Chapter VII · At the Presbytère

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

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

generally approved or compelling recognition

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading It was as though, framed there in the doorway, those two forms of the women, those two faces that seemed to radiate an innate sanctity, were like guardian angels to bar the way against a hideous and sacrilegious invasion of some holy thing within.

how long something has existed

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

(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 And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

Having no one else present.

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

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

From this reading And Raymond, turning to mount the stoop of the _presbytère_, as some of the villagers lifted the wounded priest from the wagon, drew his breath in sharply, and for an instant faltered in his step.

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

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

plural of “angel” — spiritual being attendant upon God

From this reading It was as though, framed there in the doorway, those two forms of the women, those two faces that seemed to radiate an innate sanctity, were like guardian angels to bar the way against a hideous and sacrilegious invasion of some holy thing within.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

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

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter

From this reading It was as though, framed there in the doorway, those two forms of the women, those two faces that seemed to radiate an innate sanctity, were like guardian angels to bar the way against a hideous and sacrilegious invasion of some holy thing within.

delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

the qualities that give pleasure to the senses

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

next to; at the side of

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing

From this reading And Raymond, turning to mount the stoop of the _presbytère_, as some of the villagers lifted the wounded priest from the wagon, drew his breath in sharply, and for an instant faltered in his step.

treated by heating to a high temperature but below the melting or fusing point

From this reading And Valerie's eyes, those great, deep, dark eyes burned into him.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

any system of principles or beliefs

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

a slow mode of locomotion on hands and knees or dragging the body

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

representing a level of the highest possible achievement or attainment

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading And Valerie's eyes, those great, deep, dark eyes burned into him.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading And Valerie's eyes, those great, deep, dark eyes burned into him.

freed from illusion

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

struck with fear, dread, or consternation

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

the entrance (the space in a wall) through which you enter or leave a room or building; the space that a door can close

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)

From this reading And Raymond, turning to mount the stoop of the _presbytère_, as some of the villagers lifted the wounded priest from the wagon, drew his breath in sharply, and for an instant faltered in his step.

morally objectionable behavior

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

opinion or judgment

From this reading And Valerie's eyes, those great, deep, dark eyes burned into him.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading It was as though, framed there in the doorway, those two forms of the women, those two faces that seemed to radiate an innate sanctity, were like guardian angels to bar the way against a hideous and sacrilegious invasion of some holy thing within.

a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

past form of “falter” — be unsure or weak

From this reading And Raymond, turning to mount the stoop of the _presbytère_, as some of the villagers lifted the wounded priest from the wagon, drew his breath in sharply, and for an instant faltered in his step.

a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading And Raymond, turning to mount the stoop of the _presbytère_, as some of the villagers lifted the wounded priest from the wagon, drew his breath in sharply, and for an instant faltered in his step.

plural of “form” — the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading It was as though, framed there in the doorway, those two forms of the women, those two faces that seemed to radiate an innate sanctity, were like guardian angels to bar the way against a hideous and sacrilegious invasion of some holy thing within.

provided with a frame

From this reading It was as though, framed there in the doorway, those two forms of the women, those two faces that seemed to radiate an innate sanctity, were like guardian angels to bar the way against a hideous and sacrilegious invasion of some holy thing within.

(used as intensives reflecting the speaker's attitude) it is sincerely the case that

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading And Raymond, turning to mount the stoop of the _presbytère_, as some of the villagers lifted the wounded priest from the wagon, drew his breath in sharply, and for an instant faltered in his step.

soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

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

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading And Valerie's eyes, those great, deep, dark eyes burned into him.

a person who cares for persons or property

From this reading It was as though, framed there in the doorway, those two forms of the women, those two faces that seemed to radiate an innate sanctity, were like guardian angels to bar the way against a hideous and sacrilegious invasion of some holy thing within.

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

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

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

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

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

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

grossly offensive to decency or morality; causing horror

From this reading It was as though, framed there in the doorway, those two forms of the women, those two faces that seemed to radiate an innate sanctity, were like guardian angels to bar the way against a hideous and sacrilegious invasion of some holy thing within.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading And Valerie's eyes, those great, deep, dark eyes burned into him.

