used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A RAINY SEASON I Mrs. Jane Dudley Webb was a lady who supported an impossible present upon an important past.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A RAINY SEASON I Mrs. Jane Dudley Webb was a lady who supported an impossible present upon an important past.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He danced a minuet with her at a ball in Washington, was heard to swear an oath by her eyes at punch before the supper was over; and proceeded the following week to spur his courtship upon old William as daringly as he had ever spurred his horse upon an Indian wigwam.
attainedadjectiveUS /əˈteɪnd/
achieved or reached
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games
From this reading He danced a minuet with her at a ball in Washington, was heard to swear an oath by her eyes at punch before the supper was over; and proceeded the following week to spur his courtship upon old William as daringly as he had ever spurred his horse upon an Indian wigwam.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading He danced a minuet with her at a ball in Washington, was heard to swear an oath by her eyes at punch before the supper was over; and proceeded the following week to spur his courtship upon old William as daringly as he had ever spurred his horse upon an Indian wigwam.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading The lines of her present had fallen in a white frame house in the main street of Kingsborough; those of her past began with the first Dudley who swung a lance in Merry England, to end with irascible old William of the name, who slept in the family graveyard upon James River.
bellenounUS /bel/
a young woman who is the most charming and beautiful of several rivals
From this reading Mrs. Webb herself was straight and elegant, and inclined to the ironical, when, as Jane Dudley, the belle of the country-side, she fired the fancy of young Julius Webb, an officer in the cavalry of the United States.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He danced a minuet with her at a ball in Washington, was heard to swear an oath by her eyes at punch before the supper was over; and proceeded the following week to spur his courtship upon old William as daringly as he had ever spurred his horse upon an Indian wigwam.
an occurrence of something
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
cavalrynounUS /ˈkævəlri/
troops trained to fight on horseback
From this reading Mrs. Webb herself was straight and elegant, and inclined to the ironical, when, as Jane Dudley, the belle of the country-side, she fired the fancy of young Julius Webb, an officer in the cavalry of the United States.
carefully weighed
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
consolationnounUS /ˌkɑːnsəˈleɪʃən/
the comfort you feel when consoled in times of disappointment
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
country-side
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Webb herself was straight and elegant, and inclined to the ironical, when, as Jane Dudley, the belle of the country-side, she fired the fancy of young Julius Webb, an officer in the cavalry of the United States.
courtshipnounUS /ˈkɔːrtʃɪp/
a man's courting of a woman; seeking the affections of a woman (usually with the hope of marriage)
From this reading He danced a minuet with her at a ball in Washington, was heard to swear an oath by her eyes at punch before the supper was over; and proceeded the following week to spur his courtship upon old William as daringly as he had ever spurred his horse upon an Indian wigwam.
dancedverbUS /dænst/
past form of “dance” — move in a graceful and rhythmical way
From this reading He danced a minuet with her at a ball in Washington, was heard to swear an oath by her eyes at punch before the supper was over; and proceeded the following week to spur his courtship upon old William as daringly as he had ever spurred his horse upon an Indian wigwam.
daringlyadverb
in an original manner
From this reading He danced a minuet with her at a ball in Washington, was heard to swear an oath by her eyes at punch before the supper was over; and proceeded the following week to spur his courtship upon old William as daringly as he had ever spurred his horse upon an Indian wigwam.
disproportionateadjectiveUS /ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːrʃənɪt/
out of proportion
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
Dudley
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A RAINY SEASON I Mrs. Jane Dudley Webb was a lady who supported an impossible present upon an important past.
elegantadjectiveUS /ˈeləɡənt/
refined and tasteful in appearance or behavior or style
From this reading Mrs. Webb herself was straight and elegant, and inclined to the ironical, when, as Jane Dudley, the belle of the country-side, she fired the fancy of young Julius Webb, an officer in the cavalry of the United States.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading The lines of her present had fallen in a white frame house in the main street of Kingsborough; those of her past began with the first Dudley who swung a lance in Merry England, to end with irascible old William of the name, who slept in the family graveyard upon James River.
