Chapter XII · Chapter 12

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

From this reading EPISODE OF THE INVISIBLE VISITOR That was something like a summer, as the saying is, and for once they could say it even on the bleak northern spurs of the Delverton Hills.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

(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 Steels had not as yet committed themselves to formal hospitality of the somewhat showy character that obtained in the neighborhood, but they kept open house for all who liked to come, and whom they themselves liked well enough to ask in the first instance.

a region of northeastern France famous for its wines

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

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

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

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

From this reading EPISODE OF THE INVISIBLE VISITOR That was something like a summer, as the saying is, and for once they could say it even on the bleak northern spurs of the Delverton Hills.

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

From this reading EPISODE OF THE INVISIBLE VISITOR That was something like a summer, as the saying is, and for once they could say it even on the bleak northern spurs of the Delverton Hills.

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading The Steels had not as yet committed themselves to formal hospitality of the somewhat showy character that obtained in the neighborhood, but they kept open house for all who liked to come, and whom they themselves liked well enough to ask in the first instance.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

use to one's advantage

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

offering little or no hope

From this reading EPISODE OF THE INVISIBLE VISITOR That was something like a summer, as the saying is, and for once they could say it even on the bleak northern spurs of the Delverton Hills.

a blemish made by dirt

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The Steels had not as yet committed themselves to formal hospitality of the somewhat showy character that obtained in the neighborhood, but they kept open house for all who liked to come, and whom they themselves liked well enough to ask in the first instance.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

past form of “care” — feel concern or interest

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

a series of things depending on each other as if linked together

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading The Steels had not as yet committed themselves to formal hospitality of the somewhat showy character that obtained in the neighborhood, but they kept open house for all who liked to come, and whom they themselves liked well enough to ask in the first instance.

coldness due to a cold environment

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading The Steels had not as yet committed themselves to formal hospitality of the somewhat showy character that obtained in the neighborhood, but they kept open house for all who liked to come, and whom they themselves liked well enough to ask in the first instance.

bound or obligated, as under a pledge to a particular cause, action, or attitude

From this reading The Steels had not as yet committed themselves to formal hospitality of the somewhat showy character that obtained in the neighborhood, but they kept open house for all who liked to come, and whom they themselves liked well enough to ask in the first instance.

following accepted customs and proprieties

From this reading And here (as in some other matters) this curious pair discovered a reflex identity of taste, rare enough in the happiest of conventional couples, but a gratuitous irony in the makers of a merely nominal marriage.

neither warm nor very cold; giving relief from heat

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading EPISODE OF THE INVISIBLE VISITOR That was something like a summer, as the saying is, and for once they could say it even on the bleak northern spurs of the Delverton Hills.

plural of “couple” — a pair who associate with one another

From this reading And here (as in some other matters) this curious pair discovered a reflex identity of taste, rare enough in the happiest of conventional couples, but a gratuitous irony in the makers of a merely nominal marriage.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading And here (as in some other matters) this curious pair discovered a reflex identity of taste, rare enough in the happiest of conventional couples, but a gratuitous irony in the makers of a merely nominal marriage.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

greatly pleasing or entertaining

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

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

From this reading EPISODE OF THE INVISIBLE VISITOR That was something like a summer, as the saying is, and for once they could say it even on the bleak northern spurs of the Delverton Hills.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading And here (as in some other matters) this curious pair discovered a reflex identity of taste, rare enough in the happiest of conventional couples, but a gratuitous irony in the makers of a merely nominal marriage.

a region marked off for administrative or other purposes

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading The Steels had not as yet committed themselves to formal hospitality of the somewhat showy character that obtained in the neighborhood, but they kept open house for all who liked to come, and whom they themselves liked well enough to ask in the first instance.

showing extreme cupidity; painfully desirous of another's advantages

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

a happening that is distinctive in a series of related events

From this reading EPISODE OF THE INVISIBLE VISITOR That was something like a summer, as the saying is, and for once they could say it even on the bleak northern spurs of the Delverton Hills.

divisible by two

From this reading EPISODE OF THE INVISIBLE VISITOR That was something like a summer, as the saying is, and for once they could say it even on the bleak northern spurs of the Delverton Hills.

