Chapter XXXIV · Chapter 34

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

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

past form of “accord” — go together

From this reading In a city of unregulated vice and yet of exquisitely ordered taste, he it was who accorded to himself daily pleasures which were admittedly beyond approach.

as acknowledged

From this reading In a city of unregulated vice and yet of exquisitely ordered taste, he it was who accorded to himself daily pleasures which were admittedly beyond approach.

point or cause to go (blows, weapons, or objects such as photographic equipment) towards

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

(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 How unspeakably unbridled, how delightfully wicked, how temptingly ingenious in their features the little suppers of the regent might be--these were matters of curious interest to all, of intimate knowledge to but few.

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

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

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

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

move towards

From this reading In a city of unregulated vice and yet of exquisitely ordered taste, he it was who accorded to himself daily pleasures which were admittedly beyond approach.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading In the Palais Royal, back of the regally beautiful gardens, back of the noble rows of trees, beyond the gates of iron and the guards in uniform, lived France's regent, in a city of libertines the prince of libertines.

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

From this reading How unspeakably unbridled, how delightfully wicked, how temptingly ingenious in their features the little suppers of the regent might be--these were matters of curious interest to all, of intimate knowledge to but few.

delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration

From this reading In the Palais Royal, back of the regally beautiful gardens, back of the noble rows of trees, beyond the gates of iron and the guards in uniform, lived France's regent, in a city of libertines the prince of libertines.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading In the Palais Royal, back of the regally beautiful gardens, back of the noble rows of trees, beyond the gates of iron and the guards in uniform, lived France's regent, in a city of libertines the prince of libertines.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

A fortress protecting a city, metaphorically representing the invincible inner sanctuary of the rational mind.

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

a state in which you want to learn more about something

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading How unspeakably unbridled, how delightfully wicked, how temptingly ingenious in their features the little suppers of the regent might be--these were matters of curious interest to all, of intimate knowledge to but few.

every day; without missing a day

From this reading In a city of unregulated vice and yet of exquisitely ordered taste, he it was who accorded to himself daily pleasures which were admittedly beyond approach.

in a delightful manner

From this reading How unspeakably unbridled, how delightfully wicked, how temptingly ingenious in their features the little suppers of the regent might be--these were matters of curious interest to all, of intimate knowledge to but few.

plural of “delight” — a feeling of extreme pleasure or satisfaction

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

state of violent mental agitation

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

unrestrained by convention or morality

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

stupefied or excited by a chemical substance (especially alcohol)

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

divisible by two

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

at any time

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

apart from; not including

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

plural of “excess” — a quantity much larger than is needed

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

in a delicate manner

From this reading In a city of unregulated vice and yet of exquisitely ordered taste, he it was who accorded to himself daily pleasures which were admittedly beyond approach.

the quality of exceeding the appropriate limits of decorum or probability or truth

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

plural of “feature” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading How unspeakably unbridled, how delightfully wicked, how temptingly ingenious in their features the little suppers of the regent might be--these were matters of curious interest to all, of intimate knowledge to but few.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading How unspeakably unbridled, how delightfully wicked, how temptingly ingenious in their features the little suppers of the regent might be--these were matters of curious interest to all, of intimate knowledge to but few.

possessive form of “france” — a republic in western Europe; the largest country wholly in Europe

From this reading In the Palais Royal, back of the regally beautiful gardens, back of the noble rows of trees, beyond the gates of iron and the guards in uniform, lived France's regent, in a city of libertines the prince of libertines.

plural of “garden” — a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading In the Palais Royal, back of the regally beautiful gardens, back of the noble rows of trees, beyond the gates of iron and the guards in uniform, lived France's regent, in a city of libertines the prince of libertines.

United States computer entrepreneur whose software company made him the youngest multi-billionaire in the history of the United States (born in 1955)

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

having the deep slightly brownish color of gold

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

coins made of gold

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

plural of “guard” — a person who keeps watch over something or someone

From this reading In the Palais Royal, back of the regally beautiful gardens, back of the noble rows of trees, beyond the gates of iron and the guards in uniform, lived France's regent, in a city of libertines the prince of libertines.

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

From this reading In a city where there were more mistresses than wives, he it was who led the list of the licentious.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

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

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

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

From this reading In a city of unregulated vice and yet of exquisitely ordered taste, he it was who accorded to himself daily pleasures which were admittedly beyond approach.

