Chapter I

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

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

(of mail) marked with a destination

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

later than; following

From this reading "After the others had lived all the ridicule down," retorted Miss Lisle scornfully.

how long something has existed

From this reading "No," replied the young lady in point, with the unfeeling candour that marked the youthful spirit of the age, "because it wasn't invented.

in the past

From this reading "I hardly think that you can say that, Miss Lisle," remarked another of the matrons, "because I can remember that more than twenty years ago one used to see quite elderly ladies bicycling."

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

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

From this reading But you went bicycling, and your mothers were very shocked at first."

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading "I hardly think that you can say that, Miss Lisle," remarked another of the matrons, "because I can remember that more than twenty years ago one used to see quite elderly ladies bicycling."

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

make certain of

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

for the reason that

From this reading "No," replied the young lady in point, with the unfeeling candour that marked the youthful spirit of the age, "because it wasn't invented.

riding a bicycle

From this reading But you went bicycling, and your mothers were very shocked at first."

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading "I hardly think that you can say that, Miss Lisle," remarked another of the matrons, "because I can remember that more than twenty years ago one used to see quite elderly ladies bicycling."

the quality of being honest and straightforward in attitude and speech

From this reading "No," replied the young lady in point, with the unfeeling candour that marked the youthful spirit of the age, "because it wasn't invented.

the act of examining resemblances

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

say something to someone that expresses praise

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

(law) the difference of one judge's opinion from that of the majority

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading "After the others had lived all the ridicule down," retorted Miss Lisle scornfully.

advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)

From this reading "I hardly think that you can say that, Miss Lisle," remarked another of the matrons, "because I can remember that more than twenty years ago one used to see quite elderly ladies bicycling."

apart from; not including

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

well known or easily recognized

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading But you went bicycling, and your mothers were very shocked at first."

moving swiftly

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

a young female

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

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

From this reading "After the others had lived all the ridicule down," retorted Miss Lisle scornfully.

only a very short time before

From this reading "I hardly think that you can say that, Miss Lisle," remarked another of the matrons, "because I can remember that more than twenty years ago one used to see quite elderly ladies bicycling."

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

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

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

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

From this reading "No," replied the young lady in point, with the unfeeling candour that marked the youthful spirit of the age, "because it wasn't invented.

past form of “invent” — come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort

From this reading "No," replied the young lady in point, with the unfeeling candour that marked the youthful spirit of the age, "because it wasn't invented.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

a polite name for any woman

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

the period during which something is functional (as between birth and death)

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

a fabric woven with lisle thread

From this reading "I hardly think that you can say that, Miss Lisle," remarked another of the matrons, "because I can remember that more than twenty years ago one used to see quite elderly ladies bicycling."

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading "After the others had lived all the ridicule down," retorted Miss Lisle scornfully.

strongly marked; easily noticeable

From this reading "No," replied the young lady in point, with the unfeeling candour that marked the youthful spirit of the age, "because it wasn't invented.

plural of “matron” — a married woman (usually middle-aged with children) who is staid and dignified

From this reading "I hardly think that you can say that, Miss Lisle," remarked another of the matrons, "because I can remember that more than twenty years ago one used to see quite elderly ladies bicycling."

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading "I hardly think that you can say that, Miss Lisle," remarked another of the matrons, "because I can remember that more than twenty years ago one used to see quite elderly ladies bicycling."

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

plural of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading But you went bicycling, and your mothers were very shocked at first."

a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

not any; not one

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

a brief written record

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

the period of time that is happening now; any continuous stretch of time including the moment of speech

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

out of fashion

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

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

From this reading "After the others had lived all the ridicule down," retorted Miss Lisle scornfully.

emotionally hurt or upset or annoyed

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading "No," replied the young lady in point, with the unfeeling candour that marked the youthful spirit of the age, "because it wasn't invented.

showing regard for others in manners, speech, behavior, etc.

