Chapter V

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

From this reading CARDINAL FLEURY’S BLUNDER Maréchal de Belleisle lay full length on a couch of saffron-coloured satin with his head raised on a pile of silk cushions.

(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 His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

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

From this reading A great clear fire burnt on the hearth, and near it was an ormolu writing-desk, on which were a few papers and a number of extravagant articles of gold and precious stones.

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

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

plural of “apartment” — a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading The Maréchal was a man of middle life with an appearance denoting great pride and energy.

plural of “article” — nonfictional prose forming an independent part of a publication

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

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

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

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

From this reading CARDINAL FLEURY’S BLUNDER Maréchal de Belleisle lay full length on a couch of saffron-coloured satin with his head raised on a pile of silk cushions.

something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

commit a faux pas or a fault or make a serious mistake

From this reading CARDINAL FLEURY’S BLUNDER Maréchal de Belleisle lay full length on a couch of saffron-coloured satin with his head raised on a pile of silk cushions.

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

confined by bonds

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

ruined by overcooking

From this reading A great clear fire burnt on the hearth, and near it was an ormolu writing-desk, on which were a few papers and a number of extravagant articles of gold and precious stones.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The light came entirely from crystal lamps suspended from gilt chains and supported by the ivory figures of flying cupids.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading The light came entirely from crystal lamps suspended from gilt chains and supported by the ivory figures of flying cupids.

(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 CARDINAL FLEURY’S BLUNDER Maréchal de Belleisle lay full length on a couch of saffron-coloured satin with his head raised on a pile of silk cushions.

floor covering consisting of a piece of thick heavy fabric (usually with nap or pile)

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

plural of “casket” — box in which a corpse is buried or cremated

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

metal shackles; for hands or legs

From this reading The light came entirely from crystal lamps suspended from gilt chains and supported by the ivory figures of flying cupids.

plural of “chair” — a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

rid of obstructions

From this reading A great clear fire burnt on the hearth, and near it was an ormolu writing-desk, on which were a few papers and a number of extravagant articles of gold and precious stones.

an upholstered seat for more than one person

From this reading CARDINAL FLEURY’S BLUNDER Maréchal de Belleisle lay full length on a couch of saffron-coloured satin with his head raised on a pile of silk cushions.

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

a solid formed by the solidification of a chemical and having a highly regular atomic structure

From this reading The light came entirely from crystal lamps suspended from gilt chains and supported by the ivory figures of flying cupids.

plural of “cupid” — (Roman mythology) god of love; counterpart of Greek Eros

From this reading The light came entirely from crystal lamps suspended from gilt chains and supported by the ivory figures of flying cupids.

plural of “cushion” — a mechanical damper; absorbs energy of sudden impulses

From this reading CARDINAL FLEURY’S BLUNDER Maréchal de Belleisle lay full length on a couch of saffron-coloured satin with his head raised on a pile of silk cushions.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading CARDINAL FLEURY’S BLUNDER Maréchal de Belleisle lay full length on a couch of saffron-coloured satin with his head raised on a pile of silk cushions.

-ing form of “denote” — be a sign or indication of

From this reading The Maréchal was a man of middle life with an appearance denoting great pride and energy.

hard white substance covering the crown of a tooth

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

(physics) a thermodynamic quantity equivalent to the capacity of a physical system to do work; the units of energy are joules or ergs

From this reading The Maréchal was a man of middle life with an appearance denoting great pride and energy.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading The light came entirely from crystal lamps suspended from gilt chains and supported by the ivory figures of flying cupids.

unrestrained, especially with regard to feelings

From this reading A great clear fire burnt on the hearth, and near it was an ormolu writing-desk, on which were a few papers and a number of extravagant articles of gold and precious stones.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading A great clear fire burnt on the hearth, and near it was an ormolu writing-desk, on which were a few papers and a number of extravagant articles of gold and precious stones.

plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading The light came entirely from crystal lamps suspended from gilt chains and supported by the ivory figures of flying cupids.

start firing a weapon

From this reading A great clear fire burnt on the hearth, and near it was an ormolu writing-desk, on which were a few papers and a number of extravagant articles of gold and precious stones.

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

From this reading CARDINAL FLEURY’S BLUNDER Maréchal de Belleisle lay full length on a couch of saffron-coloured satin with his head raised on a pile of silk cushions.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

moving swiftly

From this reading The light came entirely from crystal lamps suspended from gilt chains and supported by the ivory figures of flying cupids.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The light came entirely from crystal lamps suspended from gilt chains and supported by the ivory figures of flying cupids.

plural of “fruit” — the ripened reproductive body of a seed plant

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading CARDINAL FLEURY’S BLUNDER Maréchal de Belleisle lay full length on a couch of saffron-coloured satin with his head raised on a pile of silk cushions.

provided with whatever is necessary for a purpose (as furniture or equipment or authority)

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

having the deep slightly brownish color of gold

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

coins made of gold

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading A great clear fire burnt on the hearth, and near it was an ormolu writing-desk, on which were a few papers and a number of extravagant articles of gold and precious stones.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading CARDINAL FLEURY’S BLUNDER Maréchal de Belleisle lay full length on a couch of saffron-coloured satin with his head raised on a pile of silk cushions.

an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built

From this reading A great clear fire burnt on the hearth, and near it was an ormolu writing-desk, on which were a few papers and a number of extravagant articles of gold and precious stones.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

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

From this reading CARDINAL FLEURY’S BLUNDER Maréchal de Belleisle lay full length on a couch of saffron-coloured satin with his head raised on a pile of silk cushions.

