used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading ‘Maythorne,’ where Mrs. Glyn--formerly Blagdon--had hidden her diminished head, was a fine old red-brick mansion standing in its own grounds and meadows, and within thirty miles of London.
advertisementnounUS /ædˈvɜːrtəzmənt/
a public promotion of some product or service
From this reading Once the family seat of a well-known banker, it was now the successful investment of a syndicate, and a more or less glorified hotel, boasting (in a not untruthful advertisement) of its splendid situation, salubrious air, far-famed gardens, comforts, and cows.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading Once the family seat of a well-known banker, it was now the successful investment of a syndicate, and a more or less glorified hotel, boasting (in a not untruthful advertisement) of its splendid situation, salubrious air, far-famed gardens, comforts, and cows.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading To these, the arrival of a strikingly beautiful girl, a married woman, alone, without even a maid, offered a nice fresh topic for discussion.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading ‘Maythorne,’ where Mrs. Glyn--formerly Blagdon--had hidden her diminished head, was a fine old red-brick mansion standing in its own grounds and meadows, and within thirty miles of London.
accomplishment of an objective
From this reading To these, the arrival of a strikingly beautiful girl, a married woman, alone, without even a maid, offered a nice fresh topic for discussion.
bankernounUS /ˈbæŋkər/
a financier who owns or is an executive in a bank
From this reading Once the family seat of a well-known banker, it was now the successful investment of a syndicate, and a more or less glorified hotel, boasting (in a not untruthful advertisement) of its splendid situation, salubrious air, far-famed gardens, comforts, and cows.
delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration
From this reading To these, the arrival of a strikingly beautiful girl, a married woman, alone, without even a maid, offered a nice fresh topic for discussion.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading When Letty, fearing that her company was beginning to irk her friend, and reluctant to return to Thornby, had implored Mrs. Hesketh to find her a quiet haven, Mrs. Hesketh’s friends, had recommended her to Maythorne.
Blagdon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Maythorne,’ where Mrs. Glyn--formerly Blagdon--had hidden her diminished head, was a fine old red-brick mansion standing in its own grounds and meadows, and within thirty miles of London.
people who have severe visual impairments, considered as a group
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
boastingnounUS /ˈboʊstɪŋ/
speaking of yourself in superlatives
From this reading Once the family seat of a well-known banker, it was now the successful investment of a syndicate, and a more or less glorified hotel, boasting (in a not untruthful advertisement) of its splendid situation, salubrious air, far-famed gardens, comforts, and cows.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
comfortsnounUS /ˈkʌmfərts/
things that make you comfortable and at ease
From this reading Once the family seat of a well-known banker, it was now the successful investment of a syndicate, and a more or less glorified hotel, boasting (in a not untruthful advertisement) of its splendid situation, salubrious air, far-famed gardens, comforts, and cows.
commonplaceadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmənpleɪs/
completely ordinary and unremarkable
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading When Letty, fearing that her company was beginning to irk her friend, and reluctant to return to Thornby, had implored Mrs. Hesketh to find her a quiet haven, Mrs. Hesketh’s friends, had recommended her to Maythorne.
coteries
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
coughverbUS /kɑːf/
exhale abruptly, as when one has a chest cold or congestion
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
couplesnounUS /ˈkʌpəlz/
plural of “couple” — a pair who associate with one another
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
cowsnounUS /kaʊz/
domesticated bovine animals as a group regardless of sex or age
From this reading Once the family seat of a well-known banker, it was now the successful investment of a syndicate, and a more or less glorified hotel, boasting (in a not untruthful advertisement) of its splendid situation, salubrious air, far-famed gardens, comforts, and cows.
cribbagenounUS /ˈkrɪbɪdʒ/
a card game (usually for two players) in which each player is dealt six cards and discards one or two
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
zealous in devotion or affection
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
diminishedadjectiveUS /dɪˈmɪnɪʃt/
impaired by diminution
From this reading ‘Maythorne,’ where Mrs. Glyn--formerly Blagdon--had hidden her diminished head, was a fine old red-brick mansion standing in its own grounds and meadows, and within thirty miles of London.
