used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was Christmas eve night, and General Basil Prince, who had hurriedly changed to evening dress after his arrival by a late train, halted for a moment at the stairhead to look down.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading It was Christmas eve night, and General Basil Prince, who had hurriedly changed to evening dress after his arrival by a late train, halted for a moment at the stairhead to look down.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Probably that was as it should be, he reflected, yet an elderly fellow might enjoy the fragrance of old lavender or the bouquet of memory's vintage.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was Christmas eve night, and General Basil Prince, who had hurriedly changed to evening dress after his arrival by a late train, halted for a moment at the stairhead to look down.
accomplishment of an objective
From this reading It was Christmas eve night, and General Basil Prince, who had hurriedly changed to evening dress after his arrival by a late train, halted for a moment at the stairhead to look down.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Probably that was as it should be, he reflected, yet an elderly fellow might enjoy the fragrance of old lavender or the bouquet of memory's vintage.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It was Christmas eve night, and General Basil Prince, who had hurriedly changed to evening dress after his arrival by a late train, halted for a moment at the stairhead to look down.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading When he came here to the country house of his friend Wallifarro, it seemed to him that he stepped back into those days when gracious ceremonies held and dancers trod the measured figures of the minuet.
BasilnounUS /ˈbæzəl/
any of several Old World tropical aromatic annual or perennial herbs of the genus Ocimum
From this reading It was Christmas eve night, and General Basil Prince, who had hurriedly changed to evening dress after his arrival by a late train, halted for a moment at the stairhead to look down.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Probably that was as it should be, he reflected, yet an elderly fellow might enjoy the fragrance of old lavender or the bouquet of memory's vintage.
bouquetnounUS /buːˈkeɪ/
an arrangement of flowers that is usually given as a present
From this reading Probably that was as it should be, he reflected, yet an elderly fellow might enjoy the fragrance of old lavender or the bouquet of memory's vintage.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It was Christmas eve night, and General Basil Prince, who had hurriedly changed to evening dress after his arrival by a late train, halted for a moment at the stairhead to look down.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading When he came here to the country house of his friend Wallifarro, it seemed to him that he stepped back into those days when gracious ceremonies held and dancers trod the measured figures of the minuet.
ceremoniesnounUS /ˈserəmoʊniz/
plural of “ceremony” — a formal event performed on a special occasion
From this reading When he came here to the country house of his friend Wallifarro, it seemed to him that he stepped back into those days when gracious ceremonies held and dancers trod the measured figures of the minuet.
made or become different in nature or form
From this reading It was Christmas eve night, and General Basil Prince, who had hurriedly changed to evening dress after his arrival by a late train, halted for a moment at the stairhead to look down.
changingadjectiveUS /ˈtʃeɪndʒɪŋ/
marked by continuous change or effective action
From this reading In these rapidly changing times, pride of lineage and deference for tradition were things less openly voiced than in other days which he could remember.
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading It was Christmas eve night, and General Basil Prince, who had hurriedly changed to evening dress after his arrival by a late train, halted for a moment at the stairhead to look down.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading In these rapidly changing times, pride of lineage and deference for tradition were things less openly voiced than in other days which he could remember.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading When he came here to the country house of his friend Wallifarro, it seemed to him that he stepped back into those days when gracious ceremonies held and dancers trod the measured figures of the minuet.
dancersnounUS /ˈdænsərz/
plural of “dancer” — a performer who dances professionally
From this reading When he came here to the country house of his friend Wallifarro, it seemed to him that he stepped back into those days when gracious ceremonies held and dancers trod the measured figures of the minuet.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading In these rapidly changing times, pride of lineage and deference for tradition were things less openly voiced than in other days which he could remember.
deferencenounUS /ˈdefərəns/
a courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard
From this reading In these rapidly changing times, pride of lineage and deference for tradition were things less openly voiced than in other days which he could remember.
