Chapter XI

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

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading There they would chat about the gossip of the day with perfect freedom, and sometimes with a good deal of license.

(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 AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading Private tête-à-têtes would often take place amid the general conversation; and, says Brantôme, "as a throng of earthly goddesses were assembled there, every nobleman and gentleman talked with her whom he loved the best."

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

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

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

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

plural of “apartment” — a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading It was a party of this description that our friend Gabriel was to attend on the evening in question; and contrary to his custom, he arrayed and perfumed himself with considerable solicitude, so that he might not appear to disadvantage in the eyes of her "whom he loved the best," to quote Brantôme once more.

in ceremonial attire and paraphernalia

From this reading It was a party of this description that our friend Gabriel was to attend on the evening in question; and contrary to his custom, he arrayed and perfumed himself with considerable solicitude, so that he might not appear to disadvantage in the eyes of her "whom he loved the best," to quote Brantôme once more.

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

From this reading Private tête-à-têtes would often take place amid the general conversation; and, says Brantôme, "as a throng of earthly goddesses were assembled there, every nobleman and gentleman talked with her whom he loved the best."

past form of “assemble” — create by putting components or members together

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

be present at (meetings, church services, university), etc.

From this reading It was a party of this description that our friend Gabriel was to attend on the evening in question; and contrary to his custom, he arrayed and perfumed himself with considerable solicitude, so that he might not appear to disadvantage in the eyes of her "whom he loved the best," to quote Brantôme once more.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading Private tête-à-têtes would often take place amid the general conversation; and, says Brantôme, "as a throng of earthly goddesses were assembled there, every nobleman and gentleman talked with her whom he loved the best."

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

From this reading Private tête-à-têtes would often take place amid the general conversation; and, says Brantôme, "as a throng of earthly goddesses were assembled there, every nobleman and gentleman talked with her whom he loved the best."

talk socially without exchanging too much information

From this reading There they would chat about the gossip of the day with perfect freedom, and sometimes with a good deal of license.

light and humorous drama with a happy ending

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree

From this reading It was a party of this description that our friend Gabriel was to attend on the evening in question; and contrary to his custom, he arrayed and perfumed himself with considerable solicitude, so that he might not appear to disadvantage in the eyes of her "whom he loved the best," to quote Brantôme once more.

very opposed in nature or character or purpose

From this reading It was a party of this description that our friend Gabriel was to attend on the evening in question; and contrary to his custom, he arrayed and perfumed himself with considerable solicitude, so that he might not appear to disadvantage in the eyes of her "whom he loved the best," to quote Brantôme once more.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading Private tête-à-têtes would often take place amid the general conversation; and, says Brantôme, "as a throng of earthly goddesses were assembled there, every nobleman and gentleman talked with her whom he loved the best."

an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

accepted or habitual practice

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

taking a series of rhythmical steps (and movements) in time to music

From this reading Frequently there was dancing too, or a play.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading There they would chat about the gossip of the day with perfect freedom, and sometimes with a good deal of license.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading There they would chat about the gossip of the day with perfect freedom, and sometimes with a good deal of license.

a statement that represents something in words

From this reading It was a party of this description that our friend Gabriel was to attend on the evening in question; and contrary to his custom, he arrayed and perfumed himself with considerable solicitude, so that he might not appear to disadvantage in the eyes of her "whom he loved the best," to quote Brantôme once more.

the quality of having an inferior or less favorable position

From this reading It was a party of this description that our friend Gabriel was to attend on the evening in question; and contrary to his custom, he arrayed and perfumed himself with considerable solicitude, so that he might not appear to disadvantage in the eyes of her "whom he loved the best," to quote Brantôme once more.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

of or belonging to or characteristic of this earth as distinguished from heaven

From this reading Private tête-à-têtes would often take place amid the general conversation; and, says Brantôme, "as a throng of earthly goddesses were assembled there, every nobleman and gentleman talked with her whom he loved the best."

a mournful poem; a lament for the dead

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Private tête-à-têtes would often take place amid the general conversation; and, says Brantôme, "as a throng of earthly goddesses were assembled there, every nobleman and gentleman talked with her whom he loved the best."

opinion or judgment

From this reading It was a party of this description that our friend Gabriel was to attend on the evening in question; and contrary to his custom, he arrayed and perfumed himself with considerable solicitude, so that he might not appear to disadvantage in the eyes of her "whom he loved the best," to quote Brantôme once more.

