Chapter III

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

From this reading Unlike so many of his fellow-freshmen, whose _savoir-faire_ was sadly to seek, Gaveston had donned neither dinner jacket nor tails, but over one shoulder of his well-cut Norfolk coat had negligently flung a simple but carefully torn commoner’s gown.

(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 He, of all men, could surely face sans apprehension the ordeal of a first public appearance in Wallace.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading It was well-nigh the hour for his first dinner in his college Hall; already, from the insistent belfries of the remoter colleges the fateful seven strokes were shattering with their clangorous curfew the vespertinal peace of the entranced city.

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

From this reading PLINTH Next evening, steeped in the puce and russet dusk of an Oxford twilight, Gaveston sat meditatively enframed in his mullioned window.

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

From this reading PLINTH Next evening, steeped in the puce and russet dusk of an Oxford twilight, Gaveston sat meditatively enframed in his mullioned window.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading He, of all men, could surely face sans apprehension the ordeal of a first public appearance in Wallace.

fearful expectation or anticipation

From this reading He, of all men, could surely face sans apprehension the ordeal of a first public appearance in Wallace.

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

From this reading It was well-nigh the hour for his first dinner in his college Hall; already, from the insistent belfries of the remoter colleges the fateful seven strokes were shattering with their clangorous curfew the vespertinal peace of the entranced city.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But his mood was one of delicious _recueillement_.

taking care or paying attention

From this reading Unlike so many of his fellow-freshmen, whose _savoir-faire_ was sadly to seek, Gaveston had donned neither dinner jacket nor tails, but over one shoulder of his well-cut Norfolk coat had negligently flung a simple but carefully torn commoner’s gown.

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

From this reading It was well-nigh the hour for his first dinner in his college Hall; already, from the insistent belfries of the remoter colleges the fateful seven strokes were shattering with their clangorous curfew the vespertinal peace of the entranced city.

having a loud resonant metallic sound

From this reading It was well-nigh the hour for his first dinner in his college Hall; already, from the insistent belfries of the remoter colleges the fateful seven strokes were shattering with their clangorous curfew the vespertinal peace of the entranced city.

an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors

From this reading Unlike so many of his fellow-freshmen, whose _savoir-faire_ was sadly to seek, Gaveston had donned neither dinner jacket nor tails, but over one shoulder of his well-cut Norfolk coat had negligently flung a simple but carefully torn commoner’s gown.

the body of faculty and students of a college

From this reading It was well-nigh the hour for his first dinner in his college Hall; already, from the insistent belfries of the remoter colleges the fateful seven strokes were shattering with their clangorous curfew the vespertinal peace of the entranced city.

plural of “college” — the body of faculty and students of a college

From this reading It was well-nigh the hour for his first dinner in his college Hall; already, from the insistent belfries of the remoter colleges the fateful seven strokes were shattering with their clangorous curfew the vespertinal peace of the entranced city.

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

From this reading Unlike so many of his fellow-freshmen, whose _savoir-faire_ was sadly to seek, Gaveston had donned neither dinner jacket nor tails, but over one shoulder of his well-cut Norfolk coat had negligently flung a simple but carefully torn commoner’s gown.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading He, of all men, could surely face sans apprehension the ordeal of a first public appearance in Wallace.

the time that the curfew signal is sounded

From this reading It was well-nigh the hour for his first dinner in his college Hall; already, from the insistent belfries of the remoter colleges the fateful seven strokes were shattering with their clangorous curfew the vespertinal peace of the entranced city.

greatly pleasing or entertaining

From this reading But his mood was one of delicious _recueillement_.

