used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
a positive feeling of liking
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He dressed elaborately for the ceremony, and when he had left her behind with Considine, feasted solemnly at Roscarna until Biddy and the coachman carried him upstairs.
a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He kissed her and fondled her and hoped she would be happy, but she could not smile.
delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration
From this reading On the eve of the wedding he gave her the contents of her mother's jewel-box, which included some beautiful ornaments of early Celtic work.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading He dressed elaborately for the ceremony, and when he had left her behind with Considine, feasted solemnly at Roscarna until Biddy and the coachman carried him upstairs.
BiddynounUS /ˈbɪdi/
adult female chicken
From this reading He dressed elaborately for the ceremony, and when he had left her behind with Considine, feasted solemnly at Roscarna until Biddy and the coachman carried him upstairs.
a woman who has recently been married
From this reading Never in the history of Roscarna was such a tragic bride.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He kissed her and fondled her and hoped she would be happy, but she could not smile.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading He dressed elaborately for the ceremony, and when he had left her behind with Considine, feasted solemnly at Roscarna until Biddy and the coachman carried him upstairs.
CelticadjectiveUS /ˈseltɪk/
relating to or characteristic of the Celts
From this reading On the eve of the wedding he gave her the contents of her mother's jewel-box, which included some beautiful ornaments of early Celtic work.
a formal event performed on a special occasion
From this reading He dressed elaborately for the ceremony, and when he had left her behind with Considine, feasted solemnly at Roscarna until Biddy and the coachman carried him upstairs.
coachmannounUS /ˈkoʊtʃmən/
a man who drives a coach (or carriage)
From this reading He dressed elaborately for the ceremony, and when he had left her behind with Considine, feasted solemnly at Roscarna until Biddy and the coachman carried him upstairs.
a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
Considine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He dressed elaborately for the ceremony, and when he had left her behind with Considine, feasted solemnly at Roscarna until Biddy and the coachman carried him upstairs.
(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something
From this reading On the eve of the wedding he gave her the contents of her mother's jewel-box, which included some beautiful ornaments of early Celtic work.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading He kissed her and fondled her and hoped she would be happy, but she could not smile.
courtshipnounUS /ˈkɔːrtʃɪp/
a man's courting of a woman; seeking the affections of a woman (usually with the hope of marriage)
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination
From this reading He dressed elaborately for the ceremony, and when he had left her behind with Considine, feasted solemnly at Roscarna until Biddy and the coachman carried him upstairs.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading On the eve of the wedding he gave her the contents of her mother's jewel-box, which included some beautiful ornaments of early Celtic work.
elaboratelyadverbUS /ɪˈlæbrətli/
with elaboration
From this reading He dressed elaborately for the ceremony, and when he had left her behind with Considine, feasted solemnly at Roscarna until Biddy and the coachman carried him upstairs.
(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 On the eve of the wedding he gave her the contents of her mother's jewel-box, which included some beautiful ornaments of early Celtic work.
feastedverbUS /ˈfiːstɪd/
past form of “feast” — partake in a feast or banquet
From this reading He dressed elaborately for the ceremony, and when he had left her behind with Considine, feasted solemnly at Roscarna until Biddy and the coachman carried him upstairs.
fondledverbUS /ˈfɔːndəld/
past form of “fondle” — touch or stroke lightly in a loving or endearing manner
From this reading He kissed her and fondled her and hoped she would be happy, but she could not smile.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He dressed elaborately for the ceremony, and when he had left her behind with Considine, feasted solemnly at Roscarna until Biddy and the coachman carried him upstairs.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading On the eve of the wedding he gave her the contents of her mother's jewel-box, which included some beautiful ornaments of early Celtic work.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading On the eve of the wedding he gave her the contents of her mother's jewel-box, which included some beautiful ornaments of early Celtic work.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading On the eve of the wedding he gave her the contents of her mother's jewel-box, which included some beautiful ornaments of early Celtic work.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He dressed elaborately for the ceremony, and when he had left her behind with Considine, feasted solemnly at Roscarna until Biddy and the coachman carried him upstairs.
the aggregate of past events
From this reading Never in the history of Roscarna was such a tragic bride.
past form of “hope” — expect and wish
From this reading He kissed her and fondled her and hoped she would be happy, but she could not smile.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Never in the history of Roscarna was such a tragic bride.
includedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkluːdəd/
enclosed in the same envelope or package
From this reading On the eve of the wedding he gave her the contents of her mother's jewel-box, which included some beautiful ornaments of early Celtic work.
jewel-box
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the eve of the wedding he gave her the contents of her mother's jewel-box, which included some beautiful ornaments of early Celtic work.
