Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
afforded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Baby-linen—for babies then wore robes of state—afforded still another possibility of toil and emolument.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
allowed
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From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
anothernounUS /ˈanother/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Baby-linen—for babies then wore robes of state—afforded still another possibility of toil and emolument.
apparel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.
array
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
assuming
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From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
babies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Baby-linen—for babies then wore robes of state—afforded still another possibility of toil and emolument.
Baby-linen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Baby-linen—for babies then wore robes of state—afforded still another possibility of toil and emolument.
bands
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading By degrees, not very slowly, her handiwork became what would now be termed the fashion.
became
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By degrees, not very slowly, her handiwork became what would now be termed the fashion.
bodynounUS /body/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
ceremonial
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
ceremonies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
characteristic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.
cloth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
deadnounUS /dead/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.
deemed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
Deep
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
degrees
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By degrees, not very slowly, her handiwork became what would now be termed the fashion.
demand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.
devices
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.
dignified
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
emblematic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.
embroidered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
emolument
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Baby-linen—for babies then wore robes of state—afforded still another possibility of toil and emolument.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
extravagances
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
fashion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By degrees, not very slowly, her handiwork became what would now be termed the fashion.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.
forbade
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
forms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
frequent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.
funerals
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.
give
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
gloves
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
gorgeously
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
government
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
handiwork
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By degrees, not very slowly, her handiwork became what would now be termed the fashion.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading By degrees, not very slowly, her handiwork became what would now be termed the fashion.
Hester
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
individuals
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
installation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
itselfpronounUS /ˌɪtˈself/
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
labour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.
lawn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.
laws
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
magistratesplural nounUS /ˈmædʒɪstreɪts/
civil officers who administer local law
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
magnificence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
majesty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
manifested
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
manifold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.
marked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
matter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
necessary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
new
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading By degrees, not very slowly, her handiwork became what would now be termed the fashion.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By degrees, not very slowly, her handiwork became what would now be termed the fashion.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
official
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
ordernounUS /order/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
ordinations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
painfully
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
people
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
plebeian
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
policy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
possibility
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Baby-linen—for babies then wore robes of state—afforded still another possibility of toil and emolument.
power
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
Prynne
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.
PublicnounUS /ˈpʌblɪk/
people in general considered as a whole
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
rank
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
readilynounUS /readily/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
reins
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
robes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Baby-linen—for babies then wore robes of state—afforded still another possibility of toil and emolument.
ruffs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
sable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.
similar
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
slowly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By degrees, not very slowly, her handiwork became what would now be termed the fashion.
snowy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.
sombre
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
sorrow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.
state
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
stately
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
stillnounUS /still/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Baby-linen—for babies then wore robes of state—afforded still another possibility of toil and emolument.
studied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
sumptuary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
supply
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.
survivors
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.
termed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By degrees, not very slowly, her handiwork became what would now be termed the fashion.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Baby-linen—for babies then wore robes of state—afforded still another possibility of toil and emolument.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
toil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Baby-linen—for babies then wore robes of state—afforded still another possibility of toil and emolument.
too
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.
typify
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By degrees, not very slowly, her handiwork became what would now be termed the fashion.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.
wealth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
well-conducted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading By degrees, not very slowly, her handiwork became what would now be termed the fashion.
whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading In the array of funerals, too—whether for the apparel of the dead body, or to typify, by manifold emblematic devices of sable cloth and snowy lawn, the sorrow of the survivors—there was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labour as Hester Prynne could supply.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
wore
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Baby-linen—for babies then wore robes of state—afforded still another possibility of toil and emolument.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading By degrees, not very slowly, her handiwork became what would now be termed the fashion.
wrought
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Deep ruffs, painfully wrought bands, and gorgeously embroidered gloves, were all deemed necessary to the official state of men assuming the reins of power, and were readily allowed to individuals dignified by rank or wealth, even while sumptuary laws forbade these and similar extravagances to the plebeian order.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading Public ceremonies, such as ordinations, the installation of magistrates, and all that could give majesty to the forms in which a new government manifested itself to the people, were, as a matter of policy, marked by a stately and well-conducted ceremonial, and a sombre, but yet a studied magnificence.