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading It was well-nigh the hour for his first dinner in his college Hall; already, from the insistent belfries of the remoter colleges the fateful seven strokes were shattering with their clangorous curfew the vespertinal peace of the entranced city.

inflected form of “don” — put clothing on one's body

From this reading Unlike so many of his fellow-freshmen, whose _savoir-faire_ was sadly to seek, Gaveston had donned neither dinner jacket nor tails, but over one shoulder of his well-cut Norfolk coat had negligently flung a simple but carefully torn commoner’s gown.

the time of day immediately following sunset

From this reading PLINTH Next evening, steeped in the puce and russet dusk of an Oxford twilight, Gaveston sat meditatively enframed in his mullioned window.

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

From this reading PLINTH Next evening, steeped in the puce and russet dusk of an Oxford twilight, Gaveston sat meditatively enframed in his mullioned window.

filled with wonder and delight

From this reading It was well-nigh the hour for his first dinner in his college Hall; already, from the insistent belfries of the remoter colleges the fateful seven strokes were shattering with their clangorous curfew the vespertinal peace of the entranced city.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading PLINTH Next evening, steeped in the puce and russet dusk of an Oxford twilight, Gaveston sat meditatively enframed in his mullioned window.

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

From this reading He, of all men, could surely face sans apprehension the ordeal of a first public appearance in Wallace.

having momentous consequences; of decisive importance

From this reading It was well-nigh the hour for his first dinner in his college Hall; already, from the insistent belfries of the remoter colleges the fateful seven strokes were shattering with their clangorous curfew the vespertinal peace of the entranced city.

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

From this reading Unlike so many of his fellow-freshmen, whose _savoir-faire_ was sadly to seek, Gaveston had donned neither dinner jacket nor tails, but over one shoulder of his well-cut Norfolk coat had negligently flung a simple but carefully torn commoner’s gown.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading It was well-nigh the hour for his first dinner in his college Hall; already, from the insistent belfries of the remoter colleges the fateful seven strokes were shattering with their clangorous curfew the vespertinal peace of the entranced city.

inflected form of “fling” — throw with force or recklessness

From this reading Unlike so many of his fellow-freshmen, whose _savoir-faire_ was sadly to seek, Gaveston had donned neither dinner jacket nor tails, but over one shoulder of his well-cut Norfolk coat had negligently flung a simple but carefully torn commoner’s gown.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It was well-nigh the hour for his first dinner in his college Hall; already, from the insistent belfries of the remoter colleges the fateful seven strokes were shattering with their clangorous curfew the vespertinal peace of the entranced city.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It was well-nigh the hour for his first dinner in his college Hall; already, from the insistent belfries of the remoter colleges the fateful seven strokes were shattering with their clangorous curfew the vespertinal peace of the entranced city.

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

From this reading PLINTH Next evening, steeped in the puce and russet dusk of an Oxford twilight, Gaveston sat meditatively enframed in his mullioned window.

a woman's dress, usually with a close-fitting bodice and a long flared skirt, often worn on formal occasions

From this reading Unlike so many of his fellow-freshmen, whose _savoir-faire_ was sadly to seek, Gaveston had donned neither dinner jacket nor tails, but over one shoulder of his well-cut Norfolk coat had negligently flung a simple but carefully torn commoner’s gown.

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

From this reading Unlike so many of his fellow-freshmen, whose _savoir-faire_ was sadly to seek, Gaveston had donned neither dinner jacket nor tails, but over one shoulder of his well-cut Norfolk coat had negligently flung a simple but carefully torn commoner’s gown.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading It was well-nigh the hour for his first dinner in his college Hall; already, from the insistent belfries of the remoter colleges the fateful seven strokes were shattering with their clangorous curfew the vespertinal peace of the entranced city.

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

From this reading He, of all men, could surely face sans apprehension the ordeal of a first public appearance in Wallace.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading PLINTH Next evening, steeped in the puce and russet dusk of an Oxford twilight, Gaveston sat meditatively enframed in his mullioned window.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading It was well-nigh the hour for his first dinner in his college Hall; already, from the insistent belfries of the remoter colleges the fateful seven strokes were shattering with their clangorous curfew the vespertinal peace of the entranced city.

