Chapter III · Chapter 3

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

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading About this time, a widow, past the prime of life, Dame Sidonie de Lespoisse, came to settle with her children in the manor of La Motte-Giron, about two leagues, as the crow flies, from the castle of Guillettes.

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

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.

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

From this reading About this time, a widow, past the prime of life, Dame Sidonie de Lespoisse, came to settle with her children in the manor of La Motte-Giron, about two leagues, as the crow flies, from the castle of Guillettes.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Nobody knew what had become of his wives, and hair-raising tales were told in the village at night; some believed them, others did not.

for the reason that

From this reading Some believed, because they had heard it said, that he had held certain posts in Savoy or Spain; others said that he had died in the Indies; many had the idea that the widow was possessed of immense estates, while others doubted it strongly.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading Nobody knew what had become of his wives, and hair-raising tales were told in the village at night; some believed them, others did not.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Whence she came, or who her husband had been, not a soul knew.

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading Nobody knew what had become of his wives, and hair-raising tales were told in the village at night; some believed them, others did not.

plural of “calamity” — an event resulting in great loss and misfortune

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.

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

From this reading About this time, a widow, past the prime of life, Dame Sidonie de Lespoisse, came to settle with her children in the manor of La Motte-Giron, about two leagues, as the crow flies, from the castle of Guillettes.

a large and stately mansion

From this reading About this time, a widow, past the prime of life, Dame Sidonie de Lespoisse, came to settle with her children in the manor of La Motte-Giron, about two leagues, as the crow flies, from the castle of Guillettes.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading Some believed, because they had heard it said, that he had held certain posts in Savoy or Spain; others said that he had died in the Indies; many had the idea that the widow was possessed of immense estates, while others doubted it strongly.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading About this time, a widow, past the prime of life, Dame Sidonie de Lespoisse, came to settle with her children in the manor of La Motte-Giron, about two leagues, as the crow flies, from the castle of Guillettes.

perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements; filled with bewilderment

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.

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

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.

dwell on with satisfaction

From this reading About this time, a widow, past the prime of life, Dame Sidonie de Lespoisse, came to settle with her children in the manor of La Motte-Giron, about two leagues, as the crow flies, from the castle of Guillettes.

informal terms for a (young) woman

From this reading About this time, a widow, past the prime of life, Dame Sidonie de Lespoisse, came to settle with her children in the manor of La Motte-Giron, about two leagues, as the crow flies, from the castle of Guillettes.

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

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Nobody knew what had become of his wives, and hair-raising tales were told in the village at night; some believed them, others did not.

past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading Some believed, because they had heard it said, that he had held certain posts in Savoy or Spain; others said that he had died in the Indies; many had the idea that the widow was possessed of immense estates, while others doubted it strongly.

of concern to or concerning the internal affairs of a nation

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.

past form of “doubt” — consider unlikely or have doubts about

From this reading Some believed, because they had heard it said, that he had held certain posts in Savoy or Spain; others said that he had died in the Indies; many had the idea that the widow was possessed of immense estates, while others doubted it strongly.

(of time) having passed or slipped by

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.

plural of “estate” — everything you own; all of your assets (whether real property or personal property) and liabilities

From this reading Some believed, because they had heard it said, that he had held certain posts in Savoy or Spain; others said that he had died in the Indies; many had the idea that the widow was possessed of immense estates, while others doubted it strongly.

having dropped by the force of gravity

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.

(theater) the space over the stage (out of view of the audience) used to store scenery (drop curtains)

From this reading About this time, a widow, past the prime of life, Dame Sidonie de Lespoisse, came to settle with her children in the manor of La Motte-Giron, about two leagues, as the crow flies, from the castle of Guillettes.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading About this time, a widow, past the prime of life, Dame Sidonie de Lespoisse, came to settle with her children in the manor of La Motte-Giron, about two leagues, as the crow flies, from the castle of Guillettes.

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

From this reading About this time, a widow, past the prime of life, Dame Sidonie de Lespoisse, came to settle with her children in the manor of La Motte-Giron, about two leagues, as the crow flies, from the castle of Guillettes.

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

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.

extremely alarming

From this reading Nobody knew what had become of his wives, and hair-raising tales were told in the village at night; some believed them, others did not.

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

From this reading Some believed, because they had heard it said, that he had held certain posts in Savoy or Spain; others said that he had died in the Indies; many had the idea that the widow was possessed of immense estates, while others doubted it strongly.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Some believed, because they had heard it said, that he had held certain posts in Savoy or Spain; others said that he had died in the Indies; many had the idea that the widow was possessed of immense estates, while others doubted it strongly.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading Some believed, because they had heard it said, that he had held certain posts in Savoy or Spain; others said that he had died in the Indies; many had the idea that the widow was possessed of immense estates, while others doubted it strongly.

