used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The old-fashioned grand-piano was under protection of busts of Bach, Beethoven, and Wagner; and Mysie’s violin stood in the corner, near a bookcase full of musical biographies.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
(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 an observer of a gentle mind, furthermore, might have found a kind of pathos in the shabbiness of it all; for everything fine was worn and faded, and everything new was coarse.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Therefore rather timidly Pauline opened the door of the little room that was both parlor and dining-room.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Any one could see that the room belonged to people who loved music.
aromanounUS /ərˈoʊmə/
any property detected by the olfactory system
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
artsnounUS /ɑːrts/
studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills)
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
playing or singing with instrumental or vocal accompaniment
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
BachnounUS /bɑːk/
German baroque organist and contrapuntist; composed mostly keyboard music; one of the greatest creators of western music (1685-1750)
From this reading The old-fashioned grand-piano was under protection of busts of Bach, Beethoven, and Wagner; and Mysie’s violin stood in the corner, near a bookcase full of musical biographies.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
BeethovennounUS /ˈbeɪtoʊvən/
German composer of instrumental music (especially symphonic and chamber music); continued to compose after he lost his hearing (1770-1827)
From this reading The old-fashioned grand-piano was under protection of busts of Bach, Beethoven, and Wagner; and Mysie’s violin stood in the corner, near a bookcase full of musical biographies.
be owned by; be in the possession of
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
past form of “belong” — be owned by; be in the possession of
From this reading Any one could see that the room belonged to people who loved music.
biographiesnounUS /baɪˈɑːɡrəfiz/
plural of “biography” — an account of the series of events making up a person's life
From this reading The old-fashioned grand-piano was under protection of busts of Bach, Beethoven, and Wagner; and Mysie’s violin stood in the corner, near a bookcase full of musical biographies.
bookcasenounUS /ˈbʊkkeɪs/
a piece of furniture with shelves for storing books
From this reading The old-fashioned grand-piano was under protection of busts of Bach, Beethoven, and Wagner; and Mysie’s violin stood in the corner, near a bookcase full of musical biographies.
the two together, not just one
From this reading Therefore rather timidly Pauline opened the door of the little room that was both parlor and dining-room.
bustsnounUS /bʌsts/
plural of “bust” — a complete failure
From this reading The old-fashioned grand-piano was under protection of busts of Bach, Beethoven, and Wagner; and Mysie’s violin stood in the corner, near a bookcase full of musical biographies.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
coarseadjectiveUS /kɔːrs/
of textures that are rough to the touch or substances consisting of relatively large particles
From this reading And an observer of a gentle mind, furthermore, might have found a kind of pathos in the shabbiness of it all; for everything fine was worn and faded, and everything new was coarse.
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading The old-fashioned grand-piano was under protection of busts of Bach, Beethoven, and Wagner; and Mysie’s violin stood in the corner, near a bookcase full of musical biographies.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Any one could see that the room belonged to people who loved music.
dining-roomnoun
a room used for dining
From this reading Therefore rather timidly Pauline opened the door of the little room that was both parlor and dining-room.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading Therefore rather timidly Pauline opened the door of the little room that was both parlor and dining-room.
one or the other of two
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
all things; all of a situation
From this reading And an observer of a gentle mind, furthermore, might have found a kind of pathos in the shabbiness of it all; for everything fine was worn and faded, and everything new was coarse.
exquisiteadjectiveUS /ˈekskwəzət/
intense or sharp
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
fadedadjectiveUS /ˈfeɪdəd/
having lost freshness or brilliance of color
From this reading And an observer of a gentle mind, furthermore, might have found a kind of pathos in the shabbiness of it all; for everything fine was worn and faded, and everything new was coarse.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading And an observer of a gentle mind, furthermore, might have found a kind of pathos in the shabbiness of it all; for everything fine was worn and faded, and everything new was coarse.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading And an observer of a gentle mind, furthermore, might have found a kind of pathos in the shabbiness of it all; for everything fine was worn and faded, and everything new was coarse.
set up or found
From this reading And an observer of a gentle mind, furthermore, might have found a kind of pathos in the shabbiness of it all; for everything fine was worn and faded, and everything new was coarse.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading The old-fashioned grand-piano was under protection of busts of Bach, Beethoven, and Wagner; and Mysie’s violin stood in the corner, near a bookcase full of musical biographies.
furthermoreadverbUS /ˈfɜːrðərmɔːr/
in addition
From this reading And an observer of a gentle mind, furthermore, might have found a kind of pathos in the shabbiness of it all; for everything fine was worn and faded, and everything new was coarse.
fusedadjectiveUS /fjuːzd/
joined together into a whole
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe
From this reading And an observer of a gentle mind, furthermore, might have found a kind of pathos in the shabbiness of it all; for everything fine was worn and faded, and everything new was coarse.
gentlewomennounUS /ˈdʒentəlwɪmən/
plural of “gentlewoman” — a woman of refinement
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
grand-piano
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old-fashioned grand-piano was under protection of busts of Bach, Beethoven, and Wagner; and Mysie’s violin stood in the corner, near a bookcase full of musical biographies.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading And an observer of a gentle mind, furthermore, might have found a kind of pathos in the shabbiness of it all; for everything fine was worn and faded, and everything new was coarse.
a social unit living together
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The old-fashioned grand-piano was under protection of busts of Bach, Beethoven, and Wagner; and Mysie’s violin stood in the corner, near a bookcase full of musical biographies.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading And an observer of a gentle mind, furthermore, might have found a kind of pathos in the shabbiness of it all; for everything fine was worn and faded, and everything new was coarse.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
lavenderadjectiveUS /ˈlævəndər/
of a pale purple color
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
having or showing profound knowledge
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Therefore rather timidly Pauline opened the door of the little room that was both parlor and dining-room.