(used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation
From this reading On his distinguished face played a quiet smile.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading It was Christmas eve night, and General Basil Prince, who had hurriedly changed to evening dress after his arrival by a late train, halted for a moment at the stairhead to look down.
put on clothes
From this reading It was Christmas eve night, and General Basil Prince, who had hurriedly changed to evening dress after his arrival by a late train, halted for a moment at the stairhead to look down.
elderlyadjectiveUS /ˈeldərli/
advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)
From this reading Probably that was as it should be, he reflected, yet an elderly fellow might enjoy the fragrance of old lavender or the bouquet of memory's vintage.
derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading Probably that was as it should be, he reflected, yet an elderly fellow might enjoy the fragrance of old lavender or the bouquet of memory's vintage.
(Old Testament) Adam's wife in Judeo-Christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; God created Eve from Adam's rib and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden
From this reading It was Christmas eve night, and General Basil Prince, who had hurriedly changed to evening dress after his arrival by a late train, halted for a moment at the stairhead to look down.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading It was Christmas eve night, and General Basil Prince, who had hurriedly changed to evening dress after his arrival by a late train, halted for a moment at the stairhead to look down.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading On his distinguished face played a quiet smile.
a boy or man
From this reading Probably that was as it should be, he reflected, yet an elderly fellow might enjoy the fragrance of old lavender or the bouquet of memory's vintage.
plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading When he came here to the country house of his friend Wallifarro, it seemed to him that he stepped back into those days when gracious ceremonies held and dancers trod the measured figures of the minuet.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was Christmas eve night, and General Basil Prince, who had hurriedly changed to evening dress after his arrival by a late train, halted for a moment at the stairhead to look down.
fragrancenounUS /ˈfreɪɡrəns/
a distinctive odor that is pleasant
From this reading Probably that was as it should be, he reflected, yet an elderly fellow might enjoy the fragrance of old lavender or the bouquet of memory's vintage.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading When he came here to the country house of his friend Wallifarro, it seemed to him that he stepped back into those days when gracious ceremonies held and dancers trod the measured figures of the minuet.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading It was Christmas eve night, and General Basil Prince, who had hurriedly changed to evening dress after his arrival by a late train, halted for a moment at the stairhead to look down.
characterized by charm, good taste, and generosity of spirit
From this reading When he came here to the country house of his friend Wallifarro, it seemed to him that he stepped back into those days when gracious ceremonies held and dancers trod the measured figures of the minuet.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was Christmas eve night, and General Basil Prince, who had hurriedly changed to evening dress after his arrival by a late train, halted for a moment at the stairhead to look down.
past form of “halt” — cause to stop
From this reading It was Christmas eve night, and General Basil Prince, who had hurriedly changed to evening dress after his arrival by a late train, halted for a moment at the stairhead to look down.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In these rapidly changing times, pride of lineage and deference for tradition were things less openly voiced than in other days which he could remember.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading When he came here to the country house of his friend Wallifarro, it seemed to him that he stepped back into those days when gracious ceremonies held and dancers trod the measured figures of the minuet.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading When he came here to the country house of his friend Wallifarro, it seemed to him that he stepped back into those days when gracious ceremonies held and dancers trod the measured figures of the minuet.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading When he came here to the country house of his friend Wallifarro, it seemed to him that he stepped back into those days when gracious ceremonies held and dancers trod the measured figures of the minuet.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It was Christmas eve night, and General Basil Prince, who had hurriedly changed to evening dress after his arrival by a late train, halted for a moment at the stairhead to look down.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading When he came here to the country house of his friend Wallifarro, it seemed to him that he stepped back into those days when gracious ceremonies held and dancers trod the measured figures of the minuet.
