used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Catherine De Medici and Cardinal Charles of Lorraine were in the midst of a conversation that started immediately after supper.
accomplicesnounUS /əˈkɑːmpləsəz/
plural of “accomplice” — a person who joins with another in carrying out some plan (especially an unethical or illegal plan)
From this reading Both the one and the other stood on their guard, the two accomplices in intrigue and crime vying with each other in dissimulation and perfidy, the Italian woman crafty, the prelate cautious.
(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with
From this reading The prelate, complaisant, sly and attentive to the slightest word of the Italian woman, showed himself alternately reserved and familiar, according to the turn that the conversation took.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Catherine De Medici and Cardinal Charles of Lorraine were in the midst of a conversation that started immediately after supper.
alternatelyadverbUS /ˈɔːltərnətli/
in an alternating sequence or position
From this reading The prelate, complaisant, sly and attentive to the slightest word of the Italian woman, showed himself alternately reserved and familiar, according to the turn that the conversation took.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Catherine De Medici and Cardinal Charles of Lorraine were in the midst of a conversation that started immediately after supper.
a former copper coin of Pakistan and India
From this reading ANNA BELL.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The Queen, on the other hand, intent, not so much upon what the retainer of the Guises said, as upon fathoming what he suppressed, at once hated and feared him, and sought to surprise upon his face the hidden secrets of his thoughts.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The Queen, on the other hand, intent, not so much upon what the retainer of the Guises said, as upon fathoming what he suppressed, at once hated and feared him, and sought to surprise upon his face the hidden secrets of his thoughts.
attentiveadjectiveUS /əˈtentɪv/
(often followed by “to”) giving care or attention
From this reading The prelate, complaisant, sly and attentive to the slightest word of the Italian woman, showed himself alternately reserved and familiar, according to the turn that the conversation took.
a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck
From this reading ANNA BELL.
the two together, not just one
From this reading Both the one and the other stood on their guard, the two accomplices in intrigue and crime vying with each other in dissimulation and perfidy, the Italian woman crafty, the prelate cautious.
CardinalnounUS /ˈkɑːrdənəl/
(Roman Catholic Church) one of a group of more than 100 prominent bishops in the Sacred College who advise the Pope and elect new Popes
From this reading Catherine De Medici and Cardinal Charles of Lorraine were in the midst of a conversation that started immediately after supper.
CatherinenounUS /ˈkæθərən/
first wife of Henry VIII; Henry VIII's divorce from her was the initial step of the Reformation in England (1485-1536)
From this reading Catherine De Medici and Cardinal Charles of Lorraine were in the midst of a conversation that started immediately after supper.
cautiousadjectiveUS /ˈkɔːʃəs/
showing careful forethought
From this reading Both the one and the other stood on their guard, the two accomplices in intrigue and crime vying with each other in dissimulation and perfidy, the Italian woman crafty, the prelate cautious.
King of France from 1560 to 1574 whose reign was dominated by his mother Catherine de Medicis (1550-1574)
From this reading Catherine De Medici and Cardinal Charles of Lorraine were in the midst of a conversation that started immediately after supper.
complaisantadjectiveUS /kəmˈpleɪsənt/
showing a cheerful willingness to do favors for others
From this reading The prelate, complaisant, sly and attentive to the slightest word of the Italian woman, showed himself alternately reserved and familiar, according to the turn that the conversation took.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading Catherine De Medici and Cardinal Charles of Lorraine were in the midst of a conversation that started immediately after supper.
craftyadjectiveUS /ˈkræfti/
marked by skill in deception
From this reading Both the one and the other stood on their guard, the two accomplices in intrigue and crime vying with each other in dissimulation and perfidy, the Italian woman crafty, the prelate cautious.
