used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The women’s quarters were a rambling place, with three small courtyards all on different levels, tunnels, staircases inside and out, and passages which ran in all directions.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading The women’s quarters were a rambling place, with three small courtyards all on different levels, tunnels, staircases inside and out, and passages which ran in all directions.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading The place seemed always populous and full of noise.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The women’s quarters were a rambling place, with three small courtyards all on different levels, tunnels, staircases inside and out, and passages which ran in all directions.
attendantsnounUS /əˈtendənts/
plural of “attendant” — someone who waits on or tends to or attends to the needs of another
From this reading Besides the ladies Fitnah and Murjânah and their households, a widowed sister of the Pasha, and a former slave who had enjoyed his favour, kept separate state, with children and attendants.
in addition to; as well as
From this reading Besides the ladies Fitnah and Murjânah and their households, a widowed sister of the Pasha, and a former slave who had enjoyed his favour, kept separate state, with children and attendants.
callersnounUS /ˈkɔːlərz/
plural of “caller” — a social or business visitor
From this reading Old women with a secret, knowing look edged through the corridors; untidy children sprawled upon the stairs; outside the door of each of the great ladies stood rows of coloured slippers, signifying humble callers.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Freed slaves and poor relations, recognized go-betweens and sycophants came in and out, and slept there when they chose--a privilege extending to their offspring.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading Besides the ladies Fitnah and Murjânah and their households, a widowed sister of the Pasha, and a former slave who had enjoyed his favour, kept separate state, with children and attendants.
inflected form of “choose” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
From this reading Freed slaves and poor relations, recognized go-betweens and sycophants came in and out, and slept there when they chose--a privilege extending to their offspring.
colouredadjectiveUS /ˈkʌlərd/
having color or a certain color; sometimes used in combination
From this reading Old women with a secret, knowing look edged through the corridors; untidy children sprawled upon the stairs; outside the door of each of the great ladies stood rows of coloured slippers, signifying humble callers.
corridorsnounUS /ˈkɔːrɪdərz/
plural of “corridor” — an enclosed passageway; rooms usually open onto it
From this reading Old women with a secret, knowing look edged through the corridors; untidy children sprawled upon the stairs; outside the door of each of the great ladies stood rows of coloured slippers, signifying humble callers.
courtyardsnounUS /ˈkɔːrtjɑːrdz/
plural of “courtyard” — an area wholly or partly surrounded by walls or buildings
From this reading The women’s quarters were a rambling place, with three small courtyards all on different levels, tunnels, staircases inside and out, and passages which ran in all directions.
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading The women’s quarters were a rambling place, with three small courtyards all on different levels, tunnels, staircases inside and out, and passages which ran in all directions.
plural of “direction” — a line leading to a place or point
From this reading The women’s quarters were a rambling place, with three small courtyards all on different levels, tunnels, staircases inside and out, and passages which ran in all directions.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading Old women with a secret, knowing look edged through the corridors; untidy children sprawled upon the stairs; outside the door of each of the great ladies stood rows of coloured slippers, signifying humble callers.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Old women with a secret, knowing look edged through the corridors; untidy children sprawled upon the stairs; outside the door of each of the great ladies stood rows of coloured slippers, signifying humble callers.
edgedadjectiveUS /edʒd/
having a specified kind of border or edge
From this reading Old women with a secret, knowing look edged through the corridors; untidy children sprawled upon the stairs; outside the door of each of the great ladies stood rows of coloured slippers, signifying humble callers.
past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading Besides the ladies Fitnah and Murjânah and their households, a widowed sister of the Pasha, and a former slave who had enjoyed his favour, kept separate state, with children and attendants.
extendingverbUS /ɪkˈstendɪŋ/
-ing form of “extend” — extend in scope or range or area
From this reading Freed slaves and poor relations, recognized go-betweens and sycophants came in and out, and slept there when they chose--a privilege extending to their offspring.
a feeling of favorable regard
From this reading Besides the ladies Fitnah and Murjânah and their households, a widowed sister of the Pasha, and a former slave who had enjoyed his favour, kept separate state, with children and attendants.
