Chapter XV

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

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading I had made this retort wildly and without knowing, myself, anything much about the difficulties of ballet dancing.

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

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

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

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

any thing at all

From this reading I had made this retort wildly and without knowing, myself, anything much about the difficulties of ballet dancing.

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

From this reading The remark was meant to apply to the evolutions of the premiere as she spun around on one toe and threw a graceful limb up towards the roof of the house every time she gave a whirl.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading The remark was meant to apply to the evolutions of the premiere as she spun around on one toe and threw a graceful limb up towards the roof of the house every time she gave a whirl.

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

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

exceptionally bad or displeasing

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

a theatrical representation of a story that is performed to music by trained dancers

From this reading TRAINING BALLET DANCERS.

a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

the two together, not just one

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

plural of “chair” — a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

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

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

plural of “dancer” — a performer who dances professionally

From this reading TRAINING BALLET DANCERS.

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

From this reading I had made this retort wildly and without knowing, myself, anything much about the difficulties of ballet dancing.

spoiled or ruined or demolished

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading I had made this retort wildly and without knowing, myself, anything much about the difficulties of ballet dancing.

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

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

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

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading The remark was meant to apply to the evolutions of the premiere as she spun around on one toe and threw a graceful limb up towards the roof of the house every time she gave a whirl.

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

From this reading The remark was meant to apply to the evolutions of the premiere as she spun around on one toe and threw a graceful limb up towards the roof of the house every time she gave a whirl.

indicating exactness or preciseness

From this reading "If you don't," said I, "you just try it once, and you'll find out exactly how hard it is."

a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

a boy or man

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading "If you don't," said I, "you just try it once, and you'll find out exactly how hard it is."

start firing a weapon

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

at or to or toward the front

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

a structure from which an artificially produced jet of water arises

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading The remark was meant to apply to the evolutions of the premiere as she spun around on one toe and threw a graceful limb up towards the roof of the house every time she gave a whirl.

characterized by beauty of movement, style, form, or execution

From this reading The remark was meant to apply to the evolutions of the premiere as she spun around on one toe and threw a graceful limb up towards the roof of the house every time she gave a whirl.

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

From this reading I had made this retort wildly and without knowing, myself, anything much about the difficulties of ballet dancing.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

plural of “head” — the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

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

From this reading The remark was meant to apply to the evolutions of the premiere as she spun around on one toe and threw a graceful limb up towards the roof of the house every time she gave a whirl.

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

From this reading "If you don't," said I, "you just try it once, and you'll find out exactly how hard it is."

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

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading "If you don't," said I, "you just try it once, and you'll find out exactly how hard it is."

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

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

showing curiosity

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

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

From this reading "If you don't," said I, "you just try it once, and you'll find out exactly how hard it is."

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "If you don't," said I, "you just try it once, and you'll find out exactly how hard it is."

and nothing more

From this reading "If you don't," said I, "you just try it once, and you'll find out exactly how hard it is."

originally a person of noble birth trained to arms and chivalry; today in Great Britain a person honored by the sovereign for personal merit

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

evidencing the possession of inside information

From this reading I had made this retort wildly and without knowing, myself, anything much about the difficulties of ballet dancing.

past form of “lean” — to incline or bend from a vertical position

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

one of the jointed appendages of an animal used for locomotion or grasping: arm; leg; wing; flipper

From this reading The remark was meant to apply to the evolutions of the premiere as she spun around on one toe and threw a graceful limb up towards the roof of the house every time she gave a whirl.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

United States prizefighter who was world heavyweight champion for 12 years (1914-1981)

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading I had made this retort wildly and without knowing, myself, anything much about the difficulties of ballet dancing.

inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading The remark was meant to apply to the evolutions of the premiere as she spun around on one toe and threw a graceful limb up towards the roof of the house every time she gave a whirl.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading I had made this retort wildly and without knowing, myself, anything much about the difficulties of ballet dancing.