a division of the United Kingdom
From this reading The lines of her present had fallen in a white frame house in the main street of Kingsborough; those of her past began with the first Dudley who swung a lance in Merry England, to end with irascible old William of the name, who slept in the family graveyard upon James River.
at any time
From this reading He danced a minuet with her at a ball in Washington, was heard to swear an oath by her eyes at punch before the supper was over; and proceeded the following week to spur his courtship upon old William as daringly as he had ever spurred his horse upon an Indian wigwam.
opinion or judgment
From this reading He danced a minuet with her at a ball in Washington, was heard to swear an oath by her eyes at punch before the supper was over; and proceeded the following week to spur his courtship upon old William as daringly as he had ever spurred his horse upon an Indian wigwam.
having dropped by the force of gravity
From this reading The lines of her present had fallen in a white frame house in the main street of Kingsborough; those of her past began with the first Dudley who swung a lance in Merry England, to end with irascible old William of the name, who slept in the family graveyard upon James River.
a social unit living together
From this reading The lines of her present had fallen in a white frame house in the main street of Kingsborough; those of her past began with the first Dudley who swung a lance in Merry England, to end with irascible old William of the name, who slept in the family graveyard upon James River.
something many people believe that is false
From this reading Mrs. Webb herself was straight and elegant, and inclined to the ironical, when, as Jane Dudley, the belle of the country-side, she fired the fancy of young Julius Webb, an officer in the cavalry of the United States.
firedadjectiveUS /ˈfaɪərd/
having lost your job
From this reading Mrs. Webb herself was straight and elegant, and inclined to the ironical, when, as Jane Dudley, the belle of the country-side, she fired the fancy of young Julius Webb, an officer in the cavalry of the United States.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading The lines of her present had fallen in a white frame house in the main street of Kingsborough; those of her past began with the first Dudley who swung a lance in Merry England, to end with irascible old William of the name, who slept in the family graveyard upon James River.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading He danced a minuet with her at a ball in Washington, was heard to swear an oath by her eyes at punch before the supper was over; and proceeded the following week to spur his courtship upon old William as daringly as he had ever spurred his horse upon an Indian wigwam.
enclose in or as if in a frame
From this reading The lines of her present had fallen in a white frame house in the main street of Kingsborough; those of her past began with the first Dudley who swung a lance in Merry England, to end with irascible old William of the name, who slept in the family graveyard upon James River.
graveyardnounUS /ˈɡreɪvjɑːrd/
a tract of land used for burials
From this reading The lines of her present had fallen in a white frame house in the main street of Kingsborough; those of her past began with the first Dudley who swung a lance in Merry England, to end with irascible old William of the name, who slept in the family graveyard upon James River.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He danced a minuet with her at a ball in Washington, was heard to swear an oath by her eyes at punch before the supper was over; and proceeded the following week to spur his courtship upon old William as daringly as he had ever spurred his horse upon an Indian wigwam.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading Mrs. Webb herself was straight and elegant, and inclined to the ironical, when, as Jane Dudley, the belle of the country-side, she fired the fancy of young Julius Webb, an officer in the cavalry of the United States.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He danced a minuet with her at a ball in Washington, was heard to swear an oath by her eyes at punch before the supper was over; and proceeded the following week to spur his courtship upon old William as daringly as he had ever spurred his horse upon an Indian wigwam.
solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading He danced a minuet with her at a ball in Washington, was heard to swear an oath by her eyes at punch before the supper was over; and proceeded the following week to spur his courtship upon old William as daringly as he had ever spurred his horse upon an Indian wigwam.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading The lines of her present had fallen in a white frame house in the main street of Kingsborough; those of her past began with the first Dudley who swung a lance in Merry England, to end with irascible old William of the name, who slept in the family graveyard upon James River.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading A RAINY SEASON I Mrs. Jane Dudley Webb was a lady who supported an impossible present upon an important past.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
of great significance or value
From this reading A RAINY SEASON I Mrs. Jane Dudley Webb was a lady who supported an impossible present upon an important past.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading A RAINY SEASON I Mrs. Jane Dudley Webb was a lady who supported an impossible present upon an important past.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The lines of her present had fallen in a white frame house in the main street of Kingsborough; those of her past began with the first Dudley who swung a lance in Merry England, to end with irascible old William of the name, who slept in the family graveyard upon James River.