the state or fact of existing

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

the organ of sight

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading The Steels had not as yet committed themselves to formal hospitality of the somewhat showy character that obtained in the neighborhood, but they kept open house for all who liked to come, and whom they themselves liked well enough to ask in the first instance.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading EPISODE OF THE INVISIBLE VISITOR That was something like a summer, as the saying is, and for once they could say it even on the bleak northern spurs of the Delverton Hills.

being in accord with established forms and conventions and requirements (as e.g. of formal dress)

From this reading The Steels had not as yet committed themselves to formal hospitality of the somewhat showy character that obtained in the neighborhood, but they kept open house for all who liked to come, and whom they themselves liked well enough to ask in the first instance.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

without cause

From this reading And here (as in some other matters) this curious pair discovered a reflex identity of taste, rare enough in the happiest of conventional couples, but a gratuitous irony in the makers of a merely nominal marriage.

thickly covered with ingrained dirt or soot

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

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

From this reading The Steels had not as yet committed themselves to formal hospitality of the somewhat showy character that obtained in the neighborhood, but they kept open house for all who liked to come, and whom they themselves liked well enough to ask in the first instance.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

superlative of “happy” — enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure

From this reading And here (as in some other matters) this curious pair discovered a reflex identity of taste, rare enough in the happiest of conventional couples, but a gratuitous irony in the makers of a merely nominal marriage.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading And here (as in some other matters) this curious pair discovered a reflex identity of taste, rare enough in the happiest of conventional couples, but a gratuitous irony in the makers of a merely nominal marriage.

plural of “hill” — a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading EPISODE OF THE INVISIBLE VISITOR That was something like a summer, as the saying is, and for once they could say it even on the bleak northern spurs of the Delverton Hills.

kindness in welcoming guests or strangers

From this reading The Steels had not as yet committed themselves to formal hospitality of the somewhat showy character that obtained in the neighborhood, but they kept open house for all who liked to come, and whom they themselves liked well enough to ask in the first instance.

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

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

the distinct personality of an individual regarded as a persisting entity

From this reading And here (as in some other matters) this curious pair discovered a reflex identity of taste, rare enough in the happiest of conventional couples, but a gratuitous irony in the makers of a merely nominal marriage.

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

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

an occurrence of something

From this reading The Steels had not as yet committed themselves to formal hospitality of the somewhat showy character that obtained in the neighborhood, but they kept open house for all who liked to come, and whom they themselves liked well enough to ask in the first instance.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

impossible or nearly impossible to see; imperceptible by the eye

From this reading EPISODE OF THE INVISIBLE VISITOR That was something like a summer, as the saying is, and for once they could say it even on the bleak northern spurs of the Delverton Hills.

a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

witty language used to convey insults or scorn

From this reading And here (as in some other matters) this curious pair discovered a reflex identity of taste, rare enough in the happiest of conventional couples, but a gratuitous irony in the makers of a merely nominal marriage.

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

From this reading EPISODE OF THE INVISIBLE VISITOR That was something like a summer, as the saying is, and for once they could say it even on the bleak northern spurs of the Delverton Hills.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading EPISODE OF THE INVISIBLE VISITOR That was something like a summer, as the saying is, and for once they could say it even on the bleak northern spurs of the Delverton Hills.

a republic in southern Europe on the Italian Peninsula; was the core of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire between the 4th century BC and the 5th century AD

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

the month following June and preceding August

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

having words so spaced that lines have straight even margins

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading The Steels had not as yet committed themselves to formal hospitality of the somewhat showy character that obtained in the neighborhood, but they kept open house for all who liked to come, and whom they themselves liked well enough to ask in the first instance.

an expanse of scenery that can be seen in a single view

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading EPISODE OF THE INVISIBLE VISITOR That was something like a summer, as the saying is, and for once they could say it even on the bleak northern spurs of the Delverton Hills.

found pleasant or attractive; often used as a combining form

From this reading The Steels had not as yet committed themselves to formal hospitality of the somewhat showy character that obtained in the neighborhood, but they kept open house for all who liked to come, and whom they themselves liked well enough to ask in the first instance.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

plural of “maker” — a person who makes things

From this reading And here (as in some other matters) this curious pair discovered a reflex identity of taste, rare enough in the happiest of conventional couples, but a gratuitous irony in the makers of a merely nominal marriage.

a hard crystalline metamorphic rock that takes a high polish; used for sculpture and as building material

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

From this reading And here (as in some other matters) this curious pair discovered a reflex identity of taste, rare enough in the happiest of conventional couples, but a gratuitous irony in the makers of a merely nominal marriage.