(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act
From this reading Both the one and the other stood on their guard, the two accomplices in intrigue and crime vying with each other in dissimulation and perfidy, the Italian woman crafty, the prelate cautious.
a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading Catherine De Medici and Cardinal Charles of Lorraine were in the midst of a conversation that started immediately after supper.
dissimulationnoun
the act of deceiving
From this reading Both the one and the other stood on their guard, the two accomplices in intrigue and crime vying with each other in dissimulation and perfidy, the Italian woman crafty, the prelate cautious.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Both the one and the other stood on their guard, the two accomplices in intrigue and crime vying with each other in dissimulation and perfidy, the Italian woman crafty, the prelate cautious.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading The Queen, on the other hand, intent, not so much upon what the retainer of the Guises said, as upon fathoming what he suppressed, at once hated and feared him, and sought to surprise upon his face the hidden secrets of his thoughts.
well known or easily recognized
From this reading The prelate, complaisant, sly and attentive to the slightest word of the Italian woman, showed himself alternately reserved and familiar, according to the turn that the conversation took.
fathoming
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Queen, on the other hand, intent, not so much upon what the retainer of the Guises said, as upon fathoming what he suppressed, at once hated and feared him, and sought to surprise upon his face the hidden secrets of his thoughts.
past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading The Queen, on the other hand, intent, not so much upon what the retainer of the Guises said, as upon fathoming what he suppressed, at once hated and feared him, and sought to surprise upon his face the hidden secrets of his thoughts.
a person who keeps watch over something or someone
From this reading Both the one and the other stood on their guard, the two accomplices in intrigue and crime vying with each other in dissimulation and perfidy, the Italian woman crafty, the prelate cautious.
GuisesnounUS /ˈɡaɪzəz/
plural of “guise” — an artful or simulated semblance
From this reading The Queen, on the other hand, intent, not so much upon what the retainer of the Guises said, as upon fathoming what he suppressed, at once hated and feared him, and sought to surprise upon his face the hidden secrets of his thoughts.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading The Queen, on the other hand, intent, not so much upon what the retainer of the Guises said, as upon fathoming what he suppressed, at once hated and feared him, and sought to surprise upon his face the hidden secrets of his thoughts.
hatedadjectiveUS /ˈheɪtəd/
treated with dislike or contempt
From this reading The Queen, on the other hand, intent, not so much upon what the retainer of the Guises said, as upon fathoming what he suppressed, at once hated and feared him, and sought to surprise upon his face the hidden secrets of his thoughts.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The Queen, on the other hand, intent, not so much upon what the retainer of the Guises said, as upon fathoming what he suppressed, at once hated and feared him, and sought to surprise upon his face the hidden secrets of his thoughts.
not accessible to view
From this reading The Queen, on the other hand, intent, not so much upon what the retainer of the Guises said, as upon fathoming what he suppressed, at once hated and feared him, and sought to surprise upon his face the hidden secrets of his thoughts.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The Queen, on the other hand, intent, not so much upon what the retainer of the Guises said, as upon fathoming what he suppressed, at once hated and feared him, and sought to surprise upon his face the hidden secrets of his thoughts.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading The prelate, complaisant, sly and attentive to the slightest word of the Italian woman, showed himself alternately reserved and familiar, according to the turn that the conversation took.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The Queen, on the other hand, intent, not so much upon what the retainer of the Guises said, as upon fathoming what he suppressed, at once hated and feared him, and sought to surprise upon his face the hidden secrets of his thoughts.
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading Catherine De Medici and Cardinal Charles of Lorraine were in the midst of a conversation that started immediately after supper.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Catherine De Medici and Cardinal Charles of Lorraine were in the midst of a conversation that started immediately after supper.
intentnounUS /ˌɪnˈtent/
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading The Queen, on the other hand, intent, not so much upon what the retainer of the Guises said, as upon fathoming what he suppressed, at once hated and feared him, and sought to surprise upon his face the hidden secrets of his thoughts.
intriguenounUS /ˌɪnˈtriːɡ/
a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends
From this reading Both the one and the other stood on their guard, the two accomplices in intrigue and crime vying with each other in dissimulation and perfidy, the Italian woman crafty, the prelate cautious.
a native or inhabitant of Italy
From this reading The prelate, complaisant, sly and attentive to the slightest word of the Italian woman, showed himself alternately reserved and familiar, according to the turn that the conversation took.