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading I had made this retort wildly and without knowing, myself, anything much about the difficulties of ballet dancing.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

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

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The remark was meant to apply to the evolutions of the premiere as she spun around on one toe and threw a graceful limb up towards the roof of the house every time she gave a whirl.

on one occasion

From this reading "If you don't," said I, "you just try it once, and you'll find out exactly how hard it is."

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading "If you don't," said I, "you just try it once, and you'll find out exactly how hard it is."

a thin cylindrical pointed writing implement; a rod of marking substance encased in wood

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

the first public performance of a play or movie

From this reading The remark was meant to apply to the evolutions of the premiere as she spun around on one toe and threw a graceful limb up towards the roof of the house every time she gave a whirl.

the back of a military formation or procession

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information

From this reading The remark was meant to apply to the evolutions of the premiere as she spun around on one toe and threw a graceful limb up towards the roof of the house every time she gave a whirl.

a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one)

From this reading I had made this retort wildly and without knowing, myself, anything much about the difficulties of ballet dancing.

a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building

From this reading The remark was meant to apply to the evolutions of the premiere as she spun around on one toe and threw a graceful limb up towards the roof of the house every time she gave a whirl.

an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

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

From this reading The remark was meant to apply to the evolutions of the premiere as she spun around on one toe and threw a graceful limb up towards the roof of the house every time she gave a whirl.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

inflected form of “spin” — revolve quickly and repeatedly around one's own axis

From this reading The remark was meant to apply to the evolutions of the premiere as she spun around on one toe and threw a graceful limb up towards the roof of the house every time she gave a whirl.

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

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

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

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

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

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

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

From this reading I had made this retort wildly and without knowing, myself, anything much about the difficulties of ballet dancing.

inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading The remark was meant to apply to the evolutions of the premiere as she spun around on one toe and threw a graceful limb up towards the roof of the house every time she gave a whirl.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading The remark was meant to apply to the evolutions of the premiere as she spun around on one toe and threw a graceful limb up towards the roof of the house every time she gave a whirl.

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

From this reading The remark was meant to apply to the evolutions of the premiere as she spun around on one toe and threw a graceful limb up towards the roof of the house every time she gave a whirl.

one of the digits of the foot

From this reading The remark was meant to apply to the evolutions of the premiere as she spun around on one toe and threw a graceful limb up towards the roof of the house every time she gave a whirl.

in the direction of

From this reading The remark was meant to apply to the evolutions of the premiere as she spun around on one toe and threw a graceful limb up towards the roof of the house every time she gave a whirl.

activity leading to skilled behavior

From this reading TRAINING BALLET DANCERS.

make an effort or attempt

From this reading "If you don't," said I, "you just try it once, and you'll find out exactly how hard it is."

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

From this reading The remark was meant to apply to the evolutions of the premiere as she spun around on one toe and threw a graceful limb up towards the roof of the house every time she gave a whirl.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

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

From this reading The remark was meant to apply to the evolutions of the premiere as she spun around on one toe and threw a graceful limb up towards the roof of the house every time she gave a whirl.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading "Well, now, I don't think that's so awful hard," said a fellow knight of the pencil, one evening as we both leaned upon the rear row of chairs in the old Theatre Comique at St. Louis, since destroyed by fire, and bent our heads forward in an inquisitive look at the ballet of "The Fairy Fountain," or something of that sort.

turn in a twisting or spinning motion

From this reading The remark was meant to apply to the evolutions of the premiere as she spun around on one toe and threw a graceful limb up towards the roof of the house every time she gave a whirl.

to an extreme or greatly exaggerated degree

From this reading I had made this retort wildly and without knowing, myself, anything much about the difficulties of ballet dancing.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading I had made this retort wildly and without knowing, myself, anything much about the difficulties of ballet dancing.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "If you don't," said I, "you just try it once, and you'll find out exactly how hard it is."

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

From this reading "If you don't," said I, "you just try it once, and you'll find out exactly how hard it is."