discussionnounUS /dɪˈskʌʃən/
an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
From this reading To these, the arrival of a strikingly beautiful girl, a married woman, alone, without even a maid, offered a nice fresh topic for discussion.
lacking in liveliness or animation
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
divisible by two
From this reading To these, the arrival of a strikingly beautiful girl, a married woman, alone, without even a maid, offered a nice fresh topic for discussion.
eveningsnounUS /ˈiːvnɪŋz/
plural of “evening” — the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
a social unit living together
From this reading Once the family seat of a well-known banker, it was now the successful investment of a syndicate, and a more or less glorified hotel, boasting (in a not untruthful advertisement) of its splendid situation, salubrious air, far-famed gardens, comforts, and cows.
far-famedadjective
widely known and esteemed
From this reading Once the family seat of a well-known banker, it was now the successful investment of a syndicate, and a more or less glorified hotel, boasting (in a not untruthful advertisement) of its splendid situation, salubrious air, far-famed gardens, comforts, and cows.
fearingverbUS /ˈfɪrɪŋ/
-ing form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading When Letty, fearing that her company was beginning to irk her friend, and reluctant to return to Thornby, had implored Mrs. Hesketh to find her a quiet haven, Mrs. Hesketh’s friends, had recommended her to Maythorne.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading When Letty, fearing that her company was beginning to irk her friend, and reluctant to return to Thornby, had implored Mrs. Hesketh to find her a quiet haven, Mrs. Hesketh’s friends, had recommended her to Maythorne.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading ‘Maythorne,’ where Mrs. Glyn--formerly Blagdon--had hidden her diminished head, was a fine old red-brick mansion standing in its own grounds and meadows, and within thirty miles of London.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
formerlyadverbUS /ˈfɔːrmərli/
at a previous time
From this reading ‘Maythorne,’ where Mrs. Glyn--formerly Blagdon--had hidden her diminished head, was a fine old red-brick mansion standing in its own grounds and meadows, and within thirty miles of London.
recently made, produced, or harvested
From this reading To these, the arrival of a strikingly beautiful girl, a married woman, alone, without even a maid, offered a nice fresh topic for discussion.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading When Letty, fearing that her company was beginning to irk her friend, and reluctant to return to Thornby, had implored Mrs. Hesketh to find her a quiet haven, Mrs. Hesketh’s friends, had recommended her to Maythorne.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading When Letty, fearing that her company was beginning to irk her friend, and reluctant to return to Thornby, had implored Mrs. Hesketh to find her a quiet haven, Mrs. Hesketh’s friends, had recommended her to Maythorne.
plural of “garden” — a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading Once the family seat of a well-known banker, it was now the successful investment of a syndicate, and a more or less glorified hotel, boasting (in a not untruthful advertisement) of its splendid situation, salubrious air, far-famed gardens, comforts, and cows.
a young female
From this reading To these, the arrival of a strikingly beautiful girl, a married woman, alone, without even a maid, offered a nice fresh topic for discussion.
plural of “girl” — a young female
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
glorifiedadjectiveUS /ˈɡlɔːrəfaɪd/
accorded sacrosanct or authoritative standing
From this reading Once the family seat of a well-known banker, it was now the successful investment of a syndicate, and a more or less glorified hotel, boasting (in a not untruthful advertisement) of its splendid situation, salubrious air, far-famed gardens, comforts, and cows.