LorrainenounUS /lərˈeɪn/
an eastern French region rich in iron-ore deposits
From this reading Catherine De Medici and Cardinal Charles of Lorraine were in the midst of a conversation that started immediately after supper.
MedicinounUS /meˈdiːsi/
aristocratic Italian family of powerful merchants and bankers who ruled Florence in the 15th century
From this reading Catherine De Medici and Cardinal Charles of Lorraine were in the midst of a conversation that started immediately after supper.
the location of something surrounded by other things
From this reading Catherine De Medici and Cardinal Charles of Lorraine were in the midst of a conversation that started immediately after supper.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading The Queen, on the other hand, intent, not so much upon what the retainer of the Guises said, as upon fathoming what he suppressed, at once hated and feared him, and sought to surprise upon his face the hidden secrets of his thoughts.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The Queen, on the other hand, intent, not so much upon what the retainer of the Guises said, as upon fathoming what he suppressed, at once hated and feared him, and sought to surprise upon his face the hidden secrets of his thoughts.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Catherine De Medici and Cardinal Charles of Lorraine were in the midst of a conversation that started immediately after supper.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The Queen, on the other hand, intent, not so much upon what the retainer of the Guises said, as upon fathoming what he suppressed, at once hated and feared him, and sought to surprise upon his face the hidden secrets of his thoughts.
on one occasion
From this reading The Queen, on the other hand, intent, not so much upon what the retainer of the Guises said, as upon fathoming what he suppressed, at once hated and feared him, and sought to surprise upon his face the hidden secrets of his thoughts.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Both the one and the other stood on their guard, the two accomplices in intrigue and crime vying with each other in dissimulation and perfidy, the Italian woman crafty, the prelate cautious.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading The Queen, on the other hand, intent, not so much upon what the retainer of the Guises said, as upon fathoming what he suppressed, at once hated and feared him, and sought to surprise upon his face the hidden secrets of his thoughts.
perfidynounUS /ˈpɜːrfɪdi/
betrayal of a trust
From this reading Both the one and the other stood on their guard, the two accomplices in intrigue and crime vying with each other in dissimulation and perfidy, the Italian woman crafty, the prelate cautious.
prelatenounUS /ˈprelɪt/
a senior clergyman and dignitary
From this reading The prelate, complaisant, sly and attentive to the slightest word of the Italian woman, showed himself alternately reserved and familiar, according to the turn that the conversation took.
the only fertile female in a colony of social insects such as bees and ants and termites; its function is to lay eggs
From this reading The Queen, on the other hand, intent, not so much upon what the retainer of the Guises said, as upon fathoming what he suppressed, at once hated and feared him, and sought to surprise upon his face the hidden secrets of his thoughts.
reservedadjectiveUS /rɪˈzɜːrvd/
set aside for the use of a particular person or party
From this reading The prelate, complaisant, sly and attentive to the slightest word of the Italian woman, showed himself alternately reserved and familiar, according to the turn that the conversation took.
retainernounUS /rɪˈteɪnər/
a fee charged in advance to retain the services of someone
From this reading The Queen, on the other hand, intent, not so much upon what the retainer of the Guises said, as upon fathoming what he suppressed, at once hated and feared him, and sought to surprise upon his face the hidden secrets of his thoughts.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading The Queen, on the other hand, intent, not so much upon what the retainer of the Guises said, as upon fathoming what he suppressed, at once hated and feared him, and sought to surprise upon his face the hidden secrets of his thoughts.
secretsnounUS /ˈsiːkrəts/
plural of “secret” — something that should remain hidden from others (especially information that is not to be passed on)
From this reading The Queen, on the other hand, intent, not so much upon what the retainer of the Guises said, as upon fathoming what he suppressed, at once hated and feared him, and sought to surprise upon his face the hidden secrets of his thoughts.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading The prelate, complaisant, sly and attentive to the slightest word of the Italian woman, showed himself alternately reserved and familiar, according to the turn that the conversation took.
superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some
From this reading The prelate, complaisant, sly and attentive to the slightest word of the Italian woman, showed himself alternately reserved and familiar, according to the turn that the conversation took.