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading And here (as in some other matters) this curious pair discovered a reflex identity of taste, rare enough in the happiest of conventional couples, but a gratuitous irony in the makers of a merely nominal marriage.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

and nothing more

From this reading And here (as in some other matters) this curious pair discovered a reflex identity of taste, rare enough in the happiest of conventional couples, but a gratuitous irony in the makers of a merely nominal marriage.

of lesser importance or stature or rank

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

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

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

a surrounding or nearby region

From this reading The Steels had not as yet committed themselves to formal hospitality of the somewhat showy character that obtained in the neighborhood, but they kept open house for all who liked to come, and whom they themselves liked well enough to ask in the first instance.

impressive in appearance

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

relating to or constituting or bearing or giving a name

From this reading And here (as in some other matters) this curious pair discovered a reflex identity of taste, rare enough in the happiest of conventional couples, but a gratuitous irony in the makers of a merely nominal marriage.

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

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

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

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

in or characteristic of a region of the United States north of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading EPISODE OF THE INVISIBLE VISITOR That was something like a summer, as the saying is, and for once they could say it even on the bleak northern spurs of the Delverton Hills.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The Steels had not as yet committed themselves to formal hospitality of the somewhat showy character that obtained in the neighborhood, but they kept open house for all who liked to come, and whom they themselves liked well enough to ask in the first instance.

an insignificant place

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

past form of “obtain” — come into possession of

From this reading The Steels had not as yet committed themselves to formal hospitality of the somewhat showy character that obtained in the neighborhood, but they kept open house for all who liked to come, and whom they themselves liked well enough to ask in the first instance.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading EPISODE OF THE INVISIBLE VISITOR That was something like a summer, as the saying is, and for once they could say it even on the bleak northern spurs of the Delverton Hills.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading EPISODE OF THE INVISIBLE VISITOR That was something like a summer, as the saying is, and for once they could say it even on the bleak northern spurs of the Delverton Hills.

on one occasion

From this reading EPISODE OF THE INVISIBLE VISITOR That was something like a summer, as the saying is, and for once they could say it even on the bleak northern spurs of the Delverton Hills.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

and nothing more

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading The Steels had not as yet committed themselves to formal hospitality of the somewhat showy character that obtained in the neighborhood, but they kept open house for all who liked to come, and whom they themselves liked well enough to ask in the first instance.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading And here (as in some other matters) this curious pair discovered a reflex identity of taste, rare enough in the happiest of conventional couples, but a gratuitous irony in the makers of a merely nominal marriage.

outlying areas (as of a city or town)

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

inflected form of “overhang” — project over

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

a set of two similar things considered as a unit

From this reading And here (as in some other matters) this curious pair discovered a reflex identity of taste, rare enough in the happiest of conventional couples, but a gratuitous irony in the makers of a merely nominal marriage.

become less interesting or attractive

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness

From this reading And here (as in some other matters) this curious pair discovered a reflex identity of taste, rare enough in the happiest of conventional couples, but a gratuitous irony in the makers of a merely nominal marriage.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

an automatic instinctive unlearned reaction to a stimulus

From this reading And here (as in some other matters) this curious pair discovered a reflex identity of taste, rare enough in the happiest of conventional couples, but a gratuitous irony in the makers of a merely nominal marriage.

express in words

From this reading EPISODE OF THE INVISIBLE VISITOR That was something like a summer, as the saying is, and for once they could say it even on the bleak northern spurs of the Delverton Hills.