Glyn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Maythorne,’ where Mrs. Glyn--formerly Blagdon--had hidden her diminished head, was a fine old red-brick mansion standing in its own grounds and meadows, and within thirty miles of London.
gossiped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief
From this reading ‘Maythorne,’ where Mrs. Glyn--formerly Blagdon--had hidden her diminished head, was a fine old red-brick mansion standing in its own grounds and meadows, and within thirty miles of London.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading ‘Maythorne,’ where Mrs. Glyn--formerly Blagdon--had hidden her diminished head, was a fine old red-brick mansion standing in its own grounds and meadows, and within thirty miles of London.
haltverbUS /hɔːlt/
cause to stop
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
havennounUS /ˈheɪvən/
a shelter serving as a place of safety or sanctuary
From this reading When Letty, fearing that her company was beginning to irk her friend, and reluctant to return to Thornby, had implored Mrs. Hesketh to find her a quiet haven, Mrs. Hesketh’s friends, had recommended her to Maythorne.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading ‘Maythorne,’ where Mrs. Glyn--formerly Blagdon--had hidden her diminished head, was a fine old red-brick mansion standing in its own grounds and meadows, and within thirty miles of London.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading ‘Maythorne,’ where Mrs. Glyn--formerly Blagdon--had hidden her diminished head, was a fine old red-brick mansion standing in its own grounds and meadows, and within thirty miles of London.
Hesketh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Letty, fearing that her company was beginning to irk her friend, and reluctant to return to Thornby, had implored Mrs. Hesketh to find her a quiet haven, Mrs. Hesketh’s friends, had recommended her to Maythorne.
Hesketh's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Letty, fearing that her company was beginning to irk her friend, and reluctant to return to Thornby, had implored Mrs. Hesketh to find her a quiet haven, Mrs. Hesketh’s friends, had recommended her to Maythorne.
not accessible to view
From this reading ‘Maythorne,’ where Mrs. Glyn--formerly Blagdon--had hidden her diminished head, was a fine old red-brick mansion standing in its own grounds and meadows, and within thirty miles of London.
a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services
From this reading Once the family seat of a well-known banker, it was now the successful investment of a syndicate, and a more or less glorified hotel, boasting (in a not untruthful advertisement) of its splendid situation, salubrious air, far-famed gardens, comforts, and cows.
imploredverbUS /ˌɪmˈplɔːrd/
past form of “implore” — call upon in supplication; entreat
From this reading When Letty, fearing that her company was beginning to irk her friend, and reluctant to return to Thornby, had implored Mrs. Hesketh to find her a quiet haven, Mrs. Hesketh’s friends, had recommended her to Maythorne.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading ‘Maythorne,’ where Mrs. Glyn--formerly Blagdon--had hidden her diminished head, was a fine old red-brick mansion standing in its own grounds and meadows, and within thirty miles of London.
invalidsnounUS /ˈɪnvələdz/
plural of “invalid” — someone who is incapacitated by a chronic illness or injury
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
investmentnounUS /ˌɪnˈvestmənt/
the act of investing; laying out money or capital in an enterprise with the expectation of profit
From this reading Once the family seat of a well-known banker, it was now the successful investment of a syndicate, and a more or less glorified hotel, boasting (in a not untruthful advertisement) of its splendid situation, salubrious air, far-famed gardens, comforts, and cows.
irkverbUS /ɜːrk/
irritate or vex
From this reading When Letty, fearing that her company was beginning to irk her friend, and reluctant to return to Thornby, had implored Mrs. Hesketh to find her a quiet haven, Mrs. Hesketh’s friends, had recommended her to Maythorne.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Once the family seat of a well-known banker, it was now the successful investment of a syndicate, and a more or less glorified hotel, boasting (in a not untruthful advertisement) of its splendid situation, salubrious air, far-famed gardens, comforts, and cows.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading ‘Maythorne,’ where Mrs. Glyn--formerly Blagdon--had hidden her diminished head, was a fine old red-brick mansion standing in its own grounds and meadows, and within thirty miles of London.
knittedadjectiveUS /ˈnɪtəd/
made by intertwining threads in a series of connected loops rather than by weaving
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
lamenounUS /leɪm/
someone who doesn't understand what is going on
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading Once the family seat of a well-known banker, it was now the successful investment of a syndicate, and a more or less glorified hotel, boasting (in a not untruthful advertisement) of its splendid situation, salubrious air, far-famed gardens, comforts, and cows.