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

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

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

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading A great clear fire burnt on the hearth, and near it was an ormolu writing-desk, on which were a few papers and a number of extravagant articles of gold and precious stones.

a hard smooth ivory colored dentine that makes up most of the tusks of elephants and walruses

From this reading The light came entirely from crystal lamps suspended from gilt chains and supported by the ivory figures of flying cupids.

plural of “lamp” — an artificial source of visible illumination

From this reading The light came entirely from crystal lamps suspended from gilt chains and supported by the ivory figures of flying cupids.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading CARDINAL FLEURY’S BLUNDER Maréchal de Belleisle lay full length on a couch of saffron-coloured satin with his head raised on a pile of silk cushions.

the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place

From this reading CARDINAL FLEURY’S BLUNDER Maréchal de Belleisle lay full length on a couch of saffron-coloured satin with his head raised on a pile of silk cushions.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading The Maréchal was a man of middle life with an appearance denoting great pride and energy.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading The light came entirely from crystal lamps suspended from gilt chains and supported by the ivory figures of flying cupids.

displaying luxury and furnishing gratification to the senses

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading The Maréchal was a man of middle life with an appearance denoting great pride and energy.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

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

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

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

From this reading CARDINAL FLEURY’S BLUNDER Maréchal de Belleisle lay full length on a couch of saffron-coloured satin with his head raised on a pile of silk cushions.

an area that is approximately central within some larger region

From this reading The Maréchal was a man of middle life with an appearance denoting great pride and energy.

used to form the superlative

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading A great clear fire burnt on the hearth, and near it was an ormolu writing-desk, on which were a few papers and a number of extravagant articles of gold and precious stones.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading A great clear fire burnt on the hearth, and near it was an ormolu writing-desk, on which were a few papers and a number of extravagant articles of gold and precious stones.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading CARDINAL FLEURY’S BLUNDER Maréchal de Belleisle lay full length on a couch of saffron-coloured satin with his head raised on a pile of silk cushions.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading CARDINAL FLEURY’S BLUNDER Maréchal de Belleisle lay full length on a couch of saffron-coloured satin with his head raised on a pile of silk cushions.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

brass that looks like gold; used to decorate furniture

From this reading A great clear fire burnt on the hearth, and near it was an ormolu writing-desk, on which were a few papers and a number of extravagant articles of gold and precious stones.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)

From this reading A great clear fire burnt on the hearth, and near it was an ormolu writing-desk, on which were a few papers and a number of extravagant articles of gold and precious stones.

a collection of objects laid on top of each other

From this reading CARDINAL FLEURY’S BLUNDER Maréchal de Belleisle lay full length on a couch of saffron-coloured satin with his head raised on a pile of silk cushions.

ceramic ware made of a more or less translucent ceramic

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for

From this reading A great clear fire burnt on the hearth, and near it was an ormolu writing-desk, on which were a few papers and a number of extravagant articles of gold and precious stones.

prevented from decaying or spoiling and prepared for future use

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

a feeling of self-respect and personal worth

From this reading The Maréchal was a man of middle life with an appearance denoting great pride and energy.

located or moved above the surround or above the normal position

From this reading CARDINAL FLEURY’S BLUNDER Maréchal de Belleisle lay full length on a couch of saffron-coloured satin with his head raised on a pile of silk cushions.

possessing material wealth

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

to an ample degree or in an ample manner

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

of or relating to or indicative of or issued or performed by a king or queen or other monarch

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

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

From this reading CARDINAL FLEURY’S BLUNDER Maréchal de Belleisle lay full length on a couch of saffron-coloured satin with his head raised on a pile of silk cushions.

a smooth fabric of silk or rayon; has a glossy face and a dull back

From this reading CARDINAL FLEURY’S BLUNDER Maréchal de Belleisle lay full length on a couch of saffron-coloured satin with his head raised on a pile of silk cushions.

a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae

From this reading CARDINAL FLEURY’S BLUNDER Maréchal de Belleisle lay full length on a couch of saffron-coloured satin with his head raised on a pile of silk cushions.

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

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

extremely well

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

plural of “stone” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading A great clear fire burnt on the hearth, and near it was an ormolu writing-desk, on which were a few papers and a number of extravagant articles of gold and precious stones.

sustained or maintained by aid (as distinct from physical support)

From this reading The light came entirely from crystal lamps suspended from gilt chains and supported by the ivory figures of flying cupids.

(of undissolved particles in a fluid) supported or kept from sinking or falling by buoyancy and without apparent attachment

From this reading The light came entirely from crystal lamps suspended from gilt chains and supported by the ivory figures of flying cupids.

plural of “sweet” — English phonetician; one of the founders of modern phonetics (1845-1912)

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

plural of “table” — a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

something that resembles a tapestry in its intricacy

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

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

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

the mottled horny substance of the shell of some turtles

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

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

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

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

From this reading His room was one of the royal apartments in the Hradcany, and was most splendidly furnished with his own luxurious belongings: the floor was covered with a silk carpet; the walls hung with bright tapestry; the chairs were gilt and ash-wood; the many small tables held all manner of rich articles of gold, tortoiseshell, porcelain, and enamel, books richly bound, and caskets of sweets and preserved fruits.

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

From this reading A great clear fire burnt on the hearth, and near it was an ormolu writing-desk, on which were a few papers and a number of extravagant articles of gold and precious stones.

in the company of; together with

From this reading CARDINAL FLEURY’S BLUNDER Maréchal de Belleisle lay full length on a couch of saffron-coloured satin with his head raised on a pile of silk cushions.

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

From this reading A great clear fire burnt on the hearth, and near it was an ormolu writing-desk, on which were a few papers and a number of extravagant articles of gold and precious stones.