Chapter VII · Chapter 7

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

From this reading It was a small, comfortable house, at the corner of a street behind Saint Etienne's church, and from the windows one could see the docks, full of ships which were being unloaded, and the old, gray chapel, dedicated to the Virgin, on the hill.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading They used to go there every evening at about eleven o'clock, just like they went to the _cafe_.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

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

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

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

From this reading _Madame_, who came of a respectable family of peasant proprietors in the department of the Eure, had taken up that profession, just as she would have become a milliner or dressmaker.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading They used to go there every evening at about eleven o'clock, just like they went to the _cafe_.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading _Madame_, who came of a respectable family of peasant proprietors in the department of the Eure, had taken up that profession, just as she would have become a milliner or dressmaker.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading It was a small, comfortable house, at the corner of a street behind Saint Etienne's church, and from the windows one could see the docks, full of ships which were being unloaded, and the old, gray chapel, dedicated to the Virgin, on the hill.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading It was a small, comfortable house, at the corner of a street behind Saint Etienne's church, and from the windows one could see the docks, full of ships which were being unloaded, and the old, gray chapel, dedicated to the Virgin, on the hill.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

a small restaurant where drinks and snacks are sold

From this reading They used to go there every evening at about eleven o'clock, just like they went to the _cafe_.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading _Madame_, who came of a respectable family of peasant proprietors in the department of the Eure, had taken up that profession, just as she would have become a milliner or dressmaker.

a place of worship that has its own altar

From this reading It was a small, comfortable house, at the corner of a street behind Saint Etienne's church, and from the windows one could see the docks, full of ships which were being unloaded, and the old, gray chapel, dedicated to the Virgin, on the hill.

aromatic green or yellow liqueur flavored with orange peel and hyssop and peppermint oils; made at monastery near Grenoble, France

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship

From this reading It was a small, comfortable house, at the corner of a street behind Saint Etienne's church, and from the windows one could see the docks, full of ships which were being unloaded, and the old, gray chapel, dedicated to the Virgin, on the hill.

providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)

From this reading It was a small, comfortable house, at the corner of a street behind Saint Etienne's church, and from the windows one could see the docks, full of ships which were being unloaded, and the old, gray chapel, dedicated to the Virgin, on the hill.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading It was a small, comfortable house, at the corner of a street behind Saint Etienne's church, and from the windows one could see the docks, full of ships which were being unloaded, and the old, gray chapel, dedicated to the Virgin, on the hill.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading It was a small, comfortable house, at the corner of a street behind Saint Etienne's church, and from the windows one could see the docks, full of ships which were being unloaded, and the old, gray chapel, dedicated to the Virgin, on the hill.

devoted to a cause or ideal or purpose

From this reading It was a small, comfortable house, at the corner of a street behind Saint Etienne's church, and from the windows one could see the docks, full of ships which were being unloaded, and the old, gray chapel, dedicated to the Virgin, on the hill.

a specialized division of a large organization

From this reading _Madame_, who came of a respectable family of peasant proprietors in the department of the Eure, had taken up that profession, just as she would have become a milliner or dressmaker.

plural of “dock” — an enclosure in a court of law where the defendant sits during the trial

From this reading It was a small, comfortable house, at the corner of a street behind Saint Etienne's church, and from the windows one could see the docks, full of ships which were being unloaded, and the old, gray chapel, dedicated to the Virgin, on the hill.

someone who makes or mends dresses

From this reading _Madame_, who came of a respectable family of peasant proprietors in the department of the Eure, had taken up that profession, just as she would have become a milliner or dressmaker.

take in liquids

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

being one more than seven

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

being one more than ten

From this reading They used to go there every evening at about eleven o'clock, just like they went to the _cafe_.

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

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

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

From this reading It was a small, comfortable house, at the corner of a street behind Saint Etienne's church, and from the windows one could see the docks, full of ships which were being unloaded, and the old, gray chapel, dedicated to the Virgin, on the hill.