a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations

From this reading EPISODE OF THE INVISIBLE VISITOR That was something like a summer, as the saying is, and for once they could say it even on the bleak northern spurs of the Delverton Hills.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

marked by ostentation but often tasteless

From this reading The Steels had not as yet committed themselves to formal hospitality of the somewhat showy character that obtained in the neighborhood, but they kept open house for all who liked to come, and whom they themselves liked well enough to ask in the first instance.

a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

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

From this reading And here (as in some other matters) this curious pair discovered a reflex identity of taste, rare enough in the happiest of conventional couples, but a gratuitous irony in the makers of a merely nominal marriage.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading EPISODE OF THE INVISIBLE VISITOR That was something like a summer, as the saying is, and for once they could say it even on the bleak northern spurs of the Delverton Hills.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading The Steels had not as yet committed themselves to formal hospitality of the somewhat showy character that obtained in the neighborhood, but they kept open house for all who liked to come, and whom they themselves liked well enough to ask in the first instance.

a short musical composition with words

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

in or characteristic of a region of the United States south of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

plural of “spur” — a verbalization that encourages you to attempt something

From this reading EPISODE OF THE INVISIBLE VISITOR That was something like a summer, as the saying is, and for once they could say it even on the bleak northern spurs of the Delverton Hills.

plural of “steel” — an alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon; widely used in construction; mechanical properties can be varied over a wide range

From this reading The Steels had not as yet committed themselves to formal hospitality of the somewhat showy character that obtained in the neighborhood, but they kept open house for all who liked to come, and whom they themselves liked well enough to ask in the first instance.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading EPISODE OF THE INVISIBLE VISITOR That was something like a summer, as the saying is, and for once they could say it even on the bleak northern spurs of the Delverton Hills.

To perceive flavor through the mouth.

From this reading And here (as in some other matters) this curious pair discovered a reflex identity of taste, rare enough in the happiest of conventional couples, but a gratuitous irony in the makers of a merely nominal marriage.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading EPISODE OF THE INVISIBLE VISITOR That was something like a summer, as the saying is, and for once they could say it even on the bleak northern spurs of the Delverton Hills.

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

From this reading EPISODE OF THE INVISIBLE VISITOR That was something like a summer, as the saying is, and for once they could say it even on the bleak northern spurs of the Delverton Hills.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

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

From this reading EPISODE OF THE INVISIBLE VISITOR That was something like a summer, as the saying is, and for once they could say it even on the bleak northern spurs of the Delverton Hills.

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

From this reading And here (as in some other matters) this curious pair discovered a reflex identity of taste, rare enough in the happiest of conventional couples, but a gratuitous irony in the makers of a merely nominal marriage.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

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

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

put down or press the foot, place the foot

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

someone who visits

From this reading EPISODE OF THE INVISIBLE VISITOR That was something like a summer, as the saying is, and for once they could say it even on the bleak northern spurs of the Delverton Hills.

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

From this reading EPISODE OF THE INVISIBLE VISITOR That was something like a summer, as the saying is, and for once they could say it even on the bleak northern spurs of the Delverton Hills.

(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 Steels had not as yet committed themselves to formal hospitality of the somewhat showy character that obtained in the neighborhood, but they kept open house for all who liked to come, and whom they themselves liked well enough to ask in the first instance.

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

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

at the time that

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

which person or people

From this reading On such days Normanthorpe House justified its existence in the north of England instead of in southern Italy; the marble hall, so chill to the tread at the end of May, was the one really cool spot in the district by the beginning of July; and nowhere could a more delightful afternoon be spent by those who cared to avail themselves of a general invitation.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The Steels had not as yet committed themselves to formal hospitality of the somewhat showy character that obtained in the neighborhood, but they kept open house for all who liked to come, and whom they themselves liked well enough to ask in the first instance.

in the company of; together with

From this reading There were days upon days when that minor chain looked blue and noble as the mountains of Alsace and hackneyed song, seen with an envious eye from the grimy outskirts of Northborough, and when from the hills themselves the only blot upon the fair English landscape was the pall of smoke that always overhung the town.

but in spite of that

From this reading The Steels had not as yet committed themselves to formal hospitality of the somewhat showy character that obtained in the neighborhood, but they kept open house for all who liked to come, and whom they themselves liked well enough to ask in the first instance.