Fitnah
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides the ladies Fitnah and Murjânah and their households, a widowed sister of the Pasha, and a former slave who had enjoyed his favour, kept separate state, with children and attendants.
referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)
From this reading Besides the ladies Fitnah and Murjânah and their households, a widowed sister of the Pasha, and a former slave who had enjoyed his favour, kept separate state, with children and attendants.
FreedverbUS /friːd/
past form of “free” — grant freedom to; free from confinement
From this reading Freed slaves and poor relations, recognized go-betweens and sycophants came in and out, and slept there when they chose--a privilege extending to their offspring.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading The place seemed always populous and full of noise.
go-betweens
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Freed slaves and poor relations, recognized go-betweens and sycophants came in and out, and slept there when they chose--a privilege extending to their offspring.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Old women with a secret, knowing look edged through the corridors; untidy children sprawled upon the stairs; outside the door of each of the great ladies stood rows of coloured slippers, signifying humble callers.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Besides the ladies Fitnah and Murjânah and their households, a widowed sister of the Pasha, and a former slave who had enjoyed his favour, kept separate state, with children and attendants.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Besides the ladies Fitnah and Murjânah and their households, a widowed sister of the Pasha, and a former slave who had enjoyed his favour, kept separate state, with children and attendants.
householdsnounUS /ˈhaʊshoʊldz/
plural of “household” — a social unit living together
From this reading Besides the ladies Fitnah and Murjânah and their households, a widowed sister of the Pasha, and a former slave who had enjoyed his favour, kept separate state, with children and attendants.
low or inferior in station or quality
From this reading Old women with a secret, knowing look edged through the corridors; untidy children sprawled upon the stairs; outside the door of each of the great ladies stood rows of coloured slippers, signifying humble callers.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The women’s quarters were a rambling place, with three small courtyards all on different levels, tunnels, staircases inside and out, and passages which ran in all directions.
relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space
From this reading The women’s quarters were a rambling place, with three small courtyards all on different levels, tunnels, staircases inside and out, and passages which ran in all directions.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading Besides the ladies Fitnah and Murjânah and their households, a widowed sister of the Pasha, and a former slave who had enjoyed his favour, kept separate state, with children and attendants.
evidencing the possession of inside information
From this reading Old women with a secret, knowing look edged through the corridors; untidy children sprawled upon the stairs; outside the door of each of the great ladies stood rows of coloured slippers, signifying humble callers.
plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading Besides the ladies Fitnah and Murjânah and their households, a widowed sister of the Pasha, and a former slave who had enjoyed his favour, kept separate state, with children and attendants.
levelsnounUS /ˈlevəlz/
plural of “level” — a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading The women’s quarters were a rambling place, with three small courtyards all on different levels, tunnels, staircases inside and out, and passages which ran in all directions.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Old women with a secret, knowing look edged through the corridors; untidy children sprawled upon the stairs; outside the door of each of the great ladies stood rows of coloured slippers, signifying humble callers.
Murjânah
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides the ladies Fitnah and Murjânah and their households, a widowed sister of the Pasha, and a former slave who had enjoyed his favour, kept separate state, with children and attendants.
sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)
From this reading The place seemed always populous and full of noise.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Besides the ladies Fitnah and Murjânah and their households, a widowed sister of the Pasha, and a former slave who had enjoyed his favour, kept separate state, with children and attendants.
offspringnounUS /ˈɔːfsprɪŋ/
the immediate descendants of a person
From this reading Freed slaves and poor relations, recognized go-betweens and sycophants came in and out, and slept there when they chose--a privilege extending to their offspring.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Old women with a secret, knowing look edged through the corridors; untidy children sprawled upon the stairs; outside the door of each of the great ladies stood rows of coloured slippers, signifying humble callers.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The women’s quarters were a rambling place, with three small courtyards all on different levels, tunnels, staircases inside and out, and passages which ran in all directions.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The women’s quarters were a rambling place, with three small courtyards all on different levels, tunnels, staircases inside and out, and passages which ran in all directions.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading Old women with a secret, knowing look edged through the corridors; untidy children sprawled upon the stairs; outside the door of each of the great ladies stood rows of coloured slippers, signifying humble callers.
