Chapter I

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

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

faithful support for a cause or political party or religion

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF “FRAMLEY PARSONAGE,” “SMALL HOUSE AT ALLINGTON,” &c., &c.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading She believed in the principles of despotism and paternal government,--but always on the understanding that she was to be the despot.

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

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading The Frau Frohmann was a woman who loved power, but who loved to use it for the benefit of those around her,--or at any rate to think that she so used it.

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

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading The Frau Frohmann was a woman who loved power, but who loved to use it for the benefit of those around her,--or at any rate to think that she so used it.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading AUTHOR OF “FRAMLEY PARSONAGE,” “SMALL HOUSE AT ALLINGTON,” &c., &c.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading AUTHOR OF “FRAMLEY PARSONAGE,” “SMALL HOUSE AT ALLINGTON,” &c., &c.

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

From this reading She believed in the principles of despotism and paternal government,--but always on the understanding that she was to be the despot.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading She believed in the principles of despotism and paternal government,--but always on the understanding that she was to be the despot.

financial assistance in time of need

From this reading The Frau Frohmann was a woman who loved power, but who loved to use it for the benefit of those around her,--or at any rate to think that she so used it.

The red fluid that circulates in the heart and blood vessels.

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

(plural) the lay members of a male religious order

From this reading In her heart of hearts she disliked education, thinking that it unfitted the minds of her humbler brethren for the duties of their lives.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The Frau Frohmann was a woman who loved power, but who loved to use it for the benefit of those around her,--or at any rate to think that she so used it.

a manservant (usually the head servant of a household) who has charge of wines and the table

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

a degree on the centigrade scale of temperature

From this reading AUTHOR OF “FRAMLEY PARSONAGE,” “SMALL HOUSE AT ALLINGTON,” &c., &c.

a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

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

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

a cruel and oppressive dictator

From this reading She believed in the principles of despotism and paternal government,--but always on the understanding that she was to be the despot.

dominance through threat of punishment and violence

From this reading She believed in the principles of despotism and paternal government,--but always on the understanding that she was to be the despot.

regarded with aversion

From this reading In her heart of hearts she disliked education, thinking that it unfitted the minds of her humbler brethren for the duties of their lives.

-ing form of “distinguish” — mark as different

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading In her heart of hearts she disliked education, thinking that it unfitted the minds of her humbler brethren for the duties of their lives.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

the activities of educating or instructing; activities that impart knowledge or skill

From this reading In her heart of hearts she disliked education, thinking that it unfitted the minds of her humbler brethren for the duties of their lives.

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

at any time

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF “FRAMLEY PARSONAGE,” “SMALL HOUSE AT ALLINGTON,” &c., &c.

a German courtesy title or form of address for an adult woman

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

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

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit

From this reading She believed in the principles of despotism and paternal government,--but always on the understanding that she was to be the despot.

showing characteristics of age, especially having grey or white hair

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading In her heart of hearts she disliked education, thinking that it unfitted the minds of her humbler brethren for the duties of their lives.

a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades

From this reading In her heart of hearts she disliked education, thinking that it unfitted the minds of her humbler brethren for the duties of their lives.

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

From this reading The Frau Frohmann was a woman who loved power, but who loved to use it for the benefit of those around her,--or at any rate to think that she so used it.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF “FRAMLEY PARSONAGE,” “SMALL HOUSE AT ALLINGTON,” &c., &c.

comparative of “humble” — low or inferior in station or quality

From this reading In her heart of hearts she disliked education, thinking that it unfitted the minds of her humbler brethren for the duties of their lives.

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

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

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

From this reading She believed in the principles of despotism and paternal government,--but always on the understanding that she was to be the despot.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The Frau Frohmann was a woman who loved power, but who loved to use it for the benefit of those around her,--or at any rate to think that she so used it.

owning or consisting of land or real estate

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading In her heart of hearts she disliked education, thinking that it unfitted the minds of her humbler brethren for the duties of their lives.

held dear

From this reading The Frau Frohmann was a woman who loved power, but who loved to use it for the benefit of those around her,--or at any rate to think that she so used it.

English businessman who created a retail chain (1888-1964)

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

plural of “mind” — that which is responsible for one's thoughts, feelings, and conscious brain functions; the seat of the faculty of reason

From this reading In her heart of hearts she disliked education, thinking that it unfitted the minds of her humbler brethren for the duties of their lives.

in an essential manner

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AUTHOR OF “FRAMLEY PARSONAGE,” “SMALL HOUSE AT ALLINGTON,” &c., &c.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading She believed in the principles of despotism and paternal government,--but always on the understanding that she was to be the despot.

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

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The Frau Frohmann was a woman who loved power, but who loved to use it for the benefit of those around her,--or at any rate to think that she so used it.

an official residence provided by a church for its parson or vicar or rector

From this reading AUTHOR OF “FRAMLEY PARSONAGE,” “SMALL HOUSE AT ALLINGTON,” &c., &c.

belonging to or inherited from one's father

From this reading She believed in the principles of despotism and paternal government,--but always on the understanding that she was to be the despot.

plural of “possession” — the act of having and controlling property

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

possession of controlling influence

From this reading The Frau Frohmann was a woman who loved power, but who loved to use it for the benefit of those around her,--or at any rate to think that she so used it.

plural of “principle” — a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct

From this reading She believed in the principles of despotism and paternal government,--but always on the understanding that she was to be the despot.

a magnitude or frequency relative to a time unit

From this reading The Frau Frohmann was a woman who loved power, but who loved to use it for the benefit of those around her,--or at any rate to think that she so used it.

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

From this reading The Frau Frohmann was a woman who loved power, but who loved to use it for the benefit of those around her,--or at any rate to think that she so used it.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF “FRAMLEY PARSONAGE,” “SMALL HOUSE AT ALLINGTON,” &c., &c.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The Frau Frohmann was a woman who loved power, but who loved to use it for the benefit of those around her,--or at any rate to think that she so used it.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

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

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading In her heart of hearts she disliked education, thinking that it unfitted the minds of her humbler brethren for the duties of their lives.

in or at that place or location

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading The Frau Frohmann was a woman who loved power, but who loved to use it for the benefit of those around her,--or at any rate to think that she so used it.

the process of using your mind to consider something carefully

From this reading In her heart of hearts she disliked education, thinking that it unfitted the minds of her humbler brethren for the duties of their lives.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading The Frau Frohmann was a woman who loved power, but who loved to use it for the benefit of those around her,--or at any rate to think that she so used it.

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

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

an American who favored the British side during the American Revolution

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

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

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

the cognitive condition of someone who understands

From this reading She believed in the principles of despotism and paternal government,--but always on the understanding that she was to be the despot.

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

From this reading In her heart of hearts she disliked education, thinking that it unfitted the minds of her humbler brethren for the duties of their lives.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

the act of using

From this reading The Frau Frohmann was a woman who loved power, but who loved to use it for the benefit of those around her,--or at any rate to think that she so used it.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading The Frau Frohmann was a woman who loved power, but who loved to use it for the benefit of those around her,--or at any rate to think that she so used it.

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

From this reading If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism.

which person or people

From this reading The Frau Frohmann was a woman who loved power, but who loved to use it for the benefit of those around her,--or at any rate to think that she so used it.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading The Frau Frohmann was a woman who loved power, but who loved to use it for the benefit of those around her,--or at any rate to think that she so used it.