Letty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Letty, fearing that her company was beginning to irk her friend, and reluctant to return to Thornby, had implored Mrs. Hesketh to find her a quiet haven, Mrs. Hesketh’s friends, had recommended her to Maythorne.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center
From this reading ‘Maythorne,’ where Mrs. Glyn--formerly Blagdon--had hidden her diminished head, was a fine old red-brick mansion standing in its own grounds and meadows, and within thirty miles of London.
a female domestic
From this reading To these, the arrival of a strikingly beautiful girl, a married woman, alone, without even a maid, offered a nice fresh topic for discussion.
maidsnounUS /meɪdz/
plural of “maid” — a female domestic
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
mansionnounUS /ˈmænʃən/
(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided
From this reading ‘Maythorne,’ where Mrs. Glyn--formerly Blagdon--had hidden her diminished head, was a fine old red-brick mansion standing in its own grounds and meadows, and within thirty miles of London.
joined in matrimony
From this reading To these, the arrival of a strikingly beautiful girl, a married woman, alone, without even a maid, offered a nice fresh topic for discussion.
Maythorne
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Maythorne,’ where Mrs. Glyn--formerly Blagdon--had hidden her diminished head, was a fine old red-brick mansion standing in its own grounds and meadows, and within thirty miles of London.
meadowsnounUS /ˈmedoʊz/
plural of “meadow” — a field where grass or alfalfa are grown to be made into hay
From this reading ‘Maythorne,’ where Mrs. Glyn--formerly Blagdon--had hidden her diminished head, was a fine old red-brick mansion standing in its own grounds and meadows, and within thirty miles of London.
measlesnounUS /ˈmiːzəlz/
an acute and highly contagious viral disease marked by distinct red spots followed by a rash; occurs primarily in children
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading ‘Maythorne,’ where Mrs. Glyn--formerly Blagdon--had hidden her diminished head, was a fine old red-brick mansion standing in its own grounds and meadows, and within thirty miles of London.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Once the family seat of a well-known banker, it was now the successful investment of a syndicate, and a more or less glorified hotel, boasting (in a not untruthful advertisement) of its splendid situation, salubrious air, far-famed gardens, comforts, and cows.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading ‘Maythorne,’ where Mrs. Glyn--formerly Blagdon--had hidden her diminished head, was a fine old red-brick mansion standing in its own grounds and meadows, and within thirty miles of London.
pleasant or pleasing or agreeable in nature or appearance
From this reading To these, the arrival of a strikingly beautiful girl, a married woman, alone, without even a maid, offered a nice fresh topic for discussion.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Once the family seat of a well-known banker, it was now the successful investment of a syndicate, and a more or less glorified hotel, boasting (in a not untruthful advertisement) of its splendid situation, salubrious air, far-famed gardens, comforts, and cows.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Once the family seat of a well-known banker, it was now the successful investment of a syndicate, and a more or less glorified hotel, boasting (in a not untruthful advertisement) of its splendid situation, salubrious air, far-famed gardens, comforts, and cows.
nursesnounUS /ˈnɜːrsəz/
plural of “nurse” — one skilled in caring for young children or the sick (usually under the supervision of a physician)
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading ‘Maythorne,’ where Mrs. Glyn--formerly Blagdon--had hidden her diminished head, was a fine old red-brick mansion standing in its own grounds and meadows, and within thirty miles of London.
past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading To these, the arrival of a strikingly beautiful girl, a married woman, alone, without even a maid, offered a nice fresh topic for discussion.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading ‘Maythorne,’ where Mrs. Glyn--formerly Blagdon--had hidden her diminished head, was a fine old red-brick mansion standing in its own grounds and meadows, and within thirty miles of London.
