Chapter I

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

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

past form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading But in his case, what had happened was that, to the original "young Swann" and also to the Swann of the Jockey Club, our old friend had added a fresh personality (which was not to be his last) that of Odette's husband.

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

From this reading Place-Names: The Place (continued) _First impressions of M. de Charlus and of Robert de Saint-Loup--Dinner with Bloch and his family._ Seascape, with Frieze of Girls _Dinners at Rivebelle--Enter Albertine._ WITHIN A BUDDING GROVE

(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 Now, this attitude on my father's part may be felt to require a few words of explanation, inasmuch as some of us, no doubt, remember a Cottard of distinct mediocrity and a Swann by whom modesty and discretion, in all his social relations, were carried to the utmost refinement of delicacy.

using the voice; not silently

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

in addition

From this reading But in his case, what had happened was that, to the original "young Swann" and also to the Swann of the Jockey Club, our old friend had added a fresh personality (which was not to be his last) that of Odette's husband.

a diplomat of the highest rank; accredited as representative from one country to another

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

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

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

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

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

any thing at all

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

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

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

plural of “aspect” — a distinct feature or element in a problem

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways

From this reading Now, this attitude on my father's part may be felt to require a few words of explanation, inasmuch as some of us, no doubt, remember a Cottard of distinct mediocrity and a Swann by whom modesty and discretion, in all his social relations, were carried to the utmost refinement of delicacy.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

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

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

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

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

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

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

United States composer (born in Switzerland) who composed symphonies and chamber music and choral music and a piano sonata and an opera (1880-1959)

From this reading Place-Names: The Place (continued) _First impressions of M. de Charlus and of Robert de Saint-Loup--Dinner with Bloch and his family._ Seascape, with Frieze of Girls _Dinners at Rivebelle--Enter Albertine._ WITHIN A BUDDING GROVE

terminate

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

reproduction of some unicellular organisms (such as yeasts) by growth and specialization followed by the separation by constriction of a part of the parent

From this reading Place-Names: The Place (continued) _First impressions of M. de Charlus and of Robert de Saint-Loup--Dinner with Bloch and his family._ Seascape, with Frieze of Girls _Dinners at Rivebelle--Enter Albertine._ WITHIN A BUDDING GROVE

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading Now, this attitude on my father's part may be felt to require a few words of explanation, inasmuch as some of us, no doubt, remember a Cottard of distinct mediocrity and a Swann by whom modesty and discretion, in all his social relations, were carried to the utmost refinement of delicacy.

an occurrence of something

From this reading But in his case, what had happened was that, to the original "young Swann" and also to the Swann of the Jockey Club, our old friend had added a fresh personality (which was not to be his last) that of Odette's husband.

past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

past form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

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

From this reading Place-Names: The Place (continued) _First impressions of M. de Charlus and of Robert de Saint-Loup--Dinner with Bloch and his family._ Seascape, with Frieze of Girls _Dinners at Rivebelle--Enter Albertine._ WITHIN A BUDDING GROVE

a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together

From this reading But in his case, what had happened was that, to the original "young Swann" and also to the Swann of the Jockey Club, our old friend had added a fresh personality (which was not to be his last) that of Odette's husband.

without stop or interruption

From this reading Place-Names: The Place (continued) _First impressions of M. de Charlus and of Robert de Saint-Loup--Dinner with Bloch and his family._ Seascape, with Frieze of Girls _Dinners at Rivebelle--Enter Albertine._ WITHIN A BUDDING GROVE

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

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

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

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

demanding attention

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

the quality of being beautiful and delicate in appearance

From this reading Now, this attitude on my father's part may be felt to require a few words of explanation, inasmuch as some of us, no doubt, remember a Cottard of distinct mediocrity and a Swann by whom modesty and discretion, in all his social relations, were carried to the utmost refinement of delicacy.

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading Place-Names: The Place (continued) _First impressions of M. de Charlus and of Robert de Saint-Loup--Dinner with Bloch and his family._ Seascape, with Frieze of Girls _Dinners at Rivebelle--Enter Albertine._ WITHIN A BUDDING GROVE

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

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

plural of “dinner” — the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading Place-Names: The Place (continued) _First impressions of M. de Charlus and of Robert de Saint-Loup--Dinner with Bloch and his family._ Seascape, with Frieze of Girls _Dinners at Rivebelle--Enter Albertine._ WITHIN A BUDDING GROVE

freedom to act or judge on one's own

From this reading Now, this attitude on my father's part may be felt to require a few words of explanation, inasmuch as some of us, no doubt, remember a Cottard of distinct mediocrity and a Swann by whom modesty and discretion, in all his social relations, were carried to the utmost refinement of delicacy.

bar from attention or consideration

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

(often followed by “from”) not alike; different in nature or quality

From this reading Now, this attitude on my father's part may be felt to require a few words of explanation, inasmuch as some of us, no doubt, remember a Cottard of distinct mediocrity and a Swann by whom modesty and discretion, in all his social relations, were carried to the utmost refinement of delicacy.