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

From this reading About this time, a widow, past the prime of life, Dame Sidonie de Lespoisse, came to settle with her children in the manor of La Motte-Giron, about two leagues, as the crow flies, from the castle of Guillettes.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.

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

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.

a married man; a woman's partner in marriage

From this reading Whence she came, or who her husband had been, not a soul knew.

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

From this reading Some believed, because they had heard it said, that he had held certain posts in Savoy or Spain; others said that he had died in the Indies; many had the idea that the widow was possessed of immense estates, while others doubted it strongly.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading Some believed, because they had heard it said, that he had held certain posts in Savoy or Spain; others said that he had died in the Indies; many had the idea that the widow was possessed of immense estates, while others doubted it strongly.

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

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.

plural of “indie” — a pop group not affiliated with a major record company

From this reading Some believed, because they had heard it said, that he had held certain posts in Savoy or Spain; others said that he had died in the Indies; many had the idea that the widow was possessed of immense estates, while others doubted it strongly.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Some believed, because they had heard it said, that he had held certain posts in Savoy or Spain; others said that he had died in the Indies; many had the idea that the widow was possessed of immense estates, while others doubted it strongly.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Nobody knew what had become of his wives, and hair-raising tales were told in the village at night; some believed them, others did not.

a white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily; occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth

From this reading About this time, a widow, past the prime of life, Dame Sidonie de Lespoisse, came to settle with her children in the manor of La Motte-Giron, about two leagues, as the crow flies, from the castle of Guillettes.

plural of “league” — an association of sports teams that organizes matches for its members

From this reading About this time, a widow, past the prime of life, Dame Sidonie de Lespoisse, came to settle with her children in the manor of La Motte-Giron, about two leagues, as the crow flies, from the castle of Guillettes.

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

From this reading About this time, a widow, past the prime of life, Dame Sidonie de Lespoisse, came to settle with her children in the manor of La Motte-Giron, about two leagues, as the crow flies, from the castle of Guillettes.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading About this time, a widow, past the prime of life, Dame Sidonie de Lespoisse, came to settle with her children in the manor of La Motte-Giron, about two leagues, as the crow flies, from the castle of Guillettes.

the mansion of a lord or wealthy person

From this reading About this time, a widow, past the prime of life, Dame Sidonie de Lespoisse, came to settle with her children in the manor of La Motte-Giron, about two leagues, as the crow flies, from the castle of Guillettes.

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

From this reading Some believed, because they had heard it said, that he had held certain posts in Savoy or Spain; others said that he had died in the Indies; many had the idea that the widow was possessed of immense estates, while others doubted it strongly.

used as a French courtesy title; equivalent to English “Mr”

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.

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

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.

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

From this reading About this time, a widow, past the prime of life, Dame Sidonie de Lespoisse, came to settle with her children in the manor of La Motte-Giron, about two leagues, as the crow flies, from the castle of Guillettes.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading Nobody knew what had become of his wives, and hair-raising tales were told in the village at night; some believed them, others did not.

no person; not anyone

From this reading Nobody knew what had become of his wives, and hair-raising tales were told in the village at night; some believed them, others did not.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Nobody knew what had become of his wives, and hair-raising tales were told in the village at night; some believed them, others did not.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.

and nothing more

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Whence she came, or who her husband had been, not a soul knew.

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

From this reading Nobody knew what had become of his wives, and hair-raising tales were told in the village at night; some believed them, others did not.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading About this time, a widow, past the prime of life, Dame Sidonie de Lespoisse, came to settle with her children in the manor of La Motte-Giron, about two leagues, as the crow flies, from the castle of Guillettes.

influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion

From this reading Some believed, because they had heard it said, that he had held certain posts in Savoy or Spain; others said that he had died in the Indies; many had the idea that the widow was possessed of immense estates, while others doubted it strongly.

plural of “post” — the position where someone (as a guard or sentry) stands or is assigned to stand

From this reading Some believed, because they had heard it said, that he had held certain posts in Savoy or Spain; others said that he had died in the Indies; many had the idea that the widow was possessed of immense estates, while others doubted it strongly.

first in rank or degree

From this reading About this time, a widow, past the prime of life, Dame Sidonie de Lespoisse, came to settle with her children in the manor of La Motte-Giron, about two leagues, as the crow flies, from the castle of Guillettes.

the ability to recall past occurrences

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.

past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.

relieve from

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Some believed, because they had heard it said, that he had held certain posts in Savoy or Spain; others said that he had died in the Indies; many had the idea that the widow was possessed of immense estates, while others doubted it strongly.

a geographical region of historical importance; a former duchy in what is now southwestern France, western Switzerland, and northwestern Italy

From this reading Some believed, because they had heard it said, that he had held certain posts in Savoy or Spain; others said that he had died in the Indies; many had the idea that the widow was possessed of immense estates, while others doubted it strongly.