on one occasion
From this reading Once the family seat of a well-known banker, it was now the successful investment of a syndicate, and a more or less glorified hotel, boasting (in a not untruthful advertisement) of its splendid situation, salubrious air, far-famed gardens, comforts, and cows.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Once the family seat of a well-known banker, it was now the successful investment of a syndicate, and a more or less glorified hotel, boasting (in a not untruthful advertisement) of its splendid situation, salubrious air, far-famed gardens, comforts, and cows.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading ‘Maythorne,’ where Mrs. Glyn--formerly Blagdon--had hidden her diminished head, was a fine old red-brick mansion standing in its own grounds and meadows, and within thirty miles of London.
pacedverbUS /peɪst/
past form of “pace” — walk with slow or fast paces
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
good-natured tolerance of delay or incompetence
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading When Letty, fearing that her company was beginning to irk her friend, and reluctant to return to Thornby, had implored Mrs. Hesketh to find her a quiet haven, Mrs. Hesketh’s friends, had recommended her to Maythorne.
recommendedverbUS /ˌrekəˈmendɪd/
past form of “recommend” — push for something
From this reading When Letty, fearing that her company was beginning to irk her friend, and reluctant to return to Thornby, had implored Mrs. Hesketh to find her a quiet haven, Mrs. Hesketh’s friends, had recommended her to Maythorne.
red-brickadjective
of or relating to British universities founded in the late 19th century or the 20th century
From this reading ‘Maythorne,’ where Mrs. Glyn--formerly Blagdon--had hidden her diminished head, was a fine old red-brick mansion standing in its own grounds and meadows, and within thirty miles of London.
reluctantadjectiveUS /rɪˈlʌktənt/
unwillingness to do something contrary to your custom
From this reading When Letty, fearing that her company was beginning to irk her friend, and reluctant to return to Thornby, had implored Mrs. Hesketh to find her a quiet haven, Mrs. Hesketh’s friends, had recommended her to Maythorne.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading When Letty, fearing that her company was beginning to irk her friend, and reluctant to return to Thornby, had implored Mrs. Hesketh to find her a quiet haven, Mrs. Hesketh’s friends, had recommended her to Maythorne.
salubriousadjective
promoting health; healthful
From this reading Once the family seat of a well-known banker, it was now the successful investment of a syndicate, and a more or less glorified hotel, boasting (in a not untruthful advertisement) of its splendid situation, salubrious air, far-famed gardens, comforts, and cows.
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading Once the family seat of a well-known banker, it was now the successful investment of a syndicate, and a more or less glorified hotel, boasting (in a not untruthful advertisement) of its splendid situation, salubrious air, far-famed gardens, comforts, and cows.
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading Once the family seat of a well-known banker, it was now the successful investment of a syndicate, and a more or less glorified hotel, boasting (in a not untruthful advertisement) of its splendid situation, salubrious air, far-famed gardens, comforts, and cows.
having great beauty and splendor
From this reading Once the family seat of a well-known banker, it was now the successful investment of a syndicate, and a more or less glorified hotel, boasting (in a not untruthful advertisement) of its splendid situation, salubrious air, far-famed gardens, comforts, and cows.
the season of growth
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
having a supporting base
From this reading ‘Maythorne,’ where Mrs. Glyn--formerly Blagdon--had hidden her diminished head, was a fine old red-brick mansion standing in its own grounds and meadows, and within thirty miles of London.
strikinglyadverbUS /ˈstraɪkɪŋli/
in a striking manner
From this reading To these, the arrival of a strikingly beautiful girl, a married woman, alone, without even a maid, offered a nice fresh topic for discussion.
having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome
From this reading Once the family seat of a well-known banker, it was now the successful investment of a syndicate, and a more or less glorified hotel, boasting (in a not untruthful advertisement) of its splendid situation, salubrious air, far-famed gardens, comforts, and cows.
the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
syndicatenounUS /ˈsɪndɪkət/
a loose affiliation of gangsters in charge of organized criminal activities
From this reading Once the family seat of a well-known banker, it was now the successful investment of a syndicate, and a more or less glorified hotel, boasting (in a not untruthful advertisement) of its splendid situation, salubrious air, far-famed gardens, comforts, and cows.