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

From this reading _Madame_, who came of a respectable family of peasant proprietors in the department of the Eure, had taken up that profession, just as she would have become a milliner or dressmaker.

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

From this reading They used to go there every evening at about eleven o'clock, just like they went to the _cafe_.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading They used to go there every evening at about eleven o'clock, just like they went to the _cafe_.

every person

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

a social unit living together

From this reading _Madame_, who came of a respectable family of peasant proprietors in the department of the Eure, had taken up that profession, just as she would have become a milliner or dressmaker.

quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It was a small, comfortable house, at the corner of a street behind Saint Etienne's church, and from the windows one could see the docks, full of ships which were being unloaded, and the old, gray chapel, dedicated to the Virgin, on the hill.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading It was a small, comfortable house, at the corner of a street behind Saint Etienne's church, and from the windows one could see the docks, full of ships which were being unloaded, and the old, gray chapel, dedicated to the Virgin, on the hill.

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading They used to go there every evening at about eleven o'clock, just like they went to the _cafe_.

the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading It was a small, comfortable house, at the corner of a street behind Saint Etienne's church, and from the windows one could see the docks, full of ships which were being unloaded, and the old, gray chapel, dedicated to the Virgin, on the hill.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading _Madame_, who came of a respectable family of peasant proprietors in the department of the Eure, had taken up that profession, just as she would have become a milliner or dressmaker.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading _Madame_, who came of a respectable family of peasant proprietors in the department of the Eure, had taken up that profession, just as she would have become a milliner or dressmaker.

a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading It was a small, comfortable house, at the corner of a street behind Saint Etienne's church, and from the windows one could see the docks, full of ships which were being unloaded, and the old, gray chapel, dedicated to the Virgin, on the hill.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading It was a small, comfortable house, at the corner of a street behind Saint Etienne's church, and from the windows one could see the docks, full of ships which were being unloaded, and the old, gray chapel, dedicated to the Virgin, on the hill.

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

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was a small, comfortable house, at the corner of a street behind Saint Etienne's church, and from the windows one could see the docks, full of ships which were being unloaded, and the old, gray chapel, dedicated to the Virgin, on the hill.

and nothing more

From this reading They used to go there every evening at about eleven o'clock, just like they went to the _cafe_.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading They used to go there every evening at about eleven o'clock, just like they went to the _cafe_.

title used for a married Frenchwoman

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

come together

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

the force of workers available

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

someone who makes and sells hats

From this reading _Madame_, who came of a respectable family of peasant proprietors in the department of the Eure, had taken up that profession, just as she would have become a milliner or dressmaker.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading The younger men would sometimes stay the night.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

according to the clock

From this reading They used to go there every evening at about eleven o'clock, just like they went to the _cafe_.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading It was a small, comfortable house, at the corner of a street behind Saint Etienne's church, and from the windows one could see the docks, full of ships which were being unloaded, and the old, gray chapel, dedicated to the Virgin, on the hill.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was a small, comfortable house, at the corner of a street behind Saint Etienne's church, and from the windows one could see the docks, full of ships which were being unloaded, and the old, gray chapel, dedicated to the Virgin, on the hill.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading It was a small, comfortable house, at the corner of a street behind Saint Etienne's church, and from the windows one could see the docks, full of ships which were being unloaded, and the old, gray chapel, dedicated to the Virgin, on the hill.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

a country person

From this reading _Madame_, who came of a respectable family of peasant proprietors in the department of the Eure, had taken up that profession, just as she would have become a milliner or dressmaker.

the body of people in a learned occupation

From this reading _Madame_, who came of a respectable family of peasant proprietors in the department of the Eure, had taken up that profession, just as she would have become a milliner or dressmaker.

plural of “proprietor” — (law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business

From this reading _Madame_, who came of a respectable family of peasant proprietors in the department of the Eure, had taken up that profession, just as she would have become a milliner or dressmaker.

characterized by socially or conventionally acceptable morals

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

receiving deferential regard

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization

From this reading It was a small, comfortable house, at the corner of a street behind Saint Etienne's church, and from the windows one could see the docks, full of ships which were being unloaded, and the old, gray chapel, dedicated to the Virgin, on the hill.