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

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.

settle into a position, usually on a surface or ground

From this reading About this time, a widow, past the prime of life, Dame Sidonie de Lespoisse, came to settle with her children in the manor of La Motte-Giron, about two leagues, as the crow flies, from the castle of Guillettes.

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

From this reading Whence she came, or who her husband had been, not a soul knew.

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

From this reading About this time, a widow, past the prime of life, Dame Sidonie de Lespoisse, came to settle with her children in the manor of La Motte-Giron, about two leagues, as the crow flies, from the castle of Guillettes.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.

coming next after the fifth and just before the seventh in position

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.

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

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.

the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life

From this reading Whence she came, or who her husband had been, not a soul knew.

a parliamentary monarchy in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula; a former colonial power

From this reading Some believed, because they had heard it said, that he had held certain posts in Savoy or Spain; others said that he had died in the Indies; many had the idea that the widow was possessed of immense estates, while others doubted it strongly.

with strength or in a strong manner

From this reading Some believed, because they had heard it said, that he had held certain posts in Savoy or Spain; others said that he had died in the Indies; many had the idea that the widow was possessed of immense estates, while others doubted it strongly.

plural of “tale” — 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 Nobody knew what had become of his wives, and hair-raising tales were told in the village at night; some believed them, others did not.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Some believed, because they had heard it said, that he had held certain posts in Savoy or Spain; others said that he had died in the Indies; many had the idea that the widow was possessed of immense estates, while others doubted it strongly.

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

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Nobody knew what had become of his wives, and hair-raising tales were told in the village at night; some believed them, others did not.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Some believed, because they had heard it said, that he had held certain posts in Savoy or Spain; others said that he had died in the Indies; many had the idea that the widow was possessed of immense estates, while others doubted it strongly.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading About this time, a widow, past the prime of life, Dame Sidonie de Lespoisse, came to settle with her children in the manor of La Motte-Giron, about two leagues, as the crow flies, from the castle of Guillettes.

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

From this reading About this time, a widow, past the prime of life, Dame Sidonie de Lespoisse, came to settle with her children in the manor of La Motte-Giron, about two leagues, as the crow flies, from the castle of Guillettes.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading Nobody knew what had become of his wives, and hair-raising tales were told in the village at night; some believed them, others did not.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading About this time, a widow, past the prime of life, Dame Sidonie de Lespoisse, came to settle with her children in the manor of La Motte-Giron, about two leagues, as the crow flies, from the castle of Guillettes.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.

a community of people smaller than a town

From this reading Nobody knew what had become of his wives, and hair-raising tales were told in the village at night; some believed them, others did not.

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

From this reading Some believed, because they had heard it said, that he had held certain posts in Savoy or Spain; others said that he had died in the Indies; many had the idea that the widow was possessed of immense estates, while others doubted it strongly.

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

From this reading Nobody knew what had become of his wives, and hair-raising tales were told in the village at night; some believed them, others did not.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Nobody knew what had become of his wives, and hair-raising tales were told in the village at night; some believed them, others did not.

an old word meaning “from where”

From this reading Whence she came, or who her husband had been, not a soul knew.

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

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.

during the time that

From this reading Some believed, because they had heard it said, that he had held certain posts in Savoy or Spain; others said that he had died in the Indies; many had the idea that the widow was possessed of immense estates, while others doubted it strongly.

which person or people

From this reading Whence she came, or who her husband had been, not a soul knew.

a woman whose husband is dead especially one who has not remarried

From this reading About this time, a widow, past the prime of life, Dame Sidonie de Lespoisse, came to settle with her children in the manor of La Motte-Giron, about two leagues, as the crow flies, from the castle of Guillettes.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.

in the company of; together with

From this reading About this time, a widow, past the prime of life, Dame Sidonie de Lespoisse, came to settle with her children in the manor of La Motte-Giron, about two leagues, as the crow flies, from the castle of Guillettes.

plural of “wife” — a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading Nobody knew what had become of his wives, and hair-raising tales were told in the village at night; some believed them, others did not.

Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.

a late time of life

From this reading SOME years had elapsed since Monsieur de Montragoux had rid himself of his sixth wife, and only a confused recollection remained in the country-side of the domestic calamities which had fallen upon this worthy _seigneur’s_ house.