used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading WHAT first entered my brain as the wildest possibility grew rapidly to a desire which possessed my whole being with absolute passion.
perfect or complete or pure
From this reading WHAT first entered my brain as the wildest possibility grew rapidly to a desire which possessed my whole being with absolute passion.
(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 The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading One way or another, generally on her initiative, but always by her arrangement, we three met, and met daily.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading One way or another, generally on her initiative, but always by her arrangement, we three met, and met daily.
arrangementnounUS /ərˈeɪndʒmənt/
the thing arranged or agreed to
From this reading One way or another, generally on her initiative, but always by her arrangement, we three met, and met daily.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading WHAT first entered my brain as the wildest possibility grew rapidly to a desire which possessed my whole being with absolute passion.
a distinct feature or element in a problem
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
earlier than; in front of
From this reading It was not long before Mademoiselle Ottilie, the lady-in-waiting, discovered the secret madness of my thoughts—in the light of what has since occurred I can truly call it so.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading WHAT first entered my brain as the wildest possibility grew rapidly to a desire which possessed my whole being with absolute passion.
that part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers; enclosed within the skull; continuous with the spinal cord
From this reading WHAT first entered my brain as the wildest possibility grew rapidly to a desire which possessed my whole being with absolute passion.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading It was not long before Mademoiselle Ottilie, the lady-in-waiting, discovered the secret madness of my thoughts—in the light of what has since occurred I can truly call it so.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading It was not long before Mademoiselle Ottilie, the lady-in-waiting, discovered the secret madness of my thoughts—in the light of what has since occurred I can truly call it so.
coalsnounUS /koʊlz/
plural of “coal” — fossil fuel consisting of carbonized vegetable matter deposited in the Carboniferous period
From this reading And she it was who, for purposes of her own, shovelled coals on the fire and fanned the flame.
condescensionnounUS /ˌkɑːndəˈsenʃən/
the trait of displaying arrogance by patronizing those considered inferior
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
a relation between things or events (as in the case of one causing the other or sharing features with it)
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
without variation or change, in every case
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
every day; without missing a day
From this reading One way or another, generally on her initiative, but always by her arrangement, we three met, and met daily.
a female human offspring
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
defiancenounUS /dɪˈfaɪəns/
intentionally contemptuous behavior or attitude
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
deliciousadjectiveUS /dɪˈlɪʃəs/
greatly pleasing or entertaining
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading WHAT first entered my brain as the wildest possibility grew rapidly to a desire which possessed my whole being with absolute passion.
the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading It was not long before Mademoiselle Ottilie, the lady-in-waiting, discovered the secret madness of my thoughts—in the light of what has since occurred I can truly call it so.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading WHAT first entered my brain as the wildest possibility grew rapidly to a desire which possessed my whole being with absolute passion.
etiquettenounUS /ˈetəkət/
rules governing socially acceptable behavior
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
Europe'snounUS /ˈjʊrəps/
possessive form of “europe” — the 2nd smallest continent (actually a vast peninsula of Eurasia); the British use “Europe” to refer to all of the continent except the British Isles
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
fannedadjectiveUS /fænd/
especially spread in a fan shape
From this reading And she it was who, for purposes of her own, shovelled coals on the fire and fanned the flame.
father'snounUS /ˈfɑːðərz/
possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
start firing a weapon
From this reading And she it was who, for purposes of her own, shovelled coals on the fire and fanned the flame.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading WHAT first entered my brain as the wildest possibility grew rapidly to a desire which possessed my whole being with absolute passion.
A hot glowing body of ignited gas produced by fire.
From this reading And she it was who, for purposes of her own, shovelled coals on the fire and fanned the flame.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading And she it was who, for purposes of her own, shovelled coals on the fire and fanned the flame.
usually; as a rule
From this reading One way or another, generally on her initiative, but always by her arrangement, we three met, and met daily.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading WHAT first entered my brain as the wildest possibility grew rapidly to a desire which possessed my whole being with absolute passion.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was not long before Mademoiselle Ottilie, the lady-in-waiting, discovered the secret madness of my thoughts—in the light of what has since occurred I can truly call it so.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading It was not long before Mademoiselle Ottilie, the lady-in-waiting, discovered the secret madness of my thoughts—in the light of what has since occurred I can truly call it so.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
initiativenounUS /ˌɪˈnɪʃətɪv/
readiness to embark on bold new ventures
From this reading One way or another, generally on her initiative, but always by her arrangement, we three met, and met daily.
intimacynounUS /ˈɪntəməsi/
close or warm friendship
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
lady-in-waitingnoun
a lady appointed to attend to a queen or princess
From this reading It was not long before Mademoiselle Ottilie, the lady-in-waiting, discovered the secret madness of my thoughts—in the light of what has since occurred I can truly call it so.
the first of three divisions of the Hebrew Scriptures comprising the first five books of the Hebrew Bible considered as a unit
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading It was not long before Mademoiselle Ottilie, the lady-in-waiting, discovered the secret madness of my thoughts—in the light of what has since occurred I can truly call it so.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading It was not long before Mademoiselle Ottilie, the lady-in-waiting, discovered the secret madness of my thoughts—in the light of what has since occurred I can truly call it so.
small silvery drumfish often mistaken for white perch; found along coasts of United States from New York to Mexico
From this reading It was not long before Mademoiselle Ottilie, the lady-in-waiting, discovered the secret madness of my thoughts—in the light of what has since occurred I can truly call it so.
madnessnounUS /ˈmædnəs/
obsolete terms for legal insanity
From this reading It was not long before Mademoiselle Ottilie, the lady-in-waiting, discovered the secret madness of my thoughts—in the light of what has since occurred I can truly call it so.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
come together
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading One way or another, generally on her initiative, but always by her arrangement, we three met, and met daily.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading WHAT first entered my brain as the wildest possibility grew rapidly to a desire which possessed my whole being with absolute passion.