Identical; not different.

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading It was a small, comfortable house, at the corner of a street behind Saint Etienne's church, and from the windows one could see the docks, full of ships which were being unloaded, and the old, gray chapel, dedicated to the Virgin, on the hill.

in a serious manner

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading _Madame_, who came of a respectable family of peasant proprietors in the department of the Eure, had taken up that profession, just as she would have become a milliner or dressmaker.

plural of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight

From this reading It was a small, comfortable house, at the corner of a street behind Saint Etienne's church, and from the windows one could see the docks, full of ships which were being unloaded, and the old, gray chapel, dedicated to the Virgin, on the hill.

the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading It was a small, comfortable house, at the corner of a street behind Saint Etienne's church, and from the windows one could see the docks, full of ships which were being unloaded, and the old, gray chapel, dedicated to the Virgin, on the hill.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading The younger men would sometimes stay the night.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading The younger men would sometimes stay the night.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading It was a small, comfortable house, at the corner of a street behind Saint Etienne's church, and from the windows one could see the docks, full of ships which were being unloaded, and the old, gray chapel, dedicated to the Virgin, on the hill.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading _Madame_, who came of a respectable family of peasant proprietors in the department of the Eure, had taken up that profession, just as she would have become a milliner or dressmaker.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

annoy persistently

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading _Madame_, who came of a respectable family of peasant proprietors in the department of the Eure, had taken up that profession, just as she would have become a milliner or dressmaker.

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

From this reading They used to go there every evening at about eleven o'clock, just like they went to the _cafe_.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

in or at that place or location

From this reading They used to go there every evening at about eleven o'clock, just like they went to the _cafe_.

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

From this reading They used to go there every evening at about eleven o'clock, just like they went to the _cafe_.

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

From this reading They used to go there every evening at about eleven o'clock, just like they went to the _cafe_.

plural of “tradesman” — a merchant who owns or manages a shop

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

(of weapons) not charged with ammunition

From this reading It was a small, comfortable house, at the corner of a street behind Saint Etienne's church, and from the windows one could see the docks, full of ships which were being unloaded, and the old, gray chapel, dedicated to the Virgin, on the hill.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading _Madame_, who came of a respectable family of peasant proprietors in the department of the Eure, had taken up that profession, just as she would have become a milliner or dressmaker.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading They used to go there every evening at about eleven o'clock, just like they went to the _cafe_.

a person who has never had sex

From this reading It was a small, comfortable house, at the corner of a street behind Saint Etienne's church, and from the windows one could see the docks, full of ships which were being unloaded, and the old, gray chapel, dedicated to the Virgin, on the hill.

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

From this reading It was a small, comfortable house, at the corner of a street behind Saint Etienne's church, and from the windows one could see the docks, full of ships which were being unloaded, and the old, gray chapel, dedicated to the Virgin, on the hill.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading They used to go there every evening at about eleven o'clock, just like they went to the _cafe_.

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

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading It was a small, comfortable house, at the corner of a street behind Saint Etienne's church, and from the windows one could see the docks, full of ships which were being unloaded, and the old, gray chapel, dedicated to the Virgin, on the hill.

which person or people

From this reading _Madame_, who came of a respectable family of peasant proprietors in the department of the Eure, had taken up that profession, just as she would have become a milliner or dressmaker.

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

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading It was a small, comfortable house, at the corner of a street behind Saint Etienne's church, and from the windows one could see the docks, full of ships which were being unloaded, and the old, gray chapel, dedicated to the Virgin, on the hill.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

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

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading Six or eight of them used to meet there; they were always the same set, not fast men, but respectable tradesmen, and young men, in government or some other employ, and they used to drink their Chartreuse, and tease the girls, or else they would talk seriously with _Madame_, whom everybody respected, and then they used to go home at twelve o'clock.

used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father

From this reading The younger men would sometimes stay the night.