(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency
From this reading Mrs. Webb herself was straight and elegant, and inclined to the ironical, when, as Jane Dudley, the belle of the country-side, she fired the fancy of young Julius Webb, an officer in the cavalry of the United States.
of or relating to or characteristic of India or the East Indies or their peoples or languages or cultures
From this reading He danced a minuet with her at a ball in Washington, was heard to swear an oath by her eyes at punch before the supper was over; and proceeded the following week to spur his courtship upon old William as daringly as he had ever spurred his horse upon an Indian wigwam.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
irascibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈræsɪbəl/
quickly aroused to anger
From this reading The lines of her present had fallen in a white frame house in the main street of Kingsborough; those of her past began with the first Dudley who swung a lance in Merry England, to end with irascible old William of the name, who slept in the family graveyard upon James River.
ironicaladjectiveUS /aɪˈrɑːnɪkəl/
characterized by often poignant difference or incongruity between what is expected and what actually is
From this reading Mrs. Webb herself was straight and elegant, and inclined to the ironical, when, as Jane Dudley, the belle of the country-side, she fired the fancy of young Julius Webb, an officer in the cavalry of the United States.
a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)
From this reading The lines of her present had fallen in a white frame house in the main street of Kingsborough; those of her past began with the first Dudley who swung a lance in Merry England, to end with irascible old William of the name, who slept in the family graveyard upon James River.
Jane
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A RAINY SEASON I Mrs. Jane Dudley Webb was a lady who supported an impossible present upon an important past.
Julius
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Webb herself was straight and elegant, and inclined to the ironical, when, as Jane Dudley, the belle of the country-side, she fired the fancy of young Julius Webb, an officer in the cavalry of the United States.
Kingsborough
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The lines of her present had fallen in a white frame house in the main street of Kingsborough; those of her past began with the first Dudley who swung a lance in Merry England, to end with irascible old William of the name, who slept in the family graveyard upon James River.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading A RAINY SEASON I Mrs. Jane Dudley Webb was a lady who supported an impossible present upon an important past.
lancenounUS /læns/
a long pointed rod used as a tool or weapon
From this reading The lines of her present had fallen in a white frame house in the main street of Kingsborough; those of her past began with the first Dudley who swung a lance in Merry England, to end with irascible old William of the name, who slept in the family graveyard upon James River.
plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading The lines of her present had fallen in a white frame house in the main street of Kingsborough; those of her past began with the first Dudley who swung a lance in Merry England, to end with irascible old William of the name, who slept in the family graveyard upon James River.
be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
most important element
From this reading The lines of her present had fallen in a white frame house in the main street of Kingsborough; those of her past began with the first Dudley who swung a lance in Merry England, to end with irascible old William of the name, who slept in the family graveyard upon James River.
full of or showing high-spirited merriment
From this reading The lines of her present had fallen in a white frame house in the main street of Kingsborough; those of her past began with the first Dudley who swung a lance in Merry England, to end with irascible old William of the name, who slept in the family graveyard upon James River.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
minuetnounUS /mɪˌnjuːˈet/
a stately court dance in the 17th century
From this reading He danced a minuet with her at a ball in Washington, was heard to swear an oath by her eyes at punch before the supper was over; and proceeded the following week to spur his courtship upon old William as daringly as he had ever spurred his horse upon an Indian wigwam.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading A RAINY SEASON I Mrs. Jane Dudley Webb was a lady who supported an impossible present upon an important past.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading The lines of her present had fallen in a white frame house in the main street of Kingsborough; those of her past began with the first Dudley who swung a lance in Merry England, to end with irascible old William of the name, who slept in the family graveyard upon James River.