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It was not long before Mademoiselle Ottilie, the lady-in-waiting, discovered the secret madness of my thoughts—in the light of what has since occurred I can truly call it so.
inflected form of “occur” — come to pass
From this reading It was not long before Mademoiselle Ottilie, the lady-in-waiting, discovered the secret madness of my thoughts—in the light of what has since occurred I can truly call it so.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading One way or another, generally on her initiative, but always by her arrangement, we three met, and met daily.
Ottilie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not long before Mademoiselle Ottilie, the lady-in-waiting, discovered the secret madness of my thoughts—in the light of what has since occurred I can truly call it so.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading And she it was who, for purposes of her own, shovelled coals on the fire and fanned the flame.
a strong feeling or emotion
From this reading WHAT first entered my brain as the wildest possibility grew rapidly to a desire which possessed my whole being with absolute passion.
influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion
From this reading WHAT first entered my brain as the wildest possibility grew rapidly to a desire which possessed my whole being with absolute passion.
a future prospect or potential
From this reading WHAT first entered my brain as the wildest possibility grew rapidly to a desire which possessed my whole being with absolute passion.
presidingverbUS /prɪˈzaɪdɪŋ/
-ing form of “preside” — act as president
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
The daughter of a monarch; a female member of a royal family.
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
purposesnounUS /ˈpɜːrpəsəz/
plural of “purpose” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading And she it was who, for purposes of her own, shovelled coals on the fire and fanned the flame.
any competition
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
with speed
From this reading WHAT first entered my brain as the wildest possibility grew rapidly to a desire which possessed my whole being with absolute passion.
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading It was not long before Mademoiselle Ottilie, the lady-in-waiting, discovered the secret madness of my thoughts—in the light of what has since occurred I can truly call it so.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
sereneadjectiveUS /sərˈiːn/
not agitated; without losing self-possession
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
shovelled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And she it was who, for purposes of her own, shovelled coals on the fire and fanned the flame.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading It was not long before Mademoiselle Ottilie, the lady-in-waiting, discovered the secret madness of my thoughts—in the light of what has since occurred I can truly call it so.
unusual or striking
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
sovereignadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːv.rən/
Possessing supreme or ultimate power; autonomous and commanding.
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
sovereignsnounUS /ˈsɑːvrənz/
plural of “sovereign” — a nation's ruler or head of state usually by hereditary right
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
tantalisingadjective
arousing desire or expectation for something unattainable or mockingly out of reach
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
status with respect to the relations between people or groups
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading WHAT first entered my brain as the wildest possibility grew rapidly to a desire which possessed my whole being with absolute passion.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading It was not long before Mademoiselle Ottilie, the lady-in-waiting, discovered the secret madness of my thoughts—in the light of what has since occurred I can truly call it so.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading One way or another, generally on her initiative, but always by her arrangement, we three met, and met daily.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading WHAT first entered my brain as the wildest possibility grew rapidly to a desire which possessed my whole being with absolute passion.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading It was not long before Mademoiselle Ottilie, the lady-in-waiting, discovered the secret madness of my thoughts—in the light of what has since occurred I can truly call it so.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
unapproachableadjectiveUS /ˌʌnəˈproʊtʃəbəl/
discouraging intimacies; reserved
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading One way or another, generally on her initiative, but always by her arrangement, we three met, and met daily.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading One way or another, generally on her initiative, but always by her arrangement, we three met, and met daily.
be dressed in
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
used to ask for information about something
From this reading WHAT first entered my brain as the wildest possibility grew rapidly to a desire which possessed my whole being with absolute passion.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading WHAT first entered my brain as the wildest possibility grew rapidly to a desire which possessed my whole being with absolute passion.
which person or people
From this reading And she it was who, for purposes of her own, shovelled coals on the fire and fanned the flame.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading WHAT first entered my brain as the wildest possibility grew rapidly to a desire which possessed my whole being with absolute passion.
wildestadjectiveUS /ˈwaɪldɪst/
superlative of “wild” — marked by extreme lack of restraint or control
From this reading WHAT first entered my brain as the wildest possibility grew rapidly to a desire which possessed my whole being with absolute passion.
wiseradjectiveUS /ˈwaɪzər/
comparative of “wise” — having or prompted by wisdom or discernment
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
in the company of; together with
From this reading WHAT first entered my brain as the wildest possibility grew rapidly to a desire which possessed my whole being with absolute passion.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
but in spite of that
From this reading The situation was in itself so singular and tantalising, and the Princess was so beautiful a woman, to be on these terms of delicious intimacy with the daughter of one of Europe’s sovereigns (a little sovereign it is true, but great by race and connection), to meet her constantly in absolute defiance of all the laws of etiquette, yet to see her wear through it all as unapproachable a dignity, as serene an aspect of condescension, as though she were presiding at her father’s Court—it was enough, surely, to have turned the head of a wiser man than myself!