hurriedlyadverbUS /ˈhɜːridli/
in a hurried or hasty manner
From this reading It was Christmas eve night, and General Basil Prince, who had hurriedly changed to evening dress after his arrival by a late train, halted for a moment at the stairhead to look down.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In these rapidly changing times, pride of lineage and deference for tradition were things less openly voiced than in other days which he could remember.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading When he came here to the country house of his friend Wallifarro, it seemed to him that he stepped back into those days when gracious ceremonies held and dancers trod the measured figures of the minuet.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was Christmas eve night, and General Basil Prince, who had hurriedly changed to evening dress after his arrival by a late train, halted for a moment at the stairhead to look down.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading It was Christmas eve night, and General Basil Prince, who had hurriedly changed to evening dress after his arrival by a late train, halted for a moment at the stairhead to look down.
lavenderadjectiveUS /ˈlævəndər/
of a pale purple color
From this reading Probably that was as it should be, he reflected, yet an elderly fellow might enjoy the fragrance of old lavender or the bouquet of memory's vintage.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading In these rapidly changing times, pride of lineage and deference for tradition were things less openly voiced than in other days which he could remember.
lineagenounUS /ˈlɪniədʒ/
the descendants of one individual
From this reading In these rapidly changing times, pride of lineage and deference for tradition were things less openly voiced than in other days which he could remember.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading It was Christmas eve night, and General Basil Prince, who had hurriedly changed to evening dress after his arrival by a late train, halted for a moment at the stairhead to look down.
measuredadjectiveUS /ˈmeʒərd/
having notes of fixed rhythmic value
From this reading When he came here to the country house of his friend Wallifarro, it seemed to him that he stepped back into those days when gracious ceremonies held and dancers trod the measured figures of the minuet.
memory's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Probably that was as it should be, he reflected, yet an elderly fellow might enjoy the fragrance of old lavender or the bouquet of memory's vintage.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Probably that was as it should be, he reflected, yet an elderly fellow might enjoy the fragrance of old lavender or the bouquet of memory's vintage.
minuetnounUS /mɪˌnjuːˈet/
a stately court dance in the 17th century
From this reading When he came here to the country house of his friend Wallifarro, it seemed to him that he stepped back into those days when gracious ceremonies held and dancers trod the measured figures of the minuet.
a particular point in time
From this reading It was Christmas eve night, and General Basil Prince, who had hurriedly changed to evening dress after his arrival by a late train, halted for a moment at the stairhead to look down.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading It was Christmas eve night, and General Basil Prince, who had hurriedly changed to evening dress after his arrival by a late train, halted for a moment at the stairhead to look down.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In these rapidly changing times, pride of lineage and deference for tradition were things less openly voiced than in other days which he could remember.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Probably that was as it should be, he reflected, yet an elderly fellow might enjoy the fragrance of old lavender or the bouquet of memory's vintage.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On his distinguished face played a quiet smile.
openlyadverbUS /ˈoʊpənli/
in an open way
From this reading In these rapidly changing times, pride of lineage and deference for tradition were things less openly voiced than in other days which he could remember.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Probably that was as it should be, he reflected, yet an elderly fellow might enjoy the fragrance of old lavender or the bouquet of memory's vintage.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading In these rapidly changing times, pride of lineage and deference for tradition were things less openly voiced than in other days which he could remember.
(of games) engaged in
From this reading On his distinguished face played a quiet smile.
a feeling of self-respect and personal worth
From this reading In these rapidly changing times, pride of lineage and deference for tradition were things less openly voiced than in other days which he could remember.
a male member of a royal family other than the sovereign (especially the son of a sovereign)
From this reading It was Christmas eve night, and General Basil Prince, who had hurriedly changed to evening dress after his arrival by a late train, halted for a moment at the stairhead to look down.
with considerable certainty; without much doubt
From this reading Probably that was as it should be, he reflected, yet an elderly fellow might enjoy the fragrance of old lavender or the bouquet of memory's vintage.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading On his distinguished face played a quiet smile.
with speed
From this reading In these rapidly changing times, pride of lineage and deference for tradition were things less openly voiced than in other days which he could remember.
(especially of incident sound or light) bent or sent back
From this reading Probably that was as it should be, he reflected, yet an elderly fellow might enjoy the fragrance of old lavender or the bouquet of memory's vintage.
To recall to mind.
