinea," but a sonnet of purity and peace.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading Seated at an open casement looking out into the London night was a woman.

the act of subjugating by cruelty

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Her hands grasped each other over her knee with a tense grip which gave the lie to the calm of her face.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Seated at an open casement looking out into the London night was a woman.

above and across; more than

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

having a margin incised almost to the base so as to create distinct divisions or lobes

From this reading Yet if the sonnet had been written, and the woman had read, the full scarlet lips which seemed to have gathered into them all the colour from her face, would have parted in scornful laughter.

the state prevailing during the absence of war

From this reading Hers was a face to which in repose Rossetti would have woven an adoring sonnet, though not as to another "lazy, laughing, languid Jenny, fond of a kiss, and fond of a guinea," but a sonnet of purity and peace.

someone who uses another person's words or ideas as if they were his own

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

being undiluted or unmixed with extraneous material

From this reading Hers was a face to which in repose Rossetti would have woven an adoring sonnet, though not as to another "lazy, laughing, languid Jenny, fond of a kiss, and fond of a guinea," but a sonnet of purity and peace.

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading Yet if the sonnet had been written, and the woman had read, the full scarlet lips which seemed to have gathered into them all the colour from her face, would have parted in scornful laughter.

put or confide something in a person or thing

From this reading Hers was a face to which in repose Rossetti would have woven an adoring sonnet, though not as to another "lazy, laughing, languid Jenny, fond of a kiss, and fond of a guinea," but a sonnet of purity and peace.

plural of “roll” — rotary motion of an object around its own axis

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

English poet and painter who was a leader of the Pre-Raphaelites (1828-1882)

From this reading Hers was a face to which in repose Rossetti would have woven an adoring sonnet, though not as to another "lazy, laughing, languid Jenny, fond of a kiss, and fond of a guinea," but a sonnet of purity and peace.

a variable color that is vivid red but sometimes with an orange tinge

From this reading Yet if the sonnet had been written, and the woman had read, the full scarlet lips which seemed to have gathered into them all the colour from her face, would have parted in scornful laughter.

expressing extreme contempt

From this reading Yet if the sonnet had been written, and the woman had read, the full scarlet lips which seemed to have gathered into them all the colour from her face, would have parted in scornful laughter.

(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks

From this reading Seated at an open casement looking out into the London night was a woman.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Yet if the sonnet had been written, and the woman had read, the full scarlet lips which seemed to have gathered into them all the colour from her face, would have parted in scornful laughter.

yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

a verse form consisting of 14 lines with a fixed rhyme scheme

From this reading Hers was a face to which in repose Rossetti would have woven an adoring sonnet, though not as to another "lazy, laughing, languid Jenny, fond of a kiss, and fond of a guinea," but a sonnet of purity and peace.

the compass point midway between south and west; at 225 degrees

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

plural of “star” — (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

a grammatical category of verbs used to express distinctions of time

From this reading Her hands grasped each other over her knee with a tense grip which gave the lie to the calm of her face.

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

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Yet if the sonnet had been written, and the woman had read, the full scarlet lips which seemed to have gathered into them all the colour from her face, would have parted in scornful laughter.

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

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Hers was a face to which in repose Rossetti would have woven an adoring sonnet, though not as to another "lazy, laughing, languid Jenny, fond of a kiss, and fond of a guinea," but a sonnet of purity and peace.

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

From this reading Her hands grasped each other over her knee with a tense grip which gave the lie to the calm of her face.

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

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

smooth and soft to sight or hearing or touch or taste

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

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

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

at the time that

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

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

From this reading Her hands grasped each other over her knee with a tense grip which gave the lie to the calm of her face.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

in the company of; together with

From this reading _Author of "The Cruise of the Conquistador," "The Lady of the Blue Motor," "The Motor Pirate," etc._ The night was of velvety blackness--one of those soft, warm, dark nights of June when the southwest wind rolls a cloud-curtain over the stars, when the air is heavy with unshed rain, when lamps burn dully, and when a nameless oppression broods over the face of the land.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Seated at an open casement looking out into the London night was a woman.

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

From this reading Hers was a face to which in repose Rossetti would have woven an adoring sonnet, though not as to another "lazy, laughing, languid Jenny, fond of a kiss, and fond of a guinea," but a sonnet of purity and peace.

made or constructed by interlacing threads or strips of material or other elements into a whole

From this reading Hers was a face to which in repose Rossetti would have woven an adoring sonnet, though not as to another "lazy, laughing, languid Jenny, fond of a kiss, and fond of a guinea," but a sonnet of purity and peace.

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading Yet if the sonnet had been written, and the woman had read, the full scarlet lips which seemed to have gathered into them all the colour from her face, would have parted in scornful laughter.

but in spite of that

From this reading Yet if the sonnet had been written, and the woman had read, the full scarlet lips which seemed to have gathered into them all the colour from her face, would have parted in scornful laughter.