a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading When Letty, fearing that her company was beginning to irk her friend, and reluctant to return to Thornby, had implored Mrs. Hesketh to find her a quiet haven, Mrs. Hesketh’s friends, had recommended her to Maythorne.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Once the family seat of a well-known banker, it was now the successful investment of a syndicate, and a more or less glorified hotel, boasting (in a not untruthful advertisement) of its splendid situation, salubrious air, far-famed gardens, comforts, and cows.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading To these, the arrival of a strikingly beautiful girl, a married woman, alone, without even a maid, offered a nice fresh topic for discussion.
the cardinal number that is the product of ten and three
From this reading ‘Maythorne,’ where Mrs. Glyn--formerly Blagdon--had hidden her diminished head, was a fine old red-brick mansion standing in its own grounds and meadows, and within thirty miles of London.
Thornby
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Letty, fearing that her company was beginning to irk her friend, and reluctant to return to Thornby, had implored Mrs. Hesketh to find her a quiet haven, Mrs. Hesketh’s friends, had recommended her to Maythorne.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading When Letty, fearing that her company was beginning to irk her friend, and reluctant to return to Thornby, had implored Mrs. Hesketh to find her a quiet haven, Mrs. Hesketh’s friends, had recommended her to Maythorne.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
topicnounUS /ˈtɑːpɪk/
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading To these, the arrival of a strikingly beautiful girl, a married woman, alone, without even a maid, offered a nice fresh topic for discussion.
untruthfuladjectiveUS /ənˈtruːθfəl/
not expressing or given to expressing the truth
From this reading Once the family seat of a well-known banker, it was now the successful investment of a syndicate, and a more or less glorified hotel, boasting (in a not untruthful advertisement) of its splendid situation, salubrious air, far-famed gardens, comforts, and cows.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
walksnounUS /wɔːks/
plural of “walk” — the act of traveling by foot
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading ‘Maythorne,’ where Mrs. Glyn--formerly Blagdon--had hidden her diminished head, was a fine old red-brick mansion standing in its own grounds and meadows, and within thirty miles of London.
well-knownadjectiveUS /ˈwelˈnoʊn/
widely or fully known
From this reading Once the family seat of a well-known banker, it was now the successful investment of a syndicate, and a more or less glorified hotel, boasting (in a not untruthful advertisement) of its splendid situation, salubrious air, far-famed gardens, comforts, and cows.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
at the time that
From this reading When Letty, fearing that her company was beginning to irk her friend, and reluctant to return to Thornby, had implored Mrs. Hesketh to find her a quiet haven, Mrs. Hesketh’s friends, had recommended her to Maythorne.
in or at the place that
From this reading ‘Maythorne,’ where Mrs. Glyn--formerly Blagdon--had hidden her diminished head, was a fine old red-brick mansion standing in its own grounds and meadows, and within thirty miles of London.
which person or people
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
whoopingverbUS /ˈwuːpɪŋ/
-ing form of “whoop” — shout, as if with joy or enthusiasm
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
widowsnounUS /ˈwɪdoʊz/
plural of “widow” — a woman whose husband is dead especially one who has not remarried
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
in the company of; together with
From this reading In late spring and early summer, the Maythorne guests were dull and commonplace: various invalids, lame, blind, and halt, with their nurses; girls or boys brought for change after the usual measles or whooping cough; old maids and widows; who knitted and gossiped and paced the broad walks in couples, took tea in little coteries, and devoted their evenings to cribbage, and patience.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading ‘Maythorne,’ where Mrs. Glyn--formerly Blagdon--had hidden her diminished head, was a fine old red-brick mansion standing in its own grounds and meadows, and within thirty miles of London.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading To these, the arrival of a strikingly beautiful girl, a married woman, alone, without even a maid, offered a nice fresh topic for discussion.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading To these, the arrival of a strikingly beautiful girl, a married woman, alone, without even a maid, offered a nice fresh topic for discussion.