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

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

the condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints

From this reading There they would chat about the gossip of the day with perfect freedom, and sometimes with a good deal of license.

many times at short intervals

From this reading Frequently there was dancing too, or a play.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading It was a party of this description that our friend Gabriel was to attend on the evening in question; and contrary to his custom, he arrayed and perfumed himself with considerable solicitude, so that he might not appear to disadvantage in the eyes of her "whom he loved the best," to quote Brantôme once more.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

(Bible) the archangel who was the messenger of God

From this reading It was a party of this description that our friend Gabriel was to attend on the evening in question; and contrary to his custom, he arrayed and perfumed himself with considerable solicitude, so that he might not appear to disadvantage in the eyes of her "whom he loved the best," to quote Brantôme once more.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading Private tête-à-têtes would often take place amid the general conversation; and, says Brantôme, "as a throng of earthly goddesses were assembled there, every nobleman and gentleman talked with her whom he loved the best."

a man of refinement

From this reading Private tête-à-têtes would often take place amid the general conversation; and, says Brantôme, "as a throng of earthly goddesses were assembled there, every nobleman and gentleman talked with her whom he loved the best."

plural of “goddess” — a female deity

From this reading Private tête-à-têtes would often take place amid the general conversation; and, says Brantôme, "as a throng of earthly goddesses were assembled there, every nobleman and gentleman talked with her whom he loved the best."

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

From this reading There they would chat about the gossip of the day with perfect freedom, and sometimes with a good deal of license.

light informal conversation for social occasions

From this reading There they would chat about the gossip of the day with perfect freedom, and sometimes with a good deal of license.

having or involving the use of hands

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

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

From this reading Private tête-à-têtes would often take place amid the general conversation; and, says Brantôme, "as a throng of earthly goddesses were assembled there, every nobleman and gentleman talked with her whom he loved the best."

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

From this reading Private tête-à-têtes would often take place amid the general conversation; and, says Brantôme, "as a throng of earthly goddesses were assembled there, every nobleman and gentleman talked with her whom he loved the best."

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading It was a party of this description that our friend Gabriel was to attend on the evening in question; and contrary to his custom, he arrayed and perfumed himself with considerable solicitude, so that he might not appear to disadvantage in the eyes of her "whom he loved the best," to quote Brantôme once more.

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

From this reading It was a party of this description that our friend Gabriel was to attend on the evening in question; and contrary to his custom, he arrayed and perfumed himself with considerable solicitude, so that he might not appear to disadvantage in the eyes of her "whom he loved the best," to quote Brantôme once more.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

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

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was a party of this description that our friend Gabriel was to attend on the evening in question; and contrary to his custom, he arrayed and perfumed himself with considerable solicitude, so that he might not appear to disadvantage in the eyes of her "whom he loved the best," to quote Brantôme once more.

a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

a legal document giving official permission to do something

From this reading There they would chat about the gossip of the day with perfect freedom, and sometimes with a good deal of license.

held dear

From this reading Private tête-à-têtes would often take place amid the general conversation; and, says Brantôme, "as a throng of earthly goddesses were assembled there, every nobleman and gentleman talked with her whom he loved the best."

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading It was a party of this description that our friend Gabriel was to attend on the evening in question; and contrary to his custom, he arrayed and perfumed himself with considerable solicitude, so that he might not appear to disadvantage in the eyes of her "whom he loved the best," to quote Brantôme once more.

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

From this reading It was a party of this description that our friend Gabriel was to attend on the evening in question; and contrary to his custom, he arrayed and perfumed himself with considerable solicitude, so that he might not appear to disadvantage in the eyes of her "whom he loved the best," to quote Brantôme once more.

a titled peer of the realm

From this reading Private tête-à-têtes would often take place amid the general conversation; and, says Brantôme, "as a throng of earthly goddesses were assembled there, every nobleman and gentleman talked with her whom he loved the best."

plural of “noble” — a titled peer of the realm

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It was a party of this description that our friend Gabriel was to attend on the evening in question; and contrary to his custom, he arrayed and perfumed himself with considerable solicitude, so that he might not appear to disadvantage in the eyes of her "whom he loved the best," to quote Brantôme once more.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

many times at short intervals

From this reading Private tête-à-têtes would often take place amid the general conversation; and, says Brantôme, "as a throng of earthly goddesses were assembled there, every nobleman and gentleman talked with her whom he loved the best."

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was a party of this description that our friend Gabriel was to attend on the evening in question; and contrary to his custom, he arrayed and perfumed himself with considerable solicitude, so that he might not appear to disadvantage in the eyes of her "whom he loved the best," to quote Brantôme once more.

on one occasion

From this reading It was a party of this description that our friend Gabriel was to attend on the evening in question; and contrary to his custom, he arrayed and perfumed himself with considerable solicitude, so that he might not appear to disadvantage in the eyes of her "whom he loved the best," to quote Brantôme once more.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Frequently there was dancing too, or a play.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading It was a party of this description that our friend Gabriel was to attend on the evening in question; and contrary to his custom, he arrayed and perfumed himself with considerable solicitude, so that he might not appear to disadvantage in the eyes of her "whom he loved the best," to quote Brantôme once more.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading It was a party of this description that our friend Gabriel was to attend on the evening in question; and contrary to his custom, he arrayed and perfumed himself with considerable solicitude, so that he might not appear to disadvantage in the eyes of her "whom he loved the best," to quote Brantôme once more.