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

From this reading How unspeakably unbridled, how delightfully wicked, how temptingly ingenious in their features the little suppers of the regent might be--these were matters of curious interest to all, of intimate knowledge to but few.

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

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

Clever, original, and remarkably inventive in design and execution.

From this reading How unspeakably unbridled, how delightfully wicked, how temptingly ingenious in their features the little suppers of the regent might be--these were matters of curious interest to all, of intimate knowledge to but few.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading How unspeakably unbridled, how delightfully wicked, how temptingly ingenious in their features the little suppers of the regent might be--these were matters of curious interest to all, of intimate knowledge to but few.

marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity

From this reading How unspeakably unbridled, how delightfully wicked, how temptingly ingenious in their features the little suppers of the regent might be--these were matters of curious interest to all, of intimate knowledge to but few.

a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood

From this reading In the Palais Royal, back of the regally beautiful gardens, back of the noble rows of trees, beyond the gates of iron and the guards in uniform, lived France's regent, in a city of libertines the prince of libertines.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading In a city where there were more mistresses than wives, he it was who led the list of the licentious.

the emotion of great happiness

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading How unspeakably unbridled, how delightfully wicked, how temptingly ingenious in their features the little suppers of the regent might be--these were matters of curious interest to all, of intimate knowledge to but few.

diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used

From this reading In a city where there were more mistresses than wives, he it was who led the list of the licentious.

plural of “libertine” — a dissolute person; usually a man who is morally unrestrained

From this reading In the Palais Royal, back of the regally beautiful gardens, back of the noble rows of trees, beyond the gates of iron and the guards in uniform, lived France's regent, in a city of libertines the prince of libertines.

lacking moral discipline; especially sexually unrestrained

From this reading In a city where there were more mistresses than wives, he it was who led the list of the licentious.

give or make a list of; name individually; give the names of

From this reading In a city where there were more mistresses than wives, he it was who led the list of the licentious.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading In the Palais Royal, back of the regally beautiful gardens, back of the noble rows of trees, beyond the gates of iron and the guards in uniform, lived France's regent, in a city of libertines the prince of libertines.

roused to anger

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading How unspeakably unbridled, how delightfully wicked, how temptingly ingenious in their features the little suppers of the regent might be--these were matters of curious interest to all, of intimate knowledge to but few.

a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading How unspeakably unbridled, how delightfully wicked, how temptingly ingenious in their features the little suppers of the regent might be--these were matters of curious interest to all, of intimate knowledge to but few.

plural of “mistress” — an adulterous woman; a woman who has an ongoing extramarital sexual relationship with a man

From this reading In a city where there were more mistresses than wives, he it was who led the list of the licentious.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading In a city where there were more mistresses than wives, he it was who led the list of the licentious.

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

not any; not one

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

impressive in appearance

From this reading In the Palais Royal, back of the regally beautiful gardens, back of the noble rows of trees, beyond the gates of iron and the guards in uniform, lived France's regent, in a city of libertines the prince of libertines.

a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

having a systematic arrangement; especially having elements succeeding in order according to rule

From this reading In a city of unregulated vice and yet of exquisitely ordered taste, he it was who accorded to himself daily pleasures which were admittedly beyond approach.

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

From this reading In the Palais Royal, back of the regally beautiful gardens, back of the noble rows of trees, beyond the gates of iron and the guards in uniform, lived France's regent, in a city of libertines the prince of libertines.

the capital and largest city of France; and international center of culture and commerce

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

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

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

plural of “pleasure” — a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience

From this reading In a city of unregulated vice and yet of exquisitely ordered taste, he it was who accorded to himself daily pleasures which were admittedly beyond approach.

a male member of a royal family other than the sovereign (especially the son of a sovereign)

From this reading In the Palais Royal, back of the regally beautiful gardens, back of the noble rows of trees, beyond the gates of iron and the guards in uniform, lived France's regent, in a city of libertines the prince of libertines.

in a regal manner

From this reading In the Palais Royal, back of the regally beautiful gardens, back of the noble rows of trees, beyond the gates of iron and the guards in uniform, lived France's regent, in a city of libertines the prince of libertines.

