Chapter I

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

From this reading _Desolation is a delicate thing._ SHELLEY.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading It was the thing she liked best about her shabby cramped room in the third-rate Hôtel de Minorque et de l’Univers: that the morning sun came in at her window, and yet that it didn’t come too early.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading THE MOTHER’S RECOMPENSE Kate Clephane was wakened, as usual, by the slant of Riviera sun across her bed.

regarded with admiration

From this reading D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK :: LONDON :: MCMXXV My excuses are due to the decorous shade of Grace Aguilar, loved of our grandmothers, for deliberately appropriating, and applying to uses so different, the title of one of the most admired of her tales.

how long something has existed

From this reading AUTHOR OF “OLD NEW YORK,” “THE AGE OF INNOCENCE,” “THE GLIMPSES OF THE MOON,” ETC.

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

From this reading D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK :: LONDON :: MCMXXV My excuses are due to the decorous shade of Grace Aguilar, loved of our grandmothers, for deliberately appropriating, and applying to uses so different, the title of one of the most admired of her tales.

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

From this reading D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK :: LONDON :: MCMXXV My excuses are due to the decorous shade of Grace Aguilar, loved of our grandmothers, for deliberately appropriating, and applying to uses so different, the title of one of the most admired of her tales.

English physicist remembered for his studies of the ionosphere (1892-1966)

From this reading D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK :: LONDON :: MCMXXV My excuses are due to the decorous shade of Grace Aguilar, loved of our grandmothers, for deliberately appropriating, and applying to uses so different, the title of one of the most admired of her tales.

-ing form of “apply” — put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose

From this reading D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK :: LONDON :: MCMXXV My excuses are due to the decorous shade of Grace Aguilar, loved of our grandmothers, for deliberately appropriating, and applying to uses so different, the title of one of the most admired of her tales.

-ing form of “appropriate” — give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause

From this reading D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK :: LONDON :: MCMXXV My excuses are due to the decorous shade of Grace Aguilar, loved of our grandmothers, for deliberately appropriating, and applying to uses so different, the title of one of the most admired of her tales.

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

From this reading D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK :: LONDON :: MCMXXV My excuses are due to the decorous shade of Grace Aguilar, loved of our grandmothers, for deliberately appropriating, and applying to uses so different, the title of one of the most admired of her tales.

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

From this reading THE MOTHER’S RECOMPENSE Kate Clephane was wakened, as usual, by the slant of Riviera sun across her bed.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It was the thing she liked best about her shabby cramped room in the third-rate Hôtel de Minorque et de l’Univers: that the morning sun came in at her window, and yet that it didn’t come too early.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF “OLD NEW YORK,” “THE AGE OF INNOCENCE,” “THE GLIMPSES OF THE MOON,” ETC.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading THE MOTHER’S RECOMPENSE Kate Clephane was wakened, as usual, by the slant of Riviera sun across her bed.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading It was the thing she liked best about her shabby cramped room in the third-rate Hôtel de Minorque et de l’Univers: that the morning sun came in at her window, and yet that it didn’t come too early.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading THE MOTHER’S RECOMPENSE Kate Clephane was wakened, as usual, by the slant of Riviera sun across her bed.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading It was the thing she liked best about her shabby cramped room in the third-rate Hôtel de Minorque et de l’Univers: that the morning sun came in at her window, and yet that it didn’t come too early.

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

From this reading THE MOTHER’S RECOMPENSE Kate Clephane was wakened, as usual, by the slant of Riviera sun across her bed.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading It was the thing she liked best about her shabby cramped room in the third-rate Hôtel de Minorque et de l’Univers: that the morning sun came in at her window, and yet that it didn’t come too early.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK :: LONDON :: MCMXXV My excuses are due to the decorous shade of Grace Aguilar, loved of our grandmothers, for deliberately appropriating, and applying to uses so different, the title of one of the most admired of her tales.

constricted in size

From this reading It was the thing she liked best about her shabby cramped room in the third-rate Hôtel de Minorque et de l’Univers: that the morning sun came in at her window, and yet that it didn’t come too early.