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

From this reading PLINTH Next evening, steeped in the puce and russet dusk of an Oxford twilight, Gaveston sat meditatively enframed in his mullioned window.

repetitive and persistent

From this reading It was well-nigh the hour for his first dinner in his college Hall; already, from the insistent belfries of the remoter colleges the fateful seven strokes were shattering with their clangorous curfew the vespertinal peace of the entranced city.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was well-nigh the hour for his first dinner in his college Hall; already, from the insistent belfries of the remoter colleges the fateful seven strokes were shattering with their clangorous curfew the vespertinal peace of the entranced city.

a short coat

From this reading Unlike so many of his fellow-freshmen, whose _savoir-faire_ was sadly to seek, Gaveston had donned neither dinner jacket nor tails, but over one shoulder of his well-cut Norfolk coat had negligently flung a simple but carefully torn commoner’s gown.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Unlike so many of his fellow-freshmen, whose _savoir-faire_ was sadly to seek, Gaveston had donned neither dinner jacket nor tails, but over one shoulder of his well-cut Norfolk coat had negligently flung a simple but carefully torn commoner’s gown.

in a meditative manner

From this reading PLINTH Next evening, steeped in the puce and russet dusk of an Oxford twilight, Gaveston sat meditatively enframed in his mullioned window.

the force of workers available

From this reading He, of all men, could surely face sans apprehension the ordeal of a first public appearance in Wallace.

a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling

From this reading But his mood was one of delicious _recueillement_.

of windows; divided by vertical bars or piers usually of stone

From this reading PLINTH Next evening, steeped in the puce and russet dusk of an Oxford twilight, Gaveston sat meditatively enframed in his mullioned window.

in a negligent manner

From this reading Unlike so many of his fellow-freshmen, whose _savoir-faire_ was sadly to seek, Gaveston had donned neither dinner jacket nor tails, but over one shoulder of his well-cut Norfolk coat had negligently flung a simple but carefully torn commoner’s gown.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading Unlike so many of his fellow-freshmen, whose _savoir-faire_ was sadly to seek, Gaveston had donned neither dinner jacket nor tails, but over one shoulder of his well-cut Norfolk coat had negligently flung a simple but carefully torn commoner’s gown.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading PLINTH Next evening, steeped in the puce and russet dusk of an Oxford twilight, Gaveston sat meditatively enframed in his mullioned window.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading Unlike so many of his fellow-freshmen, whose _savoir-faire_ was sadly to seek, Gaveston had donned neither dinner jacket nor tails, but over one shoulder of his well-cut Norfolk coat had negligently flung a simple but carefully torn commoner’s gown.

port city located in southeastern Virginia on the Elizabeth River at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay; headquarters of the Atlantic fleet of the United States Navy

From this reading Unlike so many of his fellow-freshmen, whose _savoir-faire_ was sadly to seek, Gaveston had donned neither dinner jacket nor tails, but over one shoulder of his well-cut Norfolk coat had negligently flung a simple but carefully torn commoner’s gown.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading PLINTH Next evening, steeped in the puce and russet dusk of an Oxford twilight, Gaveston sat meditatively enframed in his mullioned window.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading But his mood was one of delicious _recueillement_.

a severe or trying experience

From this reading He, of all men, could surely face sans apprehension the ordeal of a first public appearance in Wallace.

above and across; more than

From this reading Unlike so many of his fellow-freshmen, whose _savoir-faire_ was sadly to seek, Gaveston had donned neither dinner jacket nor tails, but over one shoulder of his well-cut Norfolk coat had negligently flung a simple but carefully torn commoner’s gown.

a city in southern England to the northwest of London; site of Oxford University

From this reading PLINTH Next evening, steeped in the puce and russet dusk of an Oxford twilight, Gaveston sat meditatively enframed in his mullioned window.

the state prevailing during the absence of war

From this reading It was well-nigh the hour for his first dinner in his college Hall; already, from the insistent belfries of the remoter colleges the fateful seven strokes were shattering with their clangorous curfew the vespertinal peace of the entranced city.

an architectural support or base (as for a column or statue)

From this reading PLINTH Next evening, steeped in the puce and russet dusk of an Oxford twilight, Gaveston sat meditatively enframed in his mullioned window.