PashanounUS /pəˈʃɑː/
a civil or military authority in Turkey or Egypt
From this reading Besides the ladies Fitnah and Murjânah and their households, a widowed sister of the Pasha, and a former slave who had enjoyed his favour, kept separate state, with children and attendants.
passagesnounUS /ˈpæsədʒəz/
plural of “passage” — the act of passing from one state or place to the next
From this reading The women’s quarters were a rambling place, with three small courtyards all on different levels, tunnels, staircases inside and out, and passages which ran in all directions.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading The women’s quarters were a rambling place, with three small courtyards all on different levels, tunnels, staircases inside and out, and passages which ran in all directions.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading Freed slaves and poor relations, recognized go-betweens and sycophants came in and out, and slept there when they chose--a privilege extending to their offspring.
populousadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːpjələs/
densely populated
From this reading The place seemed always populous and full of noise.
privilegenounUS /ˈprɪvlədʒ/
a special advantage or immunity or benefit not enjoyed by all
From this reading Freed slaves and poor relations, recognized go-betweens and sycophants came in and out, and slept there when they chose--a privilege extending to their offspring.
housing available for people to live in
From this reading The women’s quarters were a rambling place, with three small courtyards all on different levels, tunnels, staircases inside and out, and passages which ran in all directions.
ramblingadjectiveUS /ˈræmblɪŋ/
spreading out in different directions or distributed irregularly
From this reading The women’s quarters were a rambling place, with three small courtyards all on different levels, tunnels, staircases inside and out, and passages which ran in all directions.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading The women’s quarters were a rambling place, with three small courtyards all on different levels, tunnels, staircases inside and out, and passages which ran in all directions.
generally approved or compelling recognition
From this reading Freed slaves and poor relations, recognized go-betweens and sycophants came in and out, and slept there when they chose--a privilege extending to their offspring.
mutual dealings or connections or communications among persons or groups
From this reading Freed slaves and poor relations, recognized go-betweens and sycophants came in and out, and slept there when they chose--a privilege extending to their offspring.
rowsnounUS /roʊz/
plural of “row” — an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line
From this reading Old women with a secret, knowing look edged through the corridors; untidy children sprawled upon the stairs; outside the door of each of the great ladies stood rows of coloured slippers, signifying humble callers.
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading Old women with a secret, knowing look edged through the corridors; untidy children sprawled upon the stairs; outside the door of each of the great ladies stood rows of coloured slippers, signifying humble callers.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The place seemed always populous and full of noise.
act as a barrier between; stand between
From this reading Besides the ladies Fitnah and Murjânah and their households, a widowed sister of the Pasha, and a former slave who had enjoyed his favour, kept separate state, with children and attendants.
signifyingverbUS /ˈsɪɡnəfaɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “signify” — denote or connote
From this reading Old women with a secret, knowing look edged through the corridors; untidy children sprawled upon the stairs; outside the door of each of the great ladies stood rows of coloured slippers, signifying humble callers.
a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading Besides the ladies Fitnah and Murjânah and their households, a widowed sister of the Pasha, and a former slave who had enjoyed his favour, kept separate state, with children and attendants.
a person who is owned by someone
From this reading Besides the ladies Fitnah and Murjânah and their households, a widowed sister of the Pasha, and a former slave who had enjoyed his favour, kept separate state, with children and attendants.
plural of “slave” — a person who is owned by someone
From this reading Freed slaves and poor relations, recognized go-betweens and sycophants came in and out, and slept there when they chose--a privilege extending to their offspring.
inflected form of “sleep” — be asleep
From this reading Freed slaves and poor relations, recognized go-betweens and sycophants came in and out, and slept there when they chose--a privilege extending to their offspring.
slippersnounUS /ˈslɪpərz/
plural of “slipper” — low footwear that can be slipped on and off easily; usually worn indoors
From this reading Old women with a secret, knowing look edged through the corridors; untidy children sprawled upon the stairs; outside the door of each of the great ladies stood rows of coloured slippers, signifying humble callers.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The women’s quarters were a rambling place, with three small courtyards all on different levels, tunnels, staircases inside and out, and passages which ran in all directions.