a fat-soluble vitamin that prevents rickets

From this reading D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK :: LONDON :: MCMXXV My excuses are due to the decorous shade of Grace Aguilar, loved of our grandmothers, for deliberately appropriating, and applying to uses so different, the title of one of the most admired of her tales.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading It was the thing she liked best about her shabby cramped room in the third-rate Hôtel de Minorque et de l’Univers: that the morning sun came in at her window, and yet that it didn’t come too early.

characterized by propriety and dignity and good taste in manners and conduct

From this reading D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK :: LONDON :: MCMXXV My excuses are due to the decorous shade of Grace Aguilar, loved of our grandmothers, for deliberately appropriating, and applying to uses so different, the title of one of the most admired of her tales.

with intention; in an intentional manner

From this reading D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK :: LONDON :: MCMXXV My excuses are due to the decorous shade of Grace Aguilar, loved of our grandmothers, for deliberately appropriating, and applying to uses so different, the title of one of the most admired of her tales.

exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury

From this reading _Desolation is a delicate thing._ SHELLEY.

the state of being decayed or destroyed

From this reading _Desolation is a delicate thing._ SHELLEY.

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

From this reading It was the thing she liked best about her shabby cramped room in the third-rate Hôtel de Minorque et de l’Univers: that the morning sun came in at her window, and yet that it didn’t come too early.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK :: LONDON :: MCMXXV My excuses are due to the decorous shade of Grace Aguilar, loved of our grandmothers, for deliberately appropriating, and applying to uses so different, the title of one of the most admired of her tales.

owed and payable immediately or on demand

From this reading D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK :: LONDON :: MCMXXV My excuses are due to the decorous shade of Grace Aguilar, loved of our grandmothers, for deliberately appropriating, and applying to uses so different, the title of one of the most admired of her tales.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading It was the thing she liked best about her shabby cramped room in the third-rate Hôtel de Minorque et de l’Univers: that the morning sun came in at her window, and yet that it didn’t come too early.

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

From this reading It was the thing she liked best about her shabby cramped room in the third-rate Hôtel de Minorque et de l’Univers: that the morning sun came in at her window, and yet that it didn’t come too early.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF “OLD NEW YORK,” “THE AGE OF INNOCENCE,” “THE GLIMPSES OF THE MOON,” ETC.

plural of “excuse” — a defense of some offensive behavior or some failure to keep a promise etc.

From this reading D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK :: LONDON :: MCMXXV My excuses are due to the decorous shade of Grace Aguilar, loved of our grandmothers, for deliberately appropriating, and applying to uses so different, the title of one of the most admired of her tales.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK :: LONDON :: MCMXXV My excuses are due to the decorous shade of Grace Aguilar, loved of our grandmothers, for deliberately appropriating, and applying to uses so different, the title of one of the most admired of her tales.

plural of “glimpse” — a quick look

From this reading AUTHOR OF “OLD NEW YORK,” “THE AGE OF INNOCENCE,” “THE GLIMPSES OF THE MOON,” ETC.

(Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence

From this reading D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK :: LONDON :: MCMXXV My excuses are due to the decorous shade of Grace Aguilar, loved of our grandmothers, for deliberately appropriating, and applying to uses so different, the title of one of the most admired of her tales.

plural of “grandmother” — the mother of your father or mother

From this reading D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK :: LONDON :: MCMXXV My excuses are due to the decorous shade of Grace Aguilar, loved of our grandmothers, for deliberately appropriating, and applying to uses so different, the title of one of the most admired of her tales.

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

From this reading D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK :: LONDON :: MCMXXV My excuses are due to the decorous shade of Grace Aguilar, loved of our grandmothers, for deliberately appropriating, and applying to uses so different, the title of one of the most admired of her tales.

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

From this reading It was the thing she liked best about her shabby cramped room in the third-rate Hôtel de Minorque et de l’Univers: that the morning sun came in at her window, and yet that it didn’t come too early.

