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Vanity Fair
Vanity Fair

Chapter XXIX

Cover illustration for Vanity Fair
Context Illustration Reading 1/65 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.
If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.
From that august interview they come out stamped as honest women.
The Lord Chamberlain gives them a certificate of virtue.
And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Vanity Fair

Chapter XXIX

Reading 1/65 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.
Line 2
If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.
Line 3
From that august interview they come out stamped as honest women.
Line 4
The Lord Chamberlain gives them a certificate of virtue.
Line 5
And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.”

Come noun US /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “From that august interview they come out stamped as honest women.”

Free adjective US /friː/

acting without enough restraint or discipline

From this reading “And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.”

Has auxiliary verb US /hæz/

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

From this reading “If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.”

Honest adjective US /ˈɑnɪst/

truthful and trustworthy

From this reading “From that august interview they come out stamped as honest women.”

Know noun US /know/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.”

Last noun US /last/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.”

Least noun US /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.”

Life noun US /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.”

Passed noun US /passed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.”

Sovereign adjective US /ˈsɑːv.rən/

Possessing supreme or ultimate power; autonomous and commanding.

From this reading “If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.”

Though conjunction US /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.”

Through noun US /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.”

Until preposition US /ənˈtɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading “If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.”

Virtue noun US /ˈvɝː.tʃuː/

Moral excellence and goodness of character; the highest human attainment in Stoic philosophy.

From this reading “If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.”

Whose determiner US /huːz/

belonging to which person

From this reading “And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.”

All words in this reading · 128

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

all

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

From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

aromatic

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

From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading From that august interview they come out stamped as honest women.

AtprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

attention

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

august

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

From this reading From that august interview they come out stamped as honest women.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

Becky's

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

benefits

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

Best

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

canmodal verbUS /kæn/

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

certainly

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

certificate

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

From this reading The Lord Chamberlain gives them a certificate of virtue.

Chamberlain

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

From this reading The Lord Chamberlain gives them a certificate of virtue.

character

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

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

chief

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

clean

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

From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

comenounUS /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading From that august interview they come out stamped as honest women.

Company

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

Court

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

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

coveted

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

desideratum

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

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

desired

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

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

destined

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

doubtful

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

From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

dubious

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

From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

eagerness

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

enjoy

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

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

exceeding

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

family

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

feathers

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

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

freeadjectiveUS /friː/

acting without enough restraint or discipline

From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

FromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading From that august interview they come out stamped as honest women.

genteel

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

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

give

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

From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

gives

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

From this reading The Lord Chamberlain gives them a certificate of virtue.

goods

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

From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

greater

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

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

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

honestadjectiveUS /ˈɑnɪst/

truthful and trustworthy

From this reading From that august interview they come out stamped as honest women.

husband's

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

IfconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

infection

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

From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

interview

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

From this reading From that august interview they come out stamped as honest women.

Introduced

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

Isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

issues

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

From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

kindness

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

knownounUS /know/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

lady

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

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

lastnounUS /last/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

lead

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

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

leastnounUS /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

letters

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

From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

liable

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

From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

lifenounUS /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

Lord

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

From this reading The Lord Chamberlain gives them a certificate of virtue.

many

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

From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

meet

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

more

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From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

ordeal

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From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

otherwise

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From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

out

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From this reading From that august interview they come out stamped as honest women.

oven

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From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

passednounUS /passed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

passes

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From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

positive

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From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

possess

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

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

presence

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From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

presented

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

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

pronounced

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From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

put

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

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

quarantine

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From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

Reader

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From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

reputation

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

From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

reward

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

Royal

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

From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

somewhat

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

SovereignadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːv.rən/

Possessing supreme or ultimate power; autonomous and commanding.

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

sprinkled

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

From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

stamped

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From this reading From that august interview they come out stamped as honest women.

taint

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

From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The Lord Chamberlain gives them a certificate of virtue.

then

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

From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading From that august interview they come out stamped as honest women.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

throughnounUS /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

train

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

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

unsubstantial

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

Very

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

vinegar

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

From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

virtuenounUS /ˈvɝː.tʃuː/

Moral excellence and goodness of character; the highest human attainment in Stoic philosophy.

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

virtuous

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

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

WhichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

wholesome

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

From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

whosedeterminerUS /huːz/

belonging to which person

From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.

wish

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

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

woman

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

From this reading In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company At last Becky's kindness and attention to the chief of her husband's family were destined to meet with an exceeding great reward, a reward which, though certainly somewhat unsubstantial, the little woman coveted with greater eagerness than more positive benefits.

women

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

From this reading From that august interview they come out stamped as honest women.

world

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

From this reading If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading And as dubious goods or letters are passed through an oven at quarantine, sprinkled with aromatic vinegar, and then pronounced clean, many a lady, whose reputation would be doubtful otherwise and liable to give infection, passes through the wholesome ordeal of the Royal presence and issues from it free from all taint.