used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Almost immediately after the departure of Mr. Smithson, supper was served up in a spacious and handsomely-furnished apartment.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Almost immediately after the departure of Mr. Smithson, supper was served up in a spacious and handsomely-furnished apartment.
(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 Upwards of a dozen persons took their places at the table--all the first-class patients partaking of their meals in the delectable society of the Doctor.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Almost immediately after the departure of Mr. Smithson, supper was served up in a spacious and handsomely-furnished apartment.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Almost immediately after the departure of Mr. Smithson, supper was served up in a spacious and handsomely-furnished apartment.
a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house
From this reading Almost immediately after the departure of Mr. Smithson, supper was served up in a spacious and handsomely-furnished apartment.
ASYLUMnounUS /əˈsaɪləm/
a shelter from danger or hardship
From this reading THE LUNATIC ASYLUM.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Upwards of a dozen persons took their places at the table--all the first-class patients partaking of their meals in the delectable society of the Doctor.
Directly under; in or to a lower position than.
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
a committee having supervisory powers
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
ceilingnounUS /ˈsiːlɪŋ/
the overhead upper surface of a covered space
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
ChinanounUS /ˈtʃaɪnə/
a communist nation that covers a vast territory in eastern Asia; the most populous country in the world
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
the person or thing chosen or selected
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
containingverbUS /kənˈteɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “contain” — include or contain; have as a component
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
crystalnounUS /ˈkrɪstəl/
a solid formed by the solidification of a chemical and having a highly regular atomic structure
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
decanters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
delectableadjectiveUS /dɪˈlektəbəl/
extremely pleasing to the sense of taste
From this reading Upwards of a dozen persons took their places at the table--all the first-class patients partaking of their meals in the delectable society of the Doctor.
the act of departing
From this reading Almost immediately after the departure of Mr. Smithson, supper was served up in a spacious and handsomely-furnished apartment.
a licensed medical practitioner
From this reading Upwards of a dozen persons took their places at the table--all the first-class patients partaking of their meals in the delectable society of the Doctor.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading Upwards of a dozen persons took their places at the table--all the first-class patients partaking of their meals in the delectable society of the Doctor.
eminentadjectiveUS /ˈemənənt/
standing above others in quality or position
From this reading That eminent individual seated himself at the head of the board; and our old friend, Mr. Sheepshanks, occupied the other extremity.
epergnenoun
a large table centerpiece with branching holders for fruit or sweets or flowers
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
extremitynounUS /ekˈstreməti/
an external body part that projects from the body
From this reading That eminent individual seated himself at the head of the board; and our old friend, Mr. Sheepshanks, occupied the other extremity.
first-classadjectiveUS /ˌfɜːrstˈklæs/
very good; of the highest quality
From this reading Upwards of a dozen persons took their places at the table--all the first-class patients partaking of their meals in the delectable society of the Doctor.
the rising of a body of water and its overflowing onto normally dry land
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading That eminent individual seated himself at the head of the board; and our old friend, Mr. Sheepshanks, occupied the other extremity.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
having the deep slightly brownish color of gold
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
groanedverbUS /ɡroʊnd/
past form of “groan” — indicate pain, discomfort, or displeasure
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
handsomely-furnished
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Almost immediately after the departure of Mr. Smithson, supper was served up in a spacious and handsomely-furnished apartment.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading That eminent individual seated himself at the head of the board; and our old friend, Mr. Sheepshanks, occupied the other extremity.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading That eminent individual seated himself at the head of the board; and our old friend, Mr. Sheepshanks, occupied the other extremity.
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading Almost immediately after the departure of Mr. Smithson, supper was served up in a spacious and handsomely-furnished apartment.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Almost immediately after the departure of Mr. Smithson, supper was served up in a spacious and handsomely-furnished apartment.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading That eminent individual seated himself at the head of the board; and our old friend, Mr. Sheepshanks, occupied the other extremity.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
literallyadverbUS /ˈlɪtərəli/
in a literal sense
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
loadnounUS /loʊd/
weight to be borne or conveyed
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
LUNATICadjectiveUS /ˈluːnətɪk/
insane and believed to be affected by the phases of the moon
From this reading THE LUNATIC ASYLUM.