From this reading In these rapidly changing times, pride of lineage and deference for tradition were things less openly voiced than in other days which he could remember.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading When he came here to the country house of his friend Wallifarro, it seemed to him that he stepped back into those days when gracious ceremonies held and dancers trod the measured figures of the minuet.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Probably that was as it should be, he reflected, yet an elderly fellow might enjoy the fragrance of old lavender or the bouquet of memory's vintage.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading On his distinguished face played a quiet smile.
stairheadnoun
platform at the top of a staircase
From this reading It was Christmas eve night, and General Basil Prince, who had hurriedly changed to evening dress after his arrival by a late train, halted for a moment at the stairhead to look down.
inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step
From this reading When he came here to the country house of his friend Wallifarro, it seemed to him that he stepped back into those days when gracious ceremonies held and dancers trod the measured figures of the minuet.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading In these rapidly changing times, pride of lineage and deference for tradition were things less openly voiced than in other days which he could remember.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Probably that was as it should be, he reflected, yet an elderly fellow might enjoy the fragrance of old lavender or the bouquet of memory's vintage.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was Christmas eve night, and General Basil Prince, who had hurriedly changed to evening dress after his arrival by a late train, halted for a moment at the stairhead to look down.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading In these rapidly changing times, pride of lineage and deference for tradition were things less openly voiced than in other days which he could remember.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading In these rapidly changing times, pride of lineage and deference for tradition were things less openly voiced than in other days which he could remember.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading When he came here to the country house of his friend Wallifarro, it seemed to him that he stepped back into those days when gracious ceremonies held and dancers trod the measured figures of the minuet.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading In these rapidly changing times, pride of lineage and deference for tradition were things less openly voiced than in other days which he could remember.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was Christmas eve night, and General Basil Prince, who had hurriedly changed to evening dress after his arrival by a late train, halted for a moment at the stairhead to look down.
traditionnounUS /trəˈdɪʃən/
an inherited pattern of thought or action
From this reading In these rapidly changing times, pride of lineage and deference for tradition were things less openly voiced than in other days which he could remember.
create by training and teaching
From this reading It was Christmas eve night, and General Basil Prince, who had hurriedly changed to evening dress after his arrival by a late train, halted for a moment at the stairhead to look down.
trodverbUS /trɑːd/
inflected form of “tread” — put down or press the foot, place the foot
From this reading When he came here to the country house of his friend Wallifarro, it seemed to him that he stepped back into those days when gracious ceremonies held and dancers trod the measured figures of the minuet.
vintagenounUS /ˈvɪntɪdʒ/
a season's yield of wine from a vineyard
From this reading Probably that was as it should be, he reflected, yet an elderly fellow might enjoy the fragrance of old lavender or the bouquet of memory's vintage.
voicedadjectiveUS /vɔɪst/
produced with vibration of the vocal cords
From this reading In these rapidly changing times, pride of lineage and deference for tradition were things less openly voiced than in other days which he could remember.
Wallifarro
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he came here to the country house of his friend Wallifarro, it seemed to him that he stepped back into those days when gracious ceremonies held and dancers trod the measured figures of the minuet.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was Christmas eve night, and General Basil Prince, who had hurriedly changed to evening dress after his arrival by a late train, halted for a moment at the stairhead to look down.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In these rapidly changing times, pride of lineage and deference for tradition were things less openly voiced than in other days which he could remember.
at the time that
From this reading When he came here to the country house of his friend Wallifarro, it seemed to him that he stepped back into those days when gracious ceremonies held and dancers trod the measured figures of the minuet.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading In these rapidly changing times, pride of lineage and deference for tradition were things less openly voiced than in other days which he could remember.
which person or people
From this reading It was Christmas eve night, and General Basil Prince, who had hurriedly changed to evening dress after his arrival by a late train, halted for a moment at the stairhead to look down.
but in spite of that
From this reading Probably that was as it should be, he reflected, yet an elderly fellow might enjoy the fragrance of old lavender or the bouquet of memory's vintage.
