Chapter II

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

From this reading TOUCHES UPON A MATTER OF GRAVE PUBLIC IMPORTANCE OF what crime, do you suppose, has S. of P. been guilty?

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading The resources of civilization were ranged already against Shelmerdine of Potterhanworth.

(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 Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading The resources of civilization were ranged already against Shelmerdine of Potterhanworth.

pleasantness resulting from agreeable conditions

From this reading Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

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

From this reading Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

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

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

(Latin) year

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading TOUCHES UPON A MATTER OF GRAVE PUBLIC IMPORTANCE OF what crime, do you suppose, has S. of P. been guilty?

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

From this reading Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

the two together, not just one

From this reading It was a pretty quarrel, and both sides were sustaining it with spirit.

past form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

someone who has won first place in a competition

From this reading Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

a society in an advanced state of social development (e.g., with complex legal and political and religious organizations)

From this reading The resources of civilization were ranged already against Shelmerdine of Potterhanworth.

an assertion of a right (as to money or property)

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

inflected form of “confer” — have a conference in order to talk something over

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

a rude expression intended to offend or hurt

From this reading Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act

From this reading TOUCHES UPON A MATTER OF GRAVE PUBLIC IMPORTANCE OF what crime, do you suppose, has S. of P. been guilty?

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading TOUCHES UPON A MATTER OF GRAVE PUBLIC IMPORTANCE OF what crime, do you suppose, has S. of P. been guilty?

plural of “dog” — a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules

From this reading Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

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

From this reading Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

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

From this reading Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

death of a person

From this reading TOUCHES UPON A MATTER OF GRAVE PUBLIC IMPORTANCE OF what crime, do you suppose, has S. of P. been guilty?

responsible for or chargeable with a reprehensible act

From this reading TOUCHES UPON A MATTER OF GRAVE PUBLIC IMPORTANCE OF what crime, do you suppose, has S. of P. been guilty?

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

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

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

From this reading TOUCHES UPON A MATTER OF GRAVE PUBLIC IMPORTANCE OF what crime, do you suppose, has S. of P. been guilty?

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

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

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

From this reading Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

the quality of being important and worthy of note

From this reading TOUCHES UPON A MATTER OF GRAVE PUBLIC IMPORTANCE OF what crime, do you suppose, has S. of P. been guilty?

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

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

spin, wind, or twist together

From this reading Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

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

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading TOUCHES UPON A MATTER OF GRAVE PUBLIC IMPORTANCE OF what crime, do you suppose, has S. of P. been guilty?

come together

From this reading Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

and nothing more

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

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

From this reading Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

plural of “mistress” — an adulterous woman; a woman who has an ongoing extramarital sexual relationship with a man

From this reading Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

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

From this reading Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

relating to or constituting or bearing or giving a name

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading TOUCHES UPON A MATTER OF GRAVE PUBLIC IMPORTANCE OF what crime, do you suppose, has S. of P. been guilty?

a multivalent nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family that occurs commonly in inorganic phosphate rocks and as organic phosphates in all living cells; is highly reactive and occurs in several allotropic forms

From this reading TOUCHES UPON A MATTER OF GRAVE PUBLIC IMPORTANCE OF what crime, do you suppose, has S. of P. been guilty?

the time that has elapsed

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

plural of “pavement” — the paved surface of a thoroughfare

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

a sum of money paid or a claim discharged

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

for each

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

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

From this reading The resources of civilization were ranged already against Shelmerdine of Potterhanworth.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading It was a pretty quarrel, and both sides were sustaining it with spirit.

the text appearing in a book, newspaper, or other printed publication

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

plural of “privilege” — a special advantage or immunity or benefit not enjoyed by all

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading TOUCHES UPON A MATTER OF GRAVE PUBLIC IMPORTANCE OF what crime, do you suppose, has S. of P. been guilty?

an angry dispute

From this reading It was a pretty quarrel, and both sides were sustaining it with spirit.

past form of “range” — change or be different within limits

From this reading The resources of civilization were ranged already against Shelmerdine of Potterhanworth.

past form of “refuse” — show unwillingness towards

From this reading Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

to give an account or representation of in words

From this reading Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

plural of “resource” — available source of wealth; a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when needed

From this reading The resources of civilization were ranged already against Shelmerdine of Potterhanworth.

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading TOUCHES UPON A MATTER OF GRAVE PUBLIC IMPORTANCE OF what crime, do you suppose, has S. of P. been guilty?

constituted by or established by itself

From this reading Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

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

From this reading The resources of civilization were ranged already against Shelmerdine of Potterhanworth.

plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading It was a pretty quarrel, and both sides were sustaining it with spirit.

a small coin of the United Kingdom worth six pennies; not minted since 1970

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading It was a pretty quarrel, and both sides were sustaining it with spirit.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

a quantity of money

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

express a supposition

From this reading TOUCHES UPON A MATTER OF GRAVE PUBLIC IMPORTANCE OF what crime, do you suppose, has S. of P. been guilty?

-ing form of “sustain” — lengthen or extend in duration or space

From this reading It was a pretty quarrel, and both sides were sustaining it with spirit.

move back and forth or sideways

From this reading Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

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

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

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

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

plural of “touch” — the event of something coming in contact with the body

From this reading TOUCHES UPON A MATTER OF GRAVE PUBLIC IMPORTANCE OF what crime, do you suppose, has S. of P. been guilty?

offensive or disagreeable; causing discomfort or unhappiness

From this reading Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading TOUCHES UPON A MATTER OF GRAVE PUBLIC IMPORTANCE OF what crime, do you suppose, has S. of P. been guilty?

past form of “venture” — proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

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

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

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

From this reading The resources of civilization were ranged already against Shelmerdine of Potterhanworth.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading TOUCHES UPON A MATTER OF GRAVE PUBLIC IMPORTANCE OF what crime, do you suppose, has S. of P. been guilty?

in or at the place that

From this reading Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading It was merely that in a public print he had ventured to ask why the payment of the nominal sum of seven and sixpence per annum conferred upon the dogs of London certain privileges in respect of its pavements which society at large, for some little time past, has ceased to claim.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It was a pretty quarrel, and both sides were sustaining it with spirit.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Nice-minded women in point lace refused to meet the self-constituted champion of public amenity; the black-velveted mistresses of the Flossies and the Fidos thought the state of his mind must be unpleasant; he was an object of contumely where all that was fair and of good report held sway in the life of the metropolis.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading TOUCHES UPON A MATTER OF GRAVE PUBLIC IMPORTANCE OF what crime, do you suppose, has S. of P. been guilty?