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading "I hardly think that you can say that, Miss Lisle," remarked another of the matrons, "because I can remember that more than twenty years ago one used to see quite elderly ladies bicycling."

past form of “remark” — make mention of

From this reading "I hardly think that you can say that, Miss Lisle," remarked another of the matrons, "because I can remember that more than twenty years ago one used to see quite elderly ladies bicycling."

To recall to mind.

From this reading "I hardly think that you can say that, Miss Lisle," remarked another of the matrons, "because I can remember that more than twenty years ago one used to see quite elderly ladies bicycling."

inflected form of “reply” — react verbally

From this reading "No," replied the young lady in point, with the unfeeling candour that marked the youthful spirit of the age, "because it wasn't invented.

past form of “retort” — answer back

From this reading "After the others had lived all the ridicule down," retorted Miss Lisle scornfully.

language or behavior intended to mock or humiliate

From this reading "After the others had lived all the ridicule down," retorted Miss Lisle scornfully.

express in words

From this reading "I hardly think that you can say that, Miss Lisle," remarked another of the matrons, "because I can remember that more than twenty years ago one used to see quite elderly ladies bicycling."

without respect; in a disdainful manner

From this reading "After the others had lived all the ridicule down," retorted Miss Lisle scornfully.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading "I hardly think that you can say that, Miss Lisle," remarked another of the matrons, "because I can remember that more than twenty years ago one used to see quite elderly ladies bicycling."

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

struck with fear, dread, or consternation

From this reading But you went bicycling, and your mothers were very shocked at first."

relating to human society and its members

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading "No," replied the young lady in point, with the unfeeling candour that marked the youthful spirit of the age, "because it wasn't invented.

having a supporting base

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

express a supposition

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

carry out

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "No," replied the young lady in point, with the unfeeling candour that marked the youthful spirit of the age, "because it wasn't invented.

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

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

in or at that place or location

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading "I hardly think that you can say that, Miss Lisle," remarked another of the matrons, "because I can remember that more than twenty years ago one used to see quite elderly ladies bicycling."

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

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

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

From this reading "I hardly think that you can say that, Miss Lisle," remarked another of the matrons, "because I can remember that more than twenty years ago one used to see quite elderly ladies bicycling."

the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one

From this reading "I hardly think that you can say that, Miss Lisle," remarked another of the matrons, "because I can remember that more than twenty years ago one used to see quite elderly ladies bicycling."

devoid of feeling for others

From this reading "No," replied the young lady in point, with the unfeeling candour that marked the youthful spirit of the age, "because it wasn't invented.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading "I hardly think that you can say that, Miss Lisle," remarked another of the matrons, "because I can remember that more than twenty years ago one used to see quite elderly ladies bicycling."

precisely as stated

From this reading But you went bicycling, and your mothers were very shocked at first."

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

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

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

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

From this reading "No," replied the young lady in point, with the unfeeling candour that marked the youthful spirit of the age, "because it wasn't invented.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading But you went bicycling, and your mothers were very shocked at first."

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

From this reading But you went bicycling, and your mothers were very shocked at first."

at the time that

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

in the company of; together with

From this reading "No," replied the young lady in point, with the unfeeling candour that marked the youthful spirit of the age, "because it wasn't invented.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

a late time of life

From this reading "I hardly think that you can say that, Miss Lisle," remarked another of the matrons, "because I can remember that more than twenty years ago one used to see quite elderly ladies bicycling."

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading The Story of a Social War "I suppose I am old-fashioned"--there was a murmur of polite dissent from all the ladies present, except the one addressed--"Oh, I take it as a compliment nowadays, I assure you; but when I was a girl a young lady would have no more thought of flying than of"--she paused almost on a note of pained surprise at finding the familiar comparison of a lifetime cut off--"well, of standing on her head."

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading But you went bicycling, and your mothers were very shocked at first."

suggestive of youth; vigorous and fresh

From this reading "No," replied the young lady in point, with the unfeeling candour that marked the youthful spirit of the age, "because it wasn't invented.