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

From this reading It was the thing she liked best about her shabby cramped room in the third-rate Hôtel de Minorque et de l’Univers: that the morning sun came in at her window, and yet that it didn’t come too early.

the quality of innocent naivete

From this reading AUTHOR OF “OLD NEW YORK,” “THE AGE OF INNOCENCE,” “THE GLIMPSES OF THE MOON,” ETC.

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

From this reading _Desolation is a delicate thing._ SHELLEY.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was the thing she liked best about her shabby cramped room in the third-rate Hôtel de Minorque et de l’Univers: that the morning sun came in at her window, and yet that it didn’t come too early.

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

From this reading THE MOTHER’S RECOMPENSE Kate Clephane was wakened, as usual, by the slant of Riviera sun across her bed.

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

From this reading It was the thing she liked best about her shabby cramped room in the third-rate Hôtel de Minorque et de l’Univers: that the morning sun came in at her window, and yet that it didn’t come too early.

found pleasant or attractive; often used as a combining form

From this reading It was the thing she liked best about her shabby cramped room in the third-rate Hôtel de Minorque et de l’Univers: that the morning sun came in at her window, and yet that it didn’t come too early.

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

From this reading D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK :: LONDON :: MCMXXV My excuses are due to the decorous shade of Grace Aguilar, loved of our grandmothers, for deliberately appropriating, and applying to uses so different, the title of one of the most admired of her tales.

held dear

From this reading D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK :: LONDON :: MCMXXV My excuses are due to the decorous shade of Grace Aguilar, loved of our grandmothers, for deliberately appropriating, and applying to uses so different, the title of one of the most admired of her tales.

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

From this reading D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK :: LONDON :: MCMXXV My excuses are due to the decorous shade of Grace Aguilar, loved of our grandmothers, for deliberately appropriating, and applying to uses so different, the title of one of the most admired of her tales.

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

From this reading It was the thing she liked best about her shabby cramped room in the third-rate Hôtel de Minorque et de l’Univers: that the morning sun came in at her window, and yet that it didn’t come too early.

the natural satellite of the Earth

From this reading AUTHOR OF “OLD NEW YORK,” “THE AGE OF INNOCENCE,” “THE GLIMPSES OF THE MOON,” ETC.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading It was the thing she liked best about her shabby cramped room in the third-rate Hôtel de Minorque et de l’Univers: that the morning sun came in at her window, and yet that it didn’t come too early.

used to form the superlative

From this reading D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK :: LONDON :: MCMXXV My excuses are due to the decorous shade of Grace Aguilar, loved of our grandmothers, for deliberately appropriating, and applying to uses so different, the title of one of the most admired of her tales.

possessive form of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading THE MOTHER’S RECOMPENSE Kate Clephane was wakened, as usual, by the slant of Riviera sun across her bed.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK :: LONDON :: MCMXXV My excuses are due to the decorous shade of Grace Aguilar, loved of our grandmothers, for deliberately appropriating, and applying to uses so different, the title of one of the most admired of her tales.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading AUTHOR OF “OLD NEW YORK,” “THE AGE OF INNOCENCE,” “THE GLIMPSES OF THE MOON,” ETC.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AUTHOR OF “OLD NEW YORK,” “THE AGE OF INNOCENCE,” “THE GLIMPSES OF THE MOON,” ETC.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading AUTHOR OF “OLD NEW YORK,” “THE AGE OF INNOCENCE,” “THE GLIMPSES OF THE MOON,” ETC.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK :: LONDON :: MCMXXV My excuses are due to the decorous shade of Grace Aguilar, loved of our grandmothers, for deliberately appropriating, and applying to uses so different, the title of one of the most admired of her tales.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK :: LONDON :: MCMXXV My excuses are due to the decorous shade of Grace Aguilar, loved of our grandmothers, for deliberately appropriating, and applying to uses so different, the title of one of the most admired of her tales.

payment or reward (as for service rendered)

From this reading THE MOTHER’S RECOMPENSE Kate Clephane was wakened, as usual, by the slant of Riviera sun across her bed.

a coastal area between La Spezia in Italy and Cannes in France

From this reading THE MOTHER’S RECOMPENSE Kate Clephane was wakened, as usual, by the slant of Riviera sun across her bed.

