used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
(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 It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
beauxnounUS /boʊ/
plural of “beau” — a man who is the lover of a man or woman
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
Directly under; in or to a lower position than.
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
Carmontelle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
CHEVALIERnounUS /ˌʃevəˈlɪr/
French actor and cabaret singer (1888-1972)
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
anything that covers or conceals
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
cravatnounUS /krəˈvæt/
A short, wide strip of silk fabric worn by gentlemen around the neck inside an open-collared shirt.
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
cruellyadverbUS /ˈkruːli/
excessively
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
curledadjectiveUS /kɜːrld/
(of hair) making curls or having been made to curl
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
day'snounUS /deɪz/
possessive form of “day” — time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
Deffand's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
deliciousadjectiveUS /dɪˈlɪʃəs/
greatly pleasing or entertaining
From this reading A delicious moment, thought Tannhäuser, to slip into exile.
doubtfullyadverb
in a doubtful manner
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
put on clothes
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
dressing-tables
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
drippingnounUS /ˈdrɪpɪŋ/
a liquid (as water) that flows in drops (as from the eaves of house)
From this reading The place where he stood waved drowsily with strange flowers, heavy with perfume, dripping with odours.
drowsilyadverb
in a drowsy manner
From this reading The place where he stood waved drowsily with strange flowers, heavy with perfume, dripping with odours.
du
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
enchantedadjectiveUS /ɪnˈtʃæn.tɪd/
Filled with or placed under the influence of magical power or charm.
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
divisible by two
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
exileverbUS /ˈeɡzaɪl/
expel from a country
From this reading A delicious moment, thought Tannhäuser, to slip into exile.
exquisiteadjectiveUS /ˈekskwəzət/
intense or sharp
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
fairiesnounUS /ˈferiz/
plural of “fairy” — a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
finelyadverbUS /ˈfaɪnli/
in tiny pieces
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms
From this reading The place where he stood waved drowsily with strange flowers, heavy with perfume, dripping with odours.
footfalls
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
gatewaynounUS /ˈɡeɪtweɪ/
an entrance that can be closed by a gate
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
coins made of gold
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
characterized by charm, good taste, and generosity of spirit
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
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 His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The place where he stood waved drowsily with strange flowers, heavy with perfume, dripping with odours.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading The place where he stood waved drowsily with strange flowers, heavy with perfume, dripping with odours.
a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
HOW
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
influencesnounUS /ˈɪnfluːənsɪz/
plural of “influence” — a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
INTOprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
a white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily; occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
labouredadjective
lacking natural ease
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
in order that something should not happen
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
set afire or burning
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
Marquisenoun
a noblewoman ranking below a duchess and above a countess
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
mistsnounUS /mɪsts/
plural of “mist” — a thin fog with condensation near the ground
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
a particular point in time
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
mutiniesnounUS /ˈmjuːtəniz/
plural of “mutiny” — open rebellion against constituted authority (especially by seamen or soldiers against their officers)
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
nervouslyadverbUS /ˈnɜːrvəsli/
in an anxiously nervous manner
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
nicenessnounUS /ˈnaɪsnəs/
a courteous manner that respects accepted social usage
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
odoursnounUS /ˈoʊdərs/
plural of “odour” — the sensation that results when olfactory receptors in the nose are stimulated by particular chemicals in gaseous form
From this reading The place where he stood waved drowsily with strange flowers, heavy with perfume, dripping with odours.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
ombre
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
perfumenounUS /pərˈfjuːm/
a distinctive odor that is pleasant
From this reading The place where he stood waved drowsily with strange flowers, heavy with perfume, dripping with odours.
perukenoun
a wig for men that was fashionable in the 17th and 18th centuries
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading The place where he stood waved drowsily with strange flowers, heavy with perfume, dripping with odours.
(of games) engaged in
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
preciseadjectiveUS /prɪˈsaɪs/
sharply exact or accurate or delimited
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
putsnounUS /pʊts/
plural of “put” — the option to sell a given stock (or stock index or commodity future) at a given price before a given date
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
quellingnounUS /ˈkwelɪŋ/
forceful prevention; putting down by power or authority
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
ruffleverbUS /ˈrʌfəl/
stir up (water) so as to form ripples
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
being of delicate or slender build
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
slimadjectiveUS /slɪm/
being of delicate or slender build
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
move stealthily
From this reading A delicious moment, thought Tannhäuser, to slip into exile.
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading The place where he stood waved drowsily with strange flowers, heavy with perfume, dripping with odours.
TANNHÄUSER
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
taper-time
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading A delicious moment, thought Tannhäuser, to slip into exile.
tiredadjectiveUS /ˈtaɪərd/
depleted of strength or energy
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
toiletnounUS /ˈtɔɪlət/
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
characterized by or indicative of distress or affliction or danger or need
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
undoneadjectiveUS /ənˈdʌn/
not done
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
VENUSnounUS /ˈviːnəs/
the second nearest planet to the sun
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
Venusberg
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
past form of “wander” — move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
From this reading His hand, slim and gracious as La Marquise du Deffand's in the drawing by Carmontelle, played nervously about the gold hair that fell upon his shoulders like a finely curled peruke, and from point to point of a precise toilet, the fingers wandered, quelling the little mutinies of cravat and ruffle.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
past form of “wave” — signal with the hands or nod
From this reading The place where he stood waved drowsily with strange flowers, heavy with perfume, dripping with odours.
at the time that
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.
in or at the place that
From this reading The place where he stood waved drowsily with strange flowers, heavy with perfume, dripping with odours.
in the company of; together with
From this reading HOW THE CHEVALIER TANNHÄUSER ENTERED INTO THE HILL OF VENUS The Chevalier Tannhäuser, having lighted off his horse, stood doubtfully for a moment beneath the ombre gateway of the Venusberg, troubled with an exquisite fear lest a day's travel should have too cruelly undone the laboured niceness of his dress.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading It was taper-time; when the tired earth puts on its cloak of mists and shadows, when the enchanted woods are stirred with light footfalls and slender voices of the fairies, when all the air is full of delicate influences, and even the beaux, seated at their dressing-tables, dream a little.