being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish

From this reading There they would chat about the gossip of the day with perfect freedom, and sometimes with a good deal of license.

filled or impregnated with perfume

From this reading It was a party of this description that our friend Gabriel was to attend on the evening in question; and contrary to his custom, he arrayed and perfumed himself with considerable solicitude, so that he might not appear to disadvantage in the eyes of her "whom he loved the best," to quote Brantôme once more.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Private tête-à-têtes would often take place amid the general conversation; and, says Brantôme, "as a throng of earthly goddesses were assembled there, every nobleman and gentleman talked with her whom he loved the best."

participate in games or sport

From this reading Frequently there was dancing too, or a play.

confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy

From this reading Private tête-à-têtes would often take place amid the general conversation; and, says Brantôme, "as a throng of earthly goddesses were assembled there, every nobleman and gentleman talked with her whom he loved the best."

gradual improvement or growth or development

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

possessive form of “queen” — the only fertile female in a colony of social insects such as bees and ants and termites; its function is to lay eggs

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading It was a party of this description that our friend Gabriel was to attend on the evening in question; and contrary to his custom, he arrayed and perfumed himself with considerable solicitude, so that he might not appear to disadvantage in the eyes of her "whom he loved the best," to quote Brantôme once more.

repeat a passage from

From this reading It was a party of this description that our friend Gabriel was to attend on the evening in question; and contrary to his custom, he arrayed and perfumed himself with considerable solicitude, so that he might not appear to disadvantage in the eyes of her "whom he loved the best," to quote Brantôme once more.

have sovereign power

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

plural of “say” — the chance to speak

From this reading Private tête-à-têtes would often take place amid the general conversation; and, says Brantôme, "as a throng of earthly goddesses were assembled there, every nobleman and gentleman talked with her whom he loved the best."

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading It was a party of this description that our friend Gabriel was to attend on the evening in question; and contrary to his custom, he arrayed and perfumed himself with considerable solicitude, so that he might not appear to disadvantage in the eyes of her "whom he loved the best," to quote Brantôme once more.

a feeling of excessive concern

From this reading It was a party of this description that our friend Gabriel was to attend on the evening in question; and contrary to his custom, he arrayed and perfumed himself with considerable solicitude, so that he might not appear to disadvantage in the eyes of her "whom he loved the best," to quote Brantôme once more.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading There they would chat about the gossip of the day with perfect freedom, and sometimes with a good deal of license.

carry out

From this reading Private tête-à-têtes would often take place amid the general conversation; and, says Brantôme, "as a throng of earthly goddesses were assembled there, every nobleman and gentleman talked with her whom he loved the best."

past form of “talk” — exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading Private tête-à-têtes would often take place amid the general conversation; and, says Brantôme, "as a throng of earthly goddesses were assembled there, every nobleman and gentleman talked with her whom he loved the best."

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was a party of this description that our friend Gabriel was to attend on the evening in question; and contrary to his custom, he arrayed and perfumed himself with considerable solicitude, so that he might not appear to disadvantage in the eyes of her "whom he loved the best," to quote Brantôme once more.

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

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There they would chat about the gossip of the day with perfect freedom, and sometimes with a good deal of license.

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

From this reading There they would chat about the gossip of the day with perfect freedom, and sometimes with a good deal of license.

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

From this reading It was a party of this description that our friend Gabriel was to attend on the evening in question; and contrary to his custom, he arrayed and perfumed himself with considerable solicitude, so that he might not appear to disadvantage in the eyes of her "whom he loved the best," to quote Brantôme once more.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

a large gathering of people

From this reading Private tête-à-têtes would often take place amid the general conversation; and, says Brantôme, "as a throng of earthly goddesses were assembled there, every nobleman and gentleman talked with her whom he loved the best."

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

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

From this reading It was a party of this description that our friend Gabriel was to attend on the evening in question; and contrary to his custom, he arrayed and perfumed himself with considerable solicitude, so that he might not appear to disadvantage in the eyes of her "whom he loved the best," to quote Brantôme once more.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Frequently there was dancing too, or a play.

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

From this reading Private tête-à-têtes would often take place amid the general conversation; and, says Brantôme, "as a throng of earthly goddesses were assembled there, every nobleman and gentleman talked with her whom he loved the best."

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

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments.

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

From this reading Private tête-à-têtes would often take place amid the general conversation; and, says Brantôme, "as a throng of earthly goddesses were assembled there, every nobleman and gentleman talked with her whom he loved the best."

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

From this reading Private tête-à-têtes would often take place amid the general conversation; and, says Brantôme, "as a throng of earthly goddesses were assembled there, every nobleman and gentleman talked with her whom he loved the best."

in the company of; together with

From this reading There they would chat about the gossip of the day with perfect freedom, and sometimes with a good deal of license.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading There they would chat about the gossip of the day with perfect freedom, and sometimes with a good deal of license.