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

From this reading And Raymond, turning to mount the stoop of the _presbytère_, as some of the villagers lifted the wounded priest from the wagon, drew his breath in sharply, and for an instant faltered in his step.

a sacred place of pilgrimage

From this reading It was as though, framed there in the doorway, those two forms of the women, those two faces that seemed to radiate an innate sanctity, were like guardian angels to bar the way against a hideous and sacrilegious invasion of some holy thing within.

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

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

not established by conditioning or learning

From this reading It was as though, framed there in the doorway, those two forms of the women, those two faces that seemed to radiate an innate sanctity, were like guardian angels to bar the way against a hideous and sacrilegious invasion of some holy thing within.

a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)

From this reading And Raymond, turning to mount the stoop of the _presbytère_, as some of the villagers lifted the wounded priest from the wagon, drew his breath in sharply, and for an instant faltered in his step.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading And Valerie's eyes, those great, deep, dark eyes burned into him.

the act of invading; the act of an army that invades for conquest or plunder

From this reading It was as though, framed there in the doorway, those two forms of the women, those two faces that seemed to radiate an innate sanctity, were like guardian angels to bar the way against a hideous and sacrilegious invasion of some holy thing within.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

evidencing the possession of inside information

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

an artificial source of visible illumination

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

held up in the air

From this reading And Raymond, turning to mount the stoop of the _presbytère_, as some of the villagers lifted the wounded priest from the wagon, drew his breath in sharply, and for an instant faltered in his step.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading It was as though, framed there in the doorway, those two forms of the women, those two faces that seemed to radiate an innate sanctity, were like guardian angels to bar the way against a hideous and sacrilegious invasion of some holy thing within.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

like or characteristic of a mirror image

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

attach to a support

From this reading And Raymond, turning to mount the stoop of the _presbytère_, as some of the villagers lifted the wounded priest from the wagon, drew his breath in sharply, and for an instant faltered in his step.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

not any; not one

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading And Raymond, turning to mount the stoop of the _presbytère_, as some of the villagers lifted the wounded priest from the wagon, drew his breath in sharply, and for an instant faltered in his step.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

and nothing more

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

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

From this reading And Raymond, turning to mount the stoop of the _presbytère_, as some of the villagers lifted the wounded priest from the wagon, drew his breath in sharply, and for an instant faltered in his step.

a clergyman in Christian churches who has the authority to perform or administer various religious rites; one of the Holy Orders

From this reading And Raymond, turning to mount the stoop of the _presbytère_, as some of the villagers lifted the wounded priest from the wagon, drew his breath in sharply, and for an instant faltered in his step.

send out rays or waves

From this reading It was as though, framed there in the doorway, those two forms of the women, those two faces that seemed to radiate an innate sanctity, were like guardian angels to bar the way against a hideous and sacrilegious invasion of some holy thing within.

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

From this reading And Raymond, turning to mount the stoop of the _presbytère_, as some of the villagers lifted the wounded priest from the wagon, drew his breath in sharply, and for an instant faltered in his step.

grossly irreverent toward what is held to be sacred

From this reading It was as though, framed there in the doorway, those two forms of the women, those two faces that seemed to radiate an innate sanctity, were like guardian angels to bar the way against a hideous and sacrilegious invasion of some holy thing within.

the quality of being holy

From this reading It was as though, framed there in the doorway, those two forms of the women, those two faces that seemed to radiate an innate sanctity, were like guardian angels to bar the way against a hideous and sacrilegious invasion of some holy thing within.

cut with a saw

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading It was as though, framed there in the doorway, those two forms of the women, those two faces that seemed to radiate an innate sanctity, were like guardian angels to bar the way against a hideous and sacrilegious invasion of some holy thing within.

in an aggressive manner

From this reading And Raymond, turning to mount the stoop of the _presbytère_, as some of the villagers lifted the wounded priest from the wagon, drew his breath in sharply, and for an instant faltered in his step.