in such a manner as could not be otherwise
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger
From this reading He danced a minuet with her at a ball in Washington, was heard to swear an oath by her eyes at punch before the supper was over; and proceeded the following week to spur his courtship upon old William as daringly as he had ever spurred his horse upon an Indian wigwam.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading Mrs. Webb herself was straight and elegant, and inclined to the ironical, when, as Jane Dudley, the belle of the country-side, she fired the fancy of young Julius Webb, an officer in the cavalry of the United States.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading The lines of her present had fallen in a white frame house in the main street of Kingsborough; those of her past began with the first Dudley who swung a lance in Merry England, to end with irascible old William of the name, who slept in the family graveyard upon James River.
on one occasion
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading He danced a minuet with her at a ball in Washington, was heard to swear an oath by her eyes at punch before the supper was over; and proceeded the following week to spur his courtship upon old William as daringly as he had ever spurred his horse upon an Indian wigwam.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading A RAINY SEASON I Mrs. Jane Dudley Webb was a lady who supported an impossible present upon an important past.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading A RAINY SEASON I Mrs. Jane Dudley Webb was a lady who supported an impossible present upon an important past.
past form of “proceed” — continue talking
From this reading He danced a minuet with her at a ball in Washington, was heard to swear an oath by her eyes at punch before the supper was over; and proceeded the following week to spur his courtship upon old William as daringly as he had ever spurred his horse upon an Indian wigwam.
punchverbUS /pʌntʃ/
deliver a quick blow to
From this reading He danced a minuet with her at a ball in Washington, was heard to swear an oath by her eyes at punch before the supper was over; and proceeded the following week to spur his courtship upon old William as daringly as he had ever spurred his horse upon an Indian wigwam.
racialadjectiveUS /ˈreɪʃəl/
of or related to genetically distinguished groups of people
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
RAINYadjectiveUS /ˈreɪni/
(of weather) wet by periods of rain
From this reading A RAINY SEASON I Mrs. Jane Dudley Webb was a lady who supported an impossible present upon an important past.
on the contrary
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
retrospectivenounUS /ˌretrəˈspektɪv/
an exhibition of a representative selection of an artist's life work
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading The lines of her present had fallen in a white frame house in the main street of Kingsborough; those of her past began with the first Dudley who swung a lance in Merry England, to end with irascible old William of the name, who slept in the family graveyard upon James River.
a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field
From this reading A RAINY SEASON I Mrs. Jane Dudley Webb was a lady who supported an impossible present upon an important past.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
inflected form of “sleep” — be asleep
From this reading The lines of her present had fallen in a white frame house in the main street of Kingsborough; those of her past began with the first Dudley who swung a lance in Merry England, to end with irascible old William of the name, who slept in the family graveyard upon James River.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
spurnounUS /spɜːr/
a verbalization that encourages you to attempt something
From this reading He danced a minuet with her at a ball in Washington, was heard to swear an oath by her eyes at punch before the supper was over; and proceeded the following week to spur his courtship upon old William as daringly as he had ever spurred his horse upon an Indian wigwam.
spurredverbUS /spɜːrd/
inflected form of “spur” — incite or stimulate
From this reading He danced a minuet with her at a ball in Washington, was heard to swear an oath by her eyes at punch before the supper was over; and proceeded the following week to spur his courtship upon old William as daringly as he had ever spurred his horse upon an Indian wigwam.
plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading Mrs. Webb herself was straight and elegant, and inclined to the ironical, when, as Jane Dudley, the belle of the country-side, she fired the fancy of young Julius Webb, an officer in the cavalry of the United States.
successive (without a break)
From this reading Mrs. Webb herself was straight and elegant, and inclined to the ironical, when, as Jane Dudley, the belle of the country-side, she fired the fancy of young Julius Webb, an officer in the cavalry of the United States.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading The lines of her present had fallen in a white frame house in the main street of Kingsborough; those of her past began with the first Dudley who swung a lance in Merry England, to end with irascible old William of the name, who slept in the family graveyard upon James River.
a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime
From this reading He danced a minuet with her at a ball in Washington, was heard to swear an oath by her eyes at punch before the supper was over; and proceeded the following week to spur his courtship upon old William as daringly as he had ever spurred his horse upon an Indian wigwam.