Jocelyn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
jocularadjectiveUS /ˈdʒɑːkjələr/
characterized by jokes and good humor
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
past form of “kiss” — touch with the lips or press the lips (against someone's mouth or other body part) as an expression of love, greeting, etc.
From this reading He kissed her and fondled her and hoped she would be happy, but she could not smile.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading He dressed elaborately for the ceremony, and when he had left her behind with Considine, feasted solemnly at Roscarna until Biddy and the coachman carried him upstairs.
light-heartedadjective
carefree and happy and lighthearted
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
mother'snounUS /ˈmʌðərz/
possessive form of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading On the eve of the wedding he gave her the contents of her mother's jewel-box, which included some beautiful ornaments of early Celtic work.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Never in the history of Roscarna was such a tragic bride.
not any; not one
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
normaladjectiveUS /ˈnɔːrməl/
conforming with or constituting a norm or standard or level or type or social norm; not abnormal
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He kissed her and fondled her and hoped she would be happy, but she could not smile.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On the eve of the wedding he gave her the contents of her mother's jewel-box, which included some beautiful ornaments of early Celtic work.
on one occasion
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
ornamentsnounUS /ˈɔːrnəmənts/
plural of “ornament” — something used to beautify
From this reading On the eve of the wedding he gave her the contents of her mother's jewel-box, which included some beautiful ornaments of early Celtic work.
pretendverbUS /priˈtend/
make believe with the intent to deceive
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
Roscarna
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He dressed elaborately for the ceremony, and when he had left her behind with Considine, feasted solemnly at Roscarna until Biddy and the coachman carried him upstairs.
established or decided beyond dispute or doubt
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He kissed her and fondled her and hoped she would be happy, but she could not smile.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading He kissed her and fondled her and hoped she would be happy, but she could not smile.
solemnlyadverbUS /ˈsɔːləmli/
in a grave and sedate manner
From this reading He dressed elaborately for the ceremony, and when he had left her behind with Considine, feasted solemnly at Roscarna until Biddy and the coachman carried him upstairs.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading On the eve of the wedding he gave her the contents of her mother's jewel-box, which included some beautiful ornaments of early Celtic work.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Never in the history of Roscarna was such a tragic bride.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
tokensnounUS /ˈtoʊkənz/
plural of “token” — an individual instance of a type of symbol
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
tragicadjectiveUS /ˈtrædʒɪk/
very sad; especially involving grief or death or destruction
From this reading Never in the history of Roscarna was such a tragic bride.
hard to endure
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading He dressed elaborately for the ceremony, and when he had left her behind with Considine, feasted solemnly at Roscarna until Biddy and the coachman carried him upstairs.
on a floor above
From this reading He dressed elaborately for the ceremony, and when he had left her behind with Considine, feasted solemnly at Roscarna until Biddy and the coachman carried him upstairs.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
the social event at which the ceremony of marriage is performed
From this reading On the eve of the wedding he gave her the contents of her mother's jewel-box, which included some beautiful ornaments of early Celtic work.
at the time that
From this reading When once the matter was settled Jocelyn became almost light-hearted, trying by little tokens of affection and an attitude that was almost jocular, to pretend that nothing had happened and that the marriage was no more than the happy conclusion of a normal courtship.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading On the eve of the wedding he gave her the contents of her mother's jewel-box, which included some beautiful ornaments of early Celtic work.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He dressed elaborately for the ceremony, and when he had left her behind with Considine, feasted solemnly at Roscarna until Biddy and the coachman carried him upstairs.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading On the eve of the wedding he gave her the contents of her mother's jewel-box, which included some beautiful ornaments of early Celtic work.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading He kissed her and fondled her and hoped she would be happy, but she could not smile.