slyadjectiveUS /slaɪ/
marked by skill in deception
From this reading The prelate, complaisant, sly and attentive to the slightest word of the Italian woman, showed himself alternately reserved and familiar, according to the turn that the conversation took.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The Queen, on the other hand, intent, not so much upon what the retainer of the Guises said, as upon fathoming what he suppressed, at once hated and feared him, and sought to surprise upon his face the hidden secrets of his thoughts.
that is looked for
From this reading The Queen, on the other hand, intent, not so much upon what the retainer of the Guises said, as upon fathoming what he suppressed, at once hated and feared him, and sought to surprise upon his face the hidden secrets of his thoughts.
past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Catherine De Medici and Cardinal Charles of Lorraine were in the midst of a conversation that started immediately after supper.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading Both the one and the other stood on their guard, the two accomplices in intrigue and crime vying with each other in dissimulation and perfidy, the Italian woman crafty, the prelate cautious.
a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime
From this reading Catherine De Medici and Cardinal Charles of Lorraine were in the midst of a conversation that started immediately after supper.
suppressedadjectiveUS /səˈprest/
kept from public knowledge by various means
From this reading The Queen, on the other hand, intent, not so much upon what the retainer of the Guises said, as upon fathoming what he suppressed, at once hated and feared him, and sought to surprise upon his face the hidden secrets of his thoughts.
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading The Queen, on the other hand, intent, not so much upon what the retainer of the Guises said, as upon fathoming what he suppressed, at once hated and feared him, and sought to surprise upon his face the hidden secrets of his thoughts.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Catherine De Medici and Cardinal Charles of Lorraine were in the midst of a conversation that started immediately after supper.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Catherine De Medici and Cardinal Charles of Lorraine were in the midst of a conversation that started immediately after supper.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Both the one and the other stood on their guard, the two accomplices in intrigue and crime vying with each other in dissimulation and perfidy, the Italian woman crafty, the prelate cautious.
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading The Queen, on the other hand, intent, not so much upon what the retainer of the Guises said, as upon fathoming what he suppressed, at once hated and feared him, and sought to surprise upon his face the hidden secrets of his thoughts.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The prelate, complaisant, sly and attentive to the slightest word of the Italian woman, showed himself alternately reserved and familiar, according to the turn that the conversation took.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading The prelate, complaisant, sly and attentive to the slightest word of the Italian woman, showed himself alternately reserved and familiar, according to the turn that the conversation took.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading The prelate, complaisant, sly and attentive to the slightest word of the Italian woman, showed himself alternately reserved and familiar, according to the turn that the conversation took.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Both the one and the other stood on their guard, the two accomplices in intrigue and crime vying with each other in dissimulation and perfidy, the Italian woman crafty, the prelate cautious.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The Queen, on the other hand, intent, not so much upon what the retainer of the Guises said, as upon fathoming what he suppressed, at once hated and feared him, and sought to surprise upon his face the hidden secrets of his thoughts.
vyingverbUS /ˈvaɪɪŋ/
inflected form of “vie” — compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others
From this reading Both the one and the other stood on their guard, the two accomplices in intrigue and crime vying with each other in dissimulation and perfidy, the Italian woman crafty, the prelate cautious.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Catherine De Medici and Cardinal Charles of Lorraine were in the midst of a conversation that started immediately after supper.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading The Queen, on the other hand, intent, not so much upon what the retainer of the Guises said, as upon fathoming what he suppressed, at once hated and feared him, and sought to surprise upon his face the hidden secrets of his thoughts.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Both the one and the other stood on their guard, the two accomplices in intrigue and crime vying with each other in dissimulation and perfidy, the Italian woman crafty, the prelate cautious.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading The prelate, complaisant, sly and attentive to the slightest word of the Italian woman, showed himself alternately reserved and familiar, according to the turn that the conversation took.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading The prelate, complaisant, sly and attentive to the slightest word of the Italian woman, showed himself alternately reserved and familiar, according to the turn that the conversation took.