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

From this reading It was the thing she liked best about her shabby cramped room in the third-rate Hôtel de Minorque et de l’Univers: that the morning sun came in at her window, and yet that it didn’t come too early.

showing signs of wear and tear

From this reading It was the thing she liked best about her shabby cramped room in the third-rate Hôtel de Minorque et de l’Univers: that the morning sun came in at her window, and yet that it didn’t come too early.

relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body

From this reading D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK :: LONDON :: MCMXXV My excuses are due to the decorous shade of Grace Aguilar, loved of our grandmothers, for deliberately appropriating, and applying to uses so different, the title of one of the most admired of her tales.

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

From this reading It was the thing she liked best about her shabby cramped room in the third-rate Hôtel de Minorque et de l’Univers: that the morning sun came in at her window, and yet that it didn’t come too early.

English writer who created Frankenstein's monster and married Percy Bysshe Shelley (1797-1851)

From this reading _Desolation is a delicate thing._ SHELLEY.

lie obliquely

From this reading THE MOTHER’S RECOMPENSE Kate Clephane was wakened, as usual, by the slant of Riviera sun across her bed.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK :: LONDON :: MCMXXV My excuses are due to the decorous shade of Grace Aguilar, loved of our grandmothers, for deliberately appropriating, and applying to uses so different, the title of one of the most admired of her tales.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading THE MOTHER’S RECOMPENSE Kate Clephane was wakened, as usual, by the slant of Riviera sun across her bed.

plural of “tale” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK :: LONDON :: MCMXXV My excuses are due to the decorous shade of Grace Aguilar, loved of our grandmothers, for deliberately appropriating, and applying to uses so different, the title of one of the most admired of her tales.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was the thing she liked best about her shabby cramped room in the third-rate Hôtel de Minorque et de l’Univers: that the morning sun came in at her window, and yet that it didn’t come too early.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF “OLD NEW YORK,” “THE AGE OF INNOCENCE,” “THE GLIMPSES OF THE MOON,” ETC.

a special situation

From this reading _Desolation is a delicate thing._ SHELLEY.

of lesser quality than second-rate

From this reading It was the thing she liked best about her shabby cramped room in the third-rate Hôtel de Minorque et de l’Univers: that the morning sun came in at her window, and yet that it didn’t come too early.

a heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with

From this reading D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK :: LONDON :: MCMXXV My excuses are due to the decorous shade of Grace Aguilar, loved of our grandmothers, for deliberately appropriating, and applying to uses so different, the title of one of the most admired of her tales.

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

From this reading D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK :: LONDON :: MCMXXV My excuses are due to the decorous shade of Grace Aguilar, loved of our grandmothers, for deliberately appropriating, and applying to uses so different, the title of one of the most admired of her tales.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading It was the thing she liked best about her shabby cramped room in the third-rate Hôtel de Minorque et de l’Univers: that the morning sun came in at her window, and yet that it didn’t come too early.

plural of “use” — the act of using

From this reading D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK :: LONDON :: MCMXXV My excuses are due to the decorous shade of Grace Aguilar, loved of our grandmothers, for deliberately appropriating, and applying to uses so different, the title of one of the most admired of her tales.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading THE MOTHER’S RECOMPENSE Kate Clephane was wakened, as usual, by the slant of Riviera sun across her bed.

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

From this reading THE MOTHER’S RECOMPENSE Kate Clephane was wakened, as usual, by the slant of Riviera sun across her bed.

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

From this reading THE MOTHER’S RECOMPENSE Kate Clephane was wakened, as usual, by the slant of Riviera sun across her bed.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading It was the thing she liked best about her shabby cramped room in the third-rate Hôtel de Minorque et de l’Univers: that the morning sun came in at her window, and yet that it didn’t come too early.

but in spite of that

From this reading It was the thing she liked best about her shabby cramped room in the third-rate Hôtel de Minorque et de l’Univers: that the morning sun came in at her window, and yet that it didn’t come too early.

the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose

From this reading AUTHOR OF “OLD NEW YORK,” “THE AGE OF INNOCENCE,” “THE GLIMPSES OF THE MOON,” ETC.