supportedadjectiveUS /səˈpɔːrtɪd/
sustained or maintained by aid (as distinct from physical support)
From this reading A RAINY SEASON I Mrs. Jane Dudley Webb was a lady who supported an impossible present upon an important past.
utter obscenities or profanities
From this reading He danced a minuet with her at a ball in Washington, was heard to swear an oath by her eyes at punch before the supper was over; and proceeded the following week to spur his courtship upon old William as daringly as he had ever spurred his horse upon an Indian wigwam.
inflected form of “swing” — move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting
From this reading The lines of her present had fallen in a white frame house in the main street of Kingsborough; those of her past began with the first Dudley who swung a lance in Merry England, to end with irascible old William of the name, who slept in the family graveyard upon James River.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading The lines of her present had fallen in a white frame house in the main street of Kingsborough; those of her past began with the first Dudley who swung a lance in Merry England, to end with irascible old William of the name, who slept in the family graveyard upon James River.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
UnitedadjectiveUS /juːˈnaɪtɪd/
characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity
From this reading Mrs. Webb herself was straight and elegant, and inclined to the ironical, when, as Jane Dudley, the belle of the country-side, she fired the fancy of young Julius Webb, an officer in the cavalry of the United States.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading A RAINY SEASON I Mrs. Jane Dudley Webb was a lady who supported an impossible present upon an important past.
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading She had once been heard to remark that if she had not something to look back upon she could not live: and, as her retrospective view was racial rather than individual, the consolation attained might be considered disproportionate to the needs of the case.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A RAINY SEASON I Mrs. Jane Dudley Webb was a lady who supported an impossible present upon an important past.
the capital of the United States in the District of Columbia and a tourist mecca; George Washington commissioned Charles L'Enfant to lay out the city in 1791
From this reading He danced a minuet with her at a ball in Washington, was heard to swear an oath by her eyes at punch before the supper was over; and proceeded the following week to spur his courtship upon old William as daringly as he had ever spurred his horse upon an Indian wigwam.
WebbnounUS /web/
English writer and a central member of the Fabian Society (1858-1943)
From this reading A RAINY SEASON I Mrs. Jane Dudley Webb was a lady who supported an impossible present upon an important past.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading He danced a minuet with her at a ball in Washington, was heard to swear an oath by her eyes at punch before the supper was over; and proceeded the following week to spur his courtship upon old William as daringly as he had ever spurred his horse upon an Indian wigwam.
at the time that
From this reading Mrs. Webb herself was straight and elegant, and inclined to the ironical, when, as Jane Dudley, the belle of the country-side, she fired the fancy of young Julius Webb, an officer in the cavalry of the United States.
a Caucasian
From this reading The lines of her present had fallen in a white frame house in the main street of Kingsborough; those of her past began with the first Dudley who swung a lance in Merry England, to end with irascible old William of the name, who slept in the family graveyard upon James River.
which person or people
From this reading A RAINY SEASON I Mrs. Jane Dudley Webb was a lady who supported an impossible present upon an important past.
wigwamnounUS /ˈwɪɡwɑːm/
a Native American lodge frequently having an oval shape and covered with bark or hides
From this reading He danced a minuet with her at a ball in Washington, was heard to swear an oath by her eyes at punch before the supper was over; and proceeded the following week to spur his courtship upon old William as daringly as he had ever spurred his horse upon an Indian wigwam.
William
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The lines of her present had fallen in a white frame house in the main street of Kingsborough; those of her past began with the first Dudley who swung a lance in Merry England, to end with irascible old William of the name, who slept in the family graveyard upon James River.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The lines of her present had fallen in a white frame house in the main street of Kingsborough; those of her past began with the first Dudley who swung a lance in Merry England, to end with irascible old William of the name, who slept in the family graveyard upon James River.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Mrs. Webb herself was straight and elegant, and inclined to the ironical, when, as Jane Dudley, the belle of the country-side, she fired the fancy of young Julius Webb, an officer in the cavalry of the United States.