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading He, of all men, could surely face sans apprehension the ordeal of a first public appearance in Wallace.

a color varying from dark purplish brown to dark red

From this reading PLINTH Next evening, steeped in the puce and russet dusk of an Oxford twilight, Gaveston sat meditatively enframed in his mullioned window.

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

From this reading But his mood was one of delicious _recueillement_.

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

From this reading It was well-nigh the hour for his first dinner in his college Hall; already, from the insistent belfries of the remoter colleges the fateful seven strokes were shattering with their clangorous curfew the vespertinal peace of the entranced city.

a reddish brown homespun fabric

From this reading PLINTH Next evening, steeped in the puce and russet dusk of an Oxford twilight, Gaveston sat meditatively enframed in his mullioned window.

in an unfortunate way

From this reading Unlike so many of his fellow-freshmen, whose _savoir-faire_ was sadly to seek, Gaveston had donned neither dinner jacket nor tails, but over one shoulder of his well-cut Norfolk coat had negligently flung a simple but carefully torn commoner’s gown.

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

From this reading He, of all men, could surely face sans apprehension the ordeal of a first public appearance in Wallace.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading PLINTH Next evening, steeped in the puce and russet dusk of an Oxford twilight, Gaveston sat meditatively enframed in his mullioned window.

social skill

From this reading Unlike so many of his fellow-freshmen, whose _savoir-faire_ was sadly to seek, Gaveston had donned neither dinner jacket nor tails, but over one shoulder of his well-cut Norfolk coat had negligently flung a simple but carefully torn commoner’s gown.

try to get or reach

From this reading Unlike so many of his fellow-freshmen, whose _savoir-faire_ was sadly to seek, Gaveston had donned neither dinner jacket nor tails, but over one shoulder of his well-cut Norfolk coat had negligently flung a simple but carefully torn commoner’s gown.

the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one

From this reading It was well-nigh the hour for his first dinner in his college Hall; already, from the insistent belfries of the remoter colleges the fateful seven strokes were shattering with their clangorous curfew the vespertinal peace of the entranced city.

seemingly loud enough to break something; violently rattling or clattering

From this reading It was well-nigh the hour for his first dinner in his college Hall; already, from the insistent belfries of the remoter colleges the fateful seven strokes were shattering with their clangorous curfew the vespertinal peace of the entranced city.

lift onto one's shoulders

From this reading Unlike so many of his fellow-freshmen, whose _savoir-faire_ was sadly to seek, Gaveston had donned neither dinner jacket nor tails, but over one shoulder of his well-cut Norfolk coat had negligently flung a simple but carefully torn commoner’s gown.

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading Unlike so many of his fellow-freshmen, whose _savoir-faire_ was sadly to seek, Gaveston had donned neither dinner jacket nor tails, but over one shoulder of his well-cut Norfolk coat had negligently flung a simple but carefully torn commoner’s gown.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Unlike so many of his fellow-freshmen, whose _savoir-faire_ was sadly to seek, Gaveston had donned neither dinner jacket nor tails, but over one shoulder of his well-cut Norfolk coat had negligently flung a simple but carefully torn commoner’s gown.

past form of “steep” — devote (oneself) fully to

From this reading PLINTH Next evening, steeped in the puce and russet dusk of an Oxford twilight, Gaveston sat meditatively enframed in his mullioned window.

plural of “stroke” — (sports) the act of swinging or striking at a ball with a club or racket or bat or cue or hand

From this reading It was well-nigh the hour for his first dinner in his college Hall; already, from the insistent belfries of the remoter colleges the fateful seven strokes were shattering with their clangorous curfew the vespertinal peace of the entranced city.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading He, of all men, could surely face sans apprehension the ordeal of a first public appearance in Wallace.

formalwear consisting of full evening dress for men

From this reading Unlike so many of his fellow-freshmen, whose _savoir-faire_ was sadly to seek, Gaveston had donned neither dinner jacket nor tails, but over one shoulder of his well-cut Norfolk coat had negligently flung a simple but carefully torn commoner’s gown.