held dear
From this reading Any one could see that the room belonged to people who loved music.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading And an observer of a gentle mind, furthermore, might have found a kind of pathos in the shabbiness of it all; for everything fine was worn and faded, and everything new was coarse.
an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner
From this reading Any one could see that the room belonged to people who loved music.
musicaladjectiveUS /ˈmjuːzɪkəl/
characterized by or capable of producing music
From this reading The old-fashioned grand-piano was under protection of busts of Bach, Beethoven, and Wagner; and Mysie’s violin stood in the corner, near a bookcase full of musical biographies.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
Mysie's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old-fashioned grand-piano was under protection of busts of Bach, Beethoven, and Wagner; and Mysie’s violin stood in the corner, near a bookcase full of musical biographies.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading The old-fashioned grand-piano was under protection of busts of Bach, Beethoven, and Wagner; and Mysie’s violin stood in the corner, near a bookcase full of musical biographies.
neatnessnounUS /ˈniːtnəs/
the state of being neat and smart and trim
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading And an observer of a gentle mind, furthermore, might have found a kind of pathos in the shabbiness of it all; for everything fine was worn and faded, and everything new was coarse.
observernounUS /əbˈzɜːrvər/
a person who becomes aware (of things or events) through the senses
From this reading And an observer of a gentle mind, furthermore, might have found a kind of pathos in the shabbiness of it all; for everything fine was worn and faded, and everything new was coarse.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Therefore rather timidly Pauline opened the door of the little room that was both parlor and dining-room.
old-fashionedadjectiveUS /ˌoʊldˈfæʃənd/
out of fashion
From this reading The old-fashioned grand-piano was under protection of busts of Bach, Beethoven, and Wagner; and Mysie’s violin stood in the corner, near a bookcase full of musical biographies.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Any one could see that the room belonged to people who loved music.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading Therefore rather timidly Pauline opened the door of the little room that was both parlor and dining-room.
ornamentverbUS /ˈɔːrnəmənt/
make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
parlornounUS /ˈpɑːrlər/
reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received
From this reading Therefore rather timidly Pauline opened the door of the little room that was both parlor and dining-room.
pathosnounUS /ˈpeɪθɑːs/
a quality that arouses emotions (especially pity or sorrow)
From this reading And an observer of a gentle mind, furthermore, might have found a kind of pathos in the shabbiness of it all; for everything fine was worn and faded, and everything new was coarse.
PaulineadjectiveUS /pɔːˈliːn/
relating to Paul the Apostle or his doctrines
From this reading Therefore rather timidly Pauline opened the door of the little room that was both parlor and dining-room.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading Any one could see that the room belonged to people who loved music.
primverbUS /prɪm/
assume a prim appearance
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
in the right manner; correctly; suitably
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
the activity of protecting someone or something
From this reading The old-fashioned grand-piano was under protection of busts of Bach, Beethoven, and Wagner; and Mysie’s violin stood in the corner, near a bookcase full of musical biographies.
on the contrary
From this reading Therefore rather timidly Pauline opened the door of the little room that was both parlor and dining-room.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading Therefore rather timidly Pauline opened the door of the little room that was both parlor and dining-room.
a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
concerned with religion or religious purposes
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Any one could see that the room belonged to people who loved music.
shabbinessnoun
a lack of elegance as a consequence of wearing threadbare or dirty clothing
From this reading And an observer of a gentle mind, furthermore, might have found a kind of pathos in the shabbiness of it all; for everything fine was worn and faded, and everything new was coarse.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
small or little relative to something else
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading The old-fashioned grand-piano was under protection of busts of Bach, Beethoven, and Wagner; and Mysie’s violin stood in the corner, near a bookcase full of musical biographies.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
To perceive flavor through the mouth.
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Therefore rather timidly Pauline opened the door of the little room that was both parlor and dining-room.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Therefore rather timidly Pauline opened the door of the little room that was both parlor and dining-room.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading Therefore rather timidly Pauline opened the door of the little room that was both parlor and dining-room.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
timidlyadverbUS /ˈtɪmədli/
in a shy or timid or bashful manner
From this reading Therefore rather timidly Pauline opened the door of the little room that was both parlor and dining-room.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Any one could see that the room belonged to people who loved music.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading The old-fashioned grand-piano was under protection of busts of Bach, Beethoven, and Wagner; and Mysie’s violin stood in the corner, near a bookcase full of musical biographies.
violinnounUS /vaɪəˈlɪn/
bowed stringed instrument that is the highest member of the violin family; this instrument has four strings and a hollow body and an unfretted fingerboard and is played with a bow
From this reading The old-fashioned grand-piano was under protection of busts of Bach, Beethoven, and Wagner; and Mysie’s violin stood in the corner, near a bookcase full of musical biographies.
WagnernounUS /ˈwæɡnər/
Austrian architect and pioneer of modern architecture (1841-1918)
From this reading The old-fashioned grand-piano was under protection of busts of Bach, Beethoven, and Wagner; and Mysie’s violin stood in the corner, near a bookcase full of musical biographies.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Therefore rather timidly Pauline opened the door of the little room that was both parlor and dining-room.
at the time that
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
which person or people
From this reading Any one could see that the room belonged to people who loved music.
in the company of; together with
From this reading An air of exquisite neatness was like an aroma of lavender in the room, and with it was fused a prim good taste, such as might properly belong to gentlewomen who had learned the household arts when the rule of three was sacred, and every large ornament must be attended by a smaller one on either side.
Damaged or thinned by continuous use.
From this reading And an observer of a gentle mind, furthermore, might have found a kind of pathos in the shabbiness of it all; for everything fine was worn and faded, and everything new was coarse.