(used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading Now, this attitude on my father's part may be felt to require a few words of explanation, inasmuch as some of us, no doubt, remember a Cottard of distinct mediocrity and a Swann by whom modesty and discretion, in all his social relations, were carried to the utmost refinement of delicacy.

one or the other of two

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

standing above others in quality or position

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

to come or go into

From this reading Place-Names: The Place (continued) _First impressions of M. de Charlus and of Robert de Saint-Loup--Dinner with Bloch and his family._ Seascape, with Frieze of Girls _Dinners at Rivebelle--Enter Albertine._ WITHIN A BUDDING GROVE

provide entertainment for

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

a defamatory or abusive word or phrase

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

every person

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.

From this reading Now, this attitude on my father's part may be felt to require a few words of explanation, inasmuch as some of us, no doubt, remember a Cottard of distinct mediocrity and a Swann by whom modesty and discretion, in all his social relations, were carried to the utmost refinement of delicacy.

communicated in words

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

a social unit living together

From this reading Place-Names: The Place (continued) _First impressions of M. de Charlus and of Robert de Saint-Loup--Dinner with Bloch and his family._ Seascape, with Frieze of Girls _Dinners at Rivebelle--Enter Albertine._ WITHIN A BUDDING GROVE

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading Now, this attitude on my father's part may be felt to require a few words of explanation, inasmuch as some of us, no doubt, remember a Cottard of distinct mediocrity and a Swann by whom modesty and discretion, in all his social relations, were carried to the utmost refinement of delicacy.

a boy or man

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading Now, this attitude on my father's part may be felt to require a few words of explanation, inasmuch as some of us, no doubt, remember a Cottard of distinct mediocrity and a Swann by whom modesty and discretion, in all his social relations, were carried to the utmost refinement of delicacy.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Now, this attitude on my father's part may be felt to require a few words of explanation, inasmuch as some of us, no doubt, remember a Cottard of distinct mediocrity and a Swann by whom modesty and discretion, in all his social relations, were carried to the utmost refinement of delicacy.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading But in his case, what had happened was that, to the original "young Swann" and also to the Swann of the Jockey Club, our old friend had added a fresh personality (which was not to be his last) that of Odette's husband.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading But in his case, what had happened was that, to the original "young Swann" and also to the Swann of the Jockey Club, our old friend had added a fresh personality (which was not to be his last) that of Odette's husband.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

an architectural ornament consisting of a horizontal sculptured band between the architrave and the cornice

From this reading Place-Names: The Place (continued) _First impressions of M. de Charlus and of Robert de Saint-Loup--Dinner with Bloch and his family._ Seascape, with Frieze of Girls _Dinners at Rivebelle--Enter Albertine._ WITHIN A BUDDING GROVE

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

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

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading Place-Names: The Place (continued) _First impressions of M. de Charlus and of Robert de Saint-Loup--Dinner with Bloch and his family._ Seascape, with Frieze of Girls _Dinners at Rivebelle--Enter Albertine._ WITHIN A BUDDING GROVE

a small growth of trees without underbrush

From this reading Place-Names: The Place (continued) _First impressions of M. de Charlus and of Robert de Saint-Loup--Dinner with Bloch and his family._ Seascape, with Frieze of Girls _Dinners at Rivebelle--Enter Albertine._ WITHIN A BUDDING GROVE

a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

an established custom

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

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

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading But in his case, what had happened was that, to the original "young Swann" and also to the Swann of the Jockey Club, our old friend had added a fresh personality (which was not to be his last) that of Odette's husband.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

past form of “help” — give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

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

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Place-Names: The Place (continued) _First impressions of M. de Charlus and of Robert de Saint-Loup--Dinner with Bloch and his family._ Seascape, with Frieze of Girls _Dinners at Rivebelle--Enter Albertine._ WITHIN A BUDDING GROVE

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

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

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

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

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

a married man; a woman's partner in marriage

From this reading But in his case, what had happened was that, to the original "young Swann" and also to the Swann of the Jockey Club, our old friend had added a fresh personality (which was not to be his last) that of Odette's husband.