lustrenounUS /ˈlʌstər/
a surface coating for ceramics or porcelain
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
characterized by grandeur
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
mealsnounUS /miːlz/
plural of “meal” — the food served and eaten at one time
From this reading Upwards of a dozen persons took their places at the table--all the first-class patients partaking of their meals in the delectable society of the Doctor.
an area that is approximately central within some larger region
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Almost immediately after the departure of Mr. Smithson, supper was served up in a spacious and handsomely-furnished apartment.
amounting to a large indefinite number
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
held or filled or in use
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Almost immediately after the departure of Mr. Smithson, supper was served up in a spacious and handsomely-furnished apartment.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading That eminent individual seated himself at the head of the board; and our old friend, Mr. Sheepshanks, occupied the other extremity.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading That eminent individual seated himself at the head of the board; and our old friend, Mr. Sheepshanks, occupied the other extremity.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading That eminent individual seated himself at the head of the board; and our old friend, Mr. Sheepshanks, occupied the other extremity.
partaking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Upwards of a dozen persons took their places at the table--all the first-class patients partaking of their meals in the delectable society of the Doctor.
patientsnounUS /ˈpeɪʃənts/
plural of “patient” — a person who requires medical care
From this reading Upwards of a dozen persons took their places at the table--all the first-class patients partaking of their meals in the delectable society of the Doctor.
plural of “person” — a human being
From this reading Upwards of a dozen persons took their places at the table--all the first-class patients partaking of their meals in the delectable society of the Doctor.
plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Upwards of a dozen persons took their places at the table--all the first-class patients partaking of their meals in the delectable society of the Doctor.
(baseball) base consisting of a rubber slab where the batter stands; it must be touched by a base runner in order to score
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
past form of “pour” — cause to run
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading That eminent individual seated himself at the head of the board; and our old friend, Mr. Sheepshanks, occupied the other extremity.
past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading Almost immediately after the departure of Mr. Smithson, supper was served up in a spacious and handsomely-furnished apartment.
Sheepshanks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That eminent individual seated himself at the head of the board; and our old friend, Mr. Sheepshanks, occupied the other extremity.
a soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal; occurs in argentite and in free form; used in coins and jewelry and tableware and photography
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
Smithson
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Almost immediately after the departure of Mr. Smithson, supper was served up in a spacious and handsomely-furnished apartment.
an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization
From this reading Upwards of a dozen persons took their places at the table--all the first-class patients partaking of their meals in the delectable society of the Doctor.
plural of “sort” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
spaciousadjectiveUS /ˈspeɪʃəs/
very large in expanse or scope
From this reading Almost immediately after the departure of Mr. Smithson, supper was served up in a spacious and handsomely-furnished apartment.
sparkledverbUS /ˈspɑːrkəld/
past form of “sparkle” — reflect brightly
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
having great beauty and splendor
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
distribute or disperse widely
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime
From this reading Almost immediately after the departure of Mr. Smithson, supper was served up in a spacious and handsomely-furnished apartment.
suspendedadjectiveUS /səˈspendɪd/
(of undissolved particles in a fluid) supported or kept from sinking or falling by buoyancy and without apparent attachment
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading That eminent individual seated himself at the head of the board; and our old friend, Mr. Sheepshanks, occupied the other extremity.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE LUNATIC ASYLUM.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Upwards of a dozen persons took their places at the table--all the first-class patients partaking of their meals in the delectable society of the Doctor.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Upwards of a dozen persons took their places at the table--all the first-class patients partaking of their meals in the delectable society of the Doctor.
traynounUS /treɪ/
an open receptacle for holding or displaying or serving articles or food
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Almost immediately after the departure of Mr. Smithson, supper was served up in a spacious and handsomely-furnished apartment.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
UpwardsadverbUS /ˈʌpwərdz/
spatially or metaphorically from a lower to a higher position
From this reading Upwards of a dozen persons took their places at the table--all the first-class patients partaking of their meals in the delectable society of the Doctor.
of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Almost immediately after the departure of Mr. Smithson, supper was served up in a spacious and handsomely-furnished apartment.
winesnounUS /waɪnz/
plural of “wine” — fermented juice (of grapes especially)
From this reading The table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread upon it: a splendid epergne, upon a large silver tray, occupied the middle of the board;--and numerous crystal decanters, containing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magnificent lustre suspended to the ceiling.