members of a governing board

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

plural of “row” — an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line

From this reading In the Palais Royal, back of the regally beautiful gardens, back of the noble rows of trees, beyond the gates of iron and the guards in uniform, lived France's regent, in a city of libertines the prince of libertines.

of or relating to or indicative of or issued or performed by a king or queen or other monarch

From this reading In the Palais Royal, back of the regally beautiful gardens, back of the noble rows of trees, beyond the gates of iron and the guards in uniform, lived France's regent, in a city of libertines the prince of libertines.

desire for sensual pleasures

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

the place where something begins, where it springs into being

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

plural of “supper” — a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime

From this reading How unspeakably unbridled, how delightfully wicked, how temptingly ingenious in their features the little suppers of the regent might be--these were matters of curious interest to all, of intimate knowledge to but few.

To perceive flavor through the mouth.

From this reading In a city of unregulated vice and yet of exquisitely ordered taste, he it was who accorded to himself daily pleasures which were admittedly beyond approach.

in a tempting seductive manner

From this reading How unspeakably unbridled, how delightfully wicked, how temptingly ingenious in their features the little suppers of the regent might be--these were matters of curious interest to all, of intimate knowledge to but few.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading In a city where there were more mistresses than wives, he it was who led the list of the licentious.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

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

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading How unspeakably unbridled, how delightfully wicked, how temptingly ingenious in their features the little suppers of the regent might be--these were matters of curious interest to all, of intimate knowledge to but few.

in or at that place or location

From this reading In a city where there were more mistresses than wives, he it was who led the list of the licentious.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading How unspeakably unbridled, how delightfully wicked, how temptingly ingenious in their features the little suppers of the regent might be--these were matters of curious interest to all, of intimate knowledge to but few.

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

From this reading In a city of unregulated vice and yet of exquisitely ordered taste, he it was who accorded to himself daily pleasures which were admittedly beyond approach.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading In the Palais Royal, back of the regally beautiful gardens, back of the noble rows of trees, beyond the gates of iron and the guards in uniform, lived France's regent, in a city of libertines the prince of libertines.

not restrained or controlled

From this reading How unspeakably unbridled, how delightfully wicked, how temptingly ingenious in their features the little suppers of the regent might be--these were matters of curious interest to all, of intimate knowledge to but few.

always the same; showing a single form or character in all occurrences

From this reading In the Palais Royal, back of the regally beautiful gardens, back of the noble rows of trees, beyond the gates of iron and the guards in uniform, lived France's regent, in a city of libertines the prince of libertines.

not regulated; not subject to rule or discipline

From this reading In a city of unregulated vice and yet of exquisitely ordered taste, he it was who accorded to himself daily pleasures which were admittedly beyond approach.

to an inexpressible degree

From this reading How unspeakably unbridled, how delightfully wicked, how temptingly ingenious in their features the little suppers of the regent might be--these were matters of curious interest to all, of intimate knowledge to but few.

moral weakness

From this reading In a city of unregulated vice and yet of exquisitely ordered taste, he it was who accorded to himself daily pleasures which were admittedly beyond approach.

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

From this reading In a city where there were more mistresses than wives, he it was who led the list of the licentious.

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

From this reading In a city where there were more mistresses than wives, he it was who led the list of the licentious.

in or at the place that

From this reading In a city where there were more mistresses than wives, he it was who led the list of the licentious.

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

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

which person or people

From this reading In a city where there were more mistresses than wives, he it was who led the list of the licentious.

morally bad in principle or practice

From this reading How unspeakably unbridled, how delightfully wicked, how temptingly ingenious in their features the little suppers of the regent might be--these were matters of curious interest to all, of intimate knowledge to but few.

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading THE LITTLE SUPPER OF THE REGENT Paris, city of delights, Paris drunk with gold, mad with the delirium of excesses, Paris with no aim except joy, no method but extravagance, held within her gilded gates one citadel of sensuality which remained ever an object of mystery, a source of curiosity even in that dissipated and pleasure-sated city.

plural of “wife” — a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading In a city where there were more mistresses than wives, he it was who led the list of the licentious.

but in spite of that

From this reading In a city of unregulated vice and yet of exquisitely ordered taste, he it was who accorded to himself daily pleasures which were admittedly beyond approach.