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

From this reading PLINTH Next evening, steeped in the puce and russet dusk of an Oxford twilight, Gaveston sat meditatively enframed in his mullioned window.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading It was well-nigh the hour for his first dinner in his college Hall; already, from the insistent belfries of the remoter colleges the fateful seven strokes were shattering with their clangorous curfew the vespertinal peace of the entranced city.

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

From this reading Unlike so many of his fellow-freshmen, whose _savoir-faire_ was sadly to seek, Gaveston had donned neither dinner jacket nor tails, but over one shoulder of his well-cut Norfolk coat had negligently flung a simple but carefully torn commoner’s gown.

having edges that are jagged from injury

From this reading Unlike so many of his fellow-freshmen, whose _savoir-faire_ was sadly to seek, Gaveston had donned neither dinner jacket nor tails, but over one shoulder of his well-cut Norfolk coat had negligently flung a simple but carefully torn commoner’s gown.

the time of day immediately following sunset

From this reading PLINTH Next evening, steeped in the puce and russet dusk of an Oxford twilight, Gaveston sat meditatively enframed in his mullioned window.

marked by dissimilarity

From this reading Unlike so many of his fellow-freshmen, whose _savoir-faire_ was sadly to seek, Gaveston had donned neither dinner jacket nor tails, but over one shoulder of his well-cut Norfolk coat had negligently flung a simple but carefully torn commoner’s gown.

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

From this reading It was well-nigh the hour for his first dinner in his college Hall; already, from the insistent belfries of the remoter colleges the fateful seven strokes were shattering with their clangorous curfew the vespertinal peace of the entranced city.

Scottish insurgent who led the resistance to Edward I; in 1297 he gained control of Scotland briefly until Edward invaded Scotland again and defeated Wallace and subsequently executed him (1270-1305)

From this reading He, of all men, could surely face sans apprehension the ordeal of a first public appearance in Wallace.

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

From this reading It was well-nigh the hour for his first dinner in his college Hall; already, from the insistent belfries of the remoter colleges the fateful seven strokes were shattering with their clangorous curfew the vespertinal peace of the entranced city.

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

From this reading Unlike so many of his fellow-freshmen, whose _savoir-faire_ was sadly to seek, Gaveston had donned neither dinner jacket nor tails, but over one shoulder of his well-cut Norfolk coat had negligently flung a simple but carefully torn commoner’s gown.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading It was well-nigh the hour for his first dinner in his college Hall; already, from the insistent belfries of the remoter colleges the fateful seven strokes were shattering with their clangorous curfew the vespertinal peace of the entranced city.

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

From this reading It was well-nigh the hour for his first dinner in his college Hall; already, from the insistent belfries of the remoter colleges the fateful seven strokes were shattering with their clangorous curfew the vespertinal peace of the entranced city.

belonging to which person

From this reading Unlike so many of his fellow-freshmen, whose _savoir-faire_ was sadly to seek, Gaveston had donned neither dinner jacket nor tails, but over one shoulder of his well-cut Norfolk coat had negligently flung a simple but carefully torn commoner’s gown.

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 PLINTH Next evening, steeped in the puce and russet dusk of an Oxford twilight, Gaveston sat meditatively enframed in his mullioned window.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It was well-nigh the hour for his first dinner in his college Hall; already, from the insistent belfries of the remoter colleges the fateful seven strokes were shattering with their clangorous curfew the vespertinal peace of the entranced city.