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

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

plural of “impression” — a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading Place-Names: The Place (continued) _First impressions of M. de Charlus and of Robert de Saint-Loup--Dinner with Bloch and his family._ Seascape, with Frieze of Girls _Dinners at Rivebelle--Enter Albertine._ WITHIN A BUDDING GROVE

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

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

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

From this reading Now, this attitude on my father's part may be felt to require a few words of explanation, inasmuch as some of us, no doubt, remember a Cottard of distinct mediocrity and a Swann by whom modesty and discretion, in all his social relations, were carried to the utmost refinement of delicacy.

contrary to rule or accepted order or general practice

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

defeat someone through trickery or deceit

From this reading But in his case, what had happened was that, to the original "young Swann" and also to the Swann of the Jockey Club, our old friend had added a fresh personality (which was not to be his last) that of Odette's husband.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

immediately past

From this reading But in his case, what had happened was that, to the original "young Swann" and also to the Swann of the Jockey Club, our old friend had added a fresh personality (which was not to be his last) that of Odette's husband.

the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)

From this reading Place-Names: The Place (continued) _First impressions of M. de Charlus and of Robert de Saint-Loup--Dinner with Bloch and his family._ Seascape, with Frieze of Girls _Dinners at Rivebelle--Enter Albertine._ WITHIN A BUDDING GROVE

title used for a married Frenchwoman

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

humorist who wrote about the imaginary life of cockroaches (1878-1937)

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Now, this attitude on my father's part may be felt to require a few words of explanation, inasmuch as some of us, no doubt, remember a Cottard of distinct mediocrity and a Swann by whom modesty and discretion, in all his social relations, were carried to the utmost refinement of delicacy.

ordinariness as a consequence of being average and not outstanding

From this reading Now, this attitude on my father's part may be felt to require a few words of explanation, inasmuch as some of us, no doubt, remember a Cottard of distinct mediocrity and a Swann by whom modesty and discretion, in all his social relations, were carried to the utmost refinement of delicacy.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

freedom from vanity or conceit

From this reading Now, this attitude on my father's part may be felt to require a few words of explanation, inasmuch as some of us, no doubt, remember a Cottard of distinct mediocrity and a Swann by whom modesty and discretion, in all his social relations, were carried to the utmost refinement of delicacy.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

not any; not one

From this reading Now, this attitude on my father's part may be felt to require a few words of explanation, inasmuch as some of us, no doubt, remember a Cottard of distinct mediocrity and a Swann by whom modesty and discretion, in all his social relations, were carried to the utmost refinement of delicacy.

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

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But in his case, what had happened was that, to the original "young Swann" and also to the Swann of the Jockey Club, our old friend had added a fresh personality (which was not to be his last) that of Odette's husband.

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

From this reading Now, this attitude on my father's part may be felt to require a few words of explanation, inasmuch as some of us, no doubt, remember a Cottard of distinct mediocrity and a Swann by whom modesty and discretion, in all his social relations, were carried to the utmost refinement of delicacy.

the state of being disregarded or forgotten

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

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

From this reading But in his case, what had happened was that, to the original "young Swann" and also to the Swann of the Jockey Club, our old friend had added a fresh personality (which was not to be his last) that of Odette's husband.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

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

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Now, this attitude on my father's part may be felt to require a few words of explanation, inasmuch as some of us, no doubt, remember a Cottard of distinct mediocrity and a Swann by whom modesty and discretion, in all his social relations, were carried to the utmost refinement of delicacy.

preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed

From this reading But in his case, what had happened was that, to the original "young Swann" and also to the Swann of the Jockey Club, our old friend had added a fresh personality (which was not to be his last) that of Odette's husband.

a gaudy outward display

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

the line that appears to bound an object

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

have ownership or possession of

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Now, this attitude on my father's part may be felt to require a few words of explanation, inasmuch as some of us, no doubt, remember a Cottard of distinct mediocrity and a Swann by whom modesty and discretion, in all his social relations, were carried to the utmost refinement of delicacy.

the act of departing politely

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

the complex of all the attributes--behavioral, temperamental, emotional and mental--that characterize a unique individual

From this reading But in his case, what had happened was that, to the original "young Swann" and also to the Swann of the Jockey Club, our old friend had added a fresh personality (which was not to be his last) that of Odette's husband.

exceedingly harmful

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

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

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

subject to a process or treatment, with the aim of readying for some purpose, improving, or remedying a condition

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

a highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless or impeccable quality

From this reading Now, this attitude on my father's part may be felt to require a few words of explanation, inasmuch as some of us, no doubt, remember a Cottard of distinct mediocrity and a Swann by whom modesty and discretion, in all his social relations, were carried to the utmost refinement of delicacy.

feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

mutual dealings or connections or communications among persons or groups

From this reading Now, this attitude on my father's part may be felt to require a few words of explanation, inasmuch as some of us, no doubt, remember a Cottard of distinct mediocrity and a Swann by whom modesty and discretion, in all his social relations, were carried to the utmost refinement of delicacy.

To recall to mind.