sprawledverbUS /sprɔːld/
past form of “sprawl” — sit or lie with one's limbs spread out
From this reading Old women with a secret, knowing look edged through the corridors; untidy children sprawled upon the stairs; outside the door of each of the great ladies stood rows of coloured slippers, signifying humble callers.
staircasesnounUS /ˈsterkeɪsɪz/
plural of “staircase” — a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps
From this reading The women’s quarters were a rambling place, with three small courtyards all on different levels, tunnels, staircases inside and out, and passages which ran in all directions.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading Old women with a secret, knowing look edged through the corridors; untidy children sprawled upon the stairs; outside the door of each of the great ladies stood rows of coloured slippers, signifying humble callers.
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading Besides the ladies Fitnah and Murjânah and their households, a widowed sister of the Pasha, and a former slave who had enjoyed his favour, kept separate state, with children and attendants.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading Old women with a secret, knowing look edged through the corridors; untidy children sprawled upon the stairs; outside the door of each of the great ladies stood rows of coloured slippers, signifying humble callers.
sycophants
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Freed slaves and poor relations, recognized go-betweens and sycophants came in and out, and slept there when they chose--a privilege extending to their offspring.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The women’s quarters were a rambling place, with three small courtyards all on different levels, tunnels, staircases inside and out, and passages which ran in all directions.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Besides the ladies Fitnah and Murjânah and their households, a widowed sister of the Pasha, and a former slave who had enjoyed his favour, kept separate state, with children and attendants.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Freed slaves and poor relations, recognized go-betweens and sycophants came in and out, and slept there when they chose--a privilege extending to their offspring.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Freed slaves and poor relations, recognized go-betweens and sycophants came in and out, and slept there when they chose--a privilege extending to their offspring.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading The women’s quarters were a rambling place, with three small courtyards all on different levels, tunnels, staircases inside and out, and passages which ran in all directions.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Old women with a secret, knowing look edged through the corridors; untidy children sprawled upon the stairs; outside the door of each of the great ladies stood rows of coloured slippers, signifying humble callers.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Freed slaves and poor relations, recognized go-betweens and sycophants came in and out, and slept there when they chose--a privilege extending to their offspring.
tunnelsnounUS /ˈtʌnəlz/
plural of “tunnel” — a passageway through or under something, usually underground (especially one for trains or cars)
From this reading The women’s quarters were a rambling place, with three small courtyards all on different levels, tunnels, staircases inside and out, and passages which ran in all directions.
untidyadjectiveUS /ənˈtaɪdi/
not neat and tidy
From this reading Old women with a secret, knowing look edged through the corridors; untidy children sprawled upon the stairs; outside the door of each of the great ladies stood rows of coloured slippers, signifying humble callers.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Old women with a secret, knowing look edged through the corridors; untidy children sprawled upon the stairs; outside the door of each of the great ladies stood rows of coloured slippers, signifying humble callers.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The women’s quarters were a rambling place, with three small courtyards all on different levels, tunnels, staircases inside and out, and passages which ran in all directions.
at the time that
From this reading Freed slaves and poor relations, recognized go-betweens and sycophants came in and out, and slept there when they chose--a privilege extending to their offspring.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The women’s quarters were a rambling place, with three small courtyards all on different levels, tunnels, staircases inside and out, and passages which ran in all directions.
which person or people
From this reading Besides the ladies Fitnah and Murjânah and their households, a widowed sister of the Pasha, and a former slave who had enjoyed his favour, kept separate state, with children and attendants.
widowedadjectiveUS /ˈwɪdoʊd/
single because of death of the spouse
From this reading Besides the ladies Fitnah and Murjânah and their households, a widowed sister of the Pasha, and a former slave who had enjoyed his favour, kept separate state, with children and attendants.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The women’s quarters were a rambling place, with three small courtyards all on different levels, tunnels, staircases inside and out, and passages which ran in all directions.
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading Old women with a secret, knowing look edged through the corridors; untidy children sprawled upon the stairs; outside the door of each of the great ladies stood rows of coloured slippers, signifying humble callers.
women's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The women’s quarters were a rambling place, with three small courtyards all on different levels, tunnels, staircases inside and out, and passages which ran in all directions.