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

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

being of delicate or slender build

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

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

From this reading And Raymond, turning to mount the stoop of the _presbytère_, as some of the villagers lifted the wounded priest from the wagon, drew his breath in sharply, and for an instant faltered in his step.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading And Raymond, turning to mount the stoop of the _presbytère_, as some of the villagers lifted the wounded priest from the wagon, drew his breath in sharply, and for an instant faltered in his step.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

bend one's back forward from the waist on down

From this reading And Raymond, turning to mount the stoop of the _presbytère_, as some of the villagers lifted the wounded priest from the wagon, drew his breath in sharply, and for an instant faltered in his step.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was as though, framed there in the doorway, those two forms of the women, those two faces that seemed to radiate an innate sanctity, were like guardian angels to bar the way against a hideous and sacrilegious invasion of some holy thing within.

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

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

in or at that place or location

From this reading It was as though, framed there in the doorway, those two forms of the women, those two faces that seemed to radiate an innate sanctity, were like guardian angels to bar the way against a hideous and sacrilegious invasion of some holy thing within.

a special situation

From this reading It was as though, framed there in the doorway, those two forms of the women, those two faces that seemed to radiate an innate sanctity, were like guardian angels to bar the way against a hideous and sacrilegious invasion of some holy thing within.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

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

From this reading It was as though, framed there in the doorway, those two forms of the women, those two faces that seemed to radiate an innate sanctity, were like guardian angels to bar the way against a hideous and sacrilegious invasion of some holy thing within.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

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

From this reading And Raymond, turning to mount the stoop of the _presbytère_, as some of the villagers lifted the wounded priest from the wagon, drew his breath in sharply, and for an instant faltered in his step.

having come into contact

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course

From this reading And Raymond, turning to mount the stoop of the _presbytère_, as some of the villagers lifted the wounded priest from the wagon, drew his breath in sharply, and for an instant faltered in his step.

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

From this reading It was as though, framed there in the doorway, those two forms of the women, those two faces that seemed to radiate an innate sanctity, were like guardian angels to bar the way against a hideous and sacrilegious invasion of some holy thing within.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

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

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

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

From this reading And Valerie's eyes, those great, deep, dark eyes burned into him.

precisely as stated

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

plural of “villager” — one who has lived in a village most of their life

From this reading And Raymond, turning to mount the stoop of the _presbytère_, as some of the villagers lifted the wounded priest from the wagon, drew his breath in sharply, and for an instant faltered in his step.

any of various kinds of wheeled vehicles drawn by an animal or a tractor

From this reading And Raymond, turning to mount the stoop of the _presbytère_, as some of the villagers lifted the wounded priest from the wagon, drew his breath in sharply, and for an instant faltered in his step.

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

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

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

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

changing to a lighter color

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

which person or people

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

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

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.

in the company of; together with

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading It was as though, framed there in the doorway, those two forms of the women, those two faces that seemed to radiate an innate sanctity, were like guardian angels to bar the way against a hideous and sacrilegious invasion of some holy thing within.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading It was as though, framed there in the doorway, those two forms of the women, those two faces that seemed to radiate an innate sanctity, were like guardian angels to bar the way against a hideous and sacrilegious invasion of some holy thing within.

people who are wounded

From this reading And Raymond, turning to mount the stoop of the _presbytère_, as some of the villagers lifted the wounded priest from the wagon, drew his breath in sharply, and for an instant faltered in his step.

produce a literary work

From this reading And her face, that he saw now for the first time plainly, was very beautiful, and with a beauty that was not of feature alone--for her expression seemed to write a sort of creed upon her face, a creed that frankly mirrored faith in all around her, a faith that, never having been startled, or dismayed, or disillusioned, and knowing no things for evil, accepted all things for good.

a late time of life

From this reading |IT was Valerie who held the lamp; and beside her in the doorway stood a gentle-faced, silverhaired, slim little old lady--and the latter was another Valerie, only a Valerie whom the years in their passing had touched in a gentle, kindly way, as though the whitening hair and the age creeping upon her were but a crowning.