From this reading Now, this attitude on my father's part may be felt to require a few words of explanation, inasmuch as some of us, no doubt, remember a Cottard of distinct mediocrity and a Swann by whom modesty and discretion, in all his social relations, were carried to the utmost refinement of delicacy.

inflected form of “reply” — react verbally

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

require as useful, just, or proper

From this reading Now, this attitude on my father's part may be felt to require a few words of explanation, inasmuch as some of us, no doubt, remember a Cottard of distinct mediocrity and a Swann by whom modesty and discretion, in all his social relations, were carried to the utmost refinement of delicacy.

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

From this reading Place-Names: The Place (continued) _First impressions of M. de Charlus and of Robert de Saint-Loup--Dinner with Bloch and his family._ Seascape, with Frieze of Girls _Dinners at Rivebelle--Enter Albertine._ WITHIN A BUDDING GROVE

United States parliamentary authority and author (in 1876) of Robert's Rules of Order (1837-1923)

From this reading Place-Names: The Place (continued) _First impressions of M. de Charlus and of Robert de Saint-Loup--Dinner with Bloch and his family._ Seascape, with Frieze of Girls _Dinners at Rivebelle--Enter Albertine._ WITHIN A BUDDING GROVE

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

From this reading Place-Names: The Place (continued) _First impressions of M. de Charlus and of Robert de Saint-Loup--Dinner with Bloch and his family._ Seascape, with Frieze of Girls _Dinners at Rivebelle--Enter Albertine._ WITHIN A BUDDING GROVE

a particular branch of scientific knowledge

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

a view of the sea

From this reading Place-Names: The Place (continued) _First impressions of M. de Charlus and of Robert de Saint-Loup--Dinner with Bloch and his family._ Seascape, with Frieze of Girls _Dinners at Rivebelle--Enter Albertine._ WITHIN A BUDDING GROVE

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

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

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

relating to human society and its members

From this reading Now, this attitude on my father's part may be felt to require a few words of explanation, inasmuch as some of us, no doubt, remember a Cottard of distinct mediocrity and a Swann by whom modesty and discretion, in all his social relations, were carried to the utmost refinement of delicacy.

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

From this reading Now, this attitude on my father's part may be felt to require a few words of explanation, inasmuch as some of us, no doubt, remember a Cottard of distinct mediocrity and a Swann by whom modesty and discretion, in all his social relations, were carried to the utmost refinement of delicacy.

an emotion of great sadness associated with loss or bereavement

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

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

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

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

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

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

From this reading Now, this attitude on my father's part may be felt to require a few words of explanation, inasmuch as some of us, no doubt, remember a Cottard of distinct mediocrity and a Swann by whom modesty and discretion, in all his social relations, were carried to the utmost refinement of delicacy.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

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

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Now, this attitude on my father's part may be felt to require a few words of explanation, inasmuch as some of us, no doubt, remember a Cottard of distinct mediocrity and a Swann by whom modesty and discretion, in all his social relations, were carried to the utmost refinement of delicacy.

the act of using

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity

From this reading Now, this attitude on my father's part may be felt to require a few words of explanation, inasmuch as some of us, no doubt, remember a Cottard of distinct mediocrity and a Swann by whom modesty and discretion, in all his social relations, were carried to the utmost refinement of delicacy.

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading Madame Swann at Home _A break in the narrative: old friends in new aspects--The Marquis de Norpois--Bergotte--How I cease for the time being to see Gilberte: a general outline of the sorrow caused by a parting and of the irregular process of oblivion._ Place-Names: The Place _My first visit to Balbec_

a vulgar person (especially someone who makes a vulgar display of wealth)

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

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

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

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

From this reading Now, this attitude on my father's part may be felt to require a few words of explanation, inasmuch as some of us, no doubt, remember a Cottard of distinct mediocrity and a Swann by whom modesty and discretion, in all his social relations, were carried to the utmost refinement of delicacy.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading But in his case, what had happened was that, to the original "young Swann" and also to the Swann of the Jockey Club, our old friend had added a fresh personality (which was not to be his last) that of Odette's husband.

at the time that

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

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

From this reading But in his case, what had happened was that, to the original "young Swann" and also to the Swann of the Jockey Club, our old friend had added a fresh personality (which was not to be his last) that of Odette's husband.

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

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Place-Names: The Place (continued) _First impressions of M. de Charlus and of Robert de Saint-Loup--Dinner with Bloch and his family._ Seascape, with Frieze of Girls _Dinners at Rivebelle--Enter Albertine._ WITHIN A BUDDING GROVE

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Place-Names: The Place (continued) _First impressions of M. de Charlus and of Robert de Saint-Loup--Dinner with Bloch and his family._ Seascape, with Frieze of Girls _Dinners at Rivebelle--Enter Albertine._ WITHIN A BUDDING GROVE

the words that are spoken

From this reading Now, this attitude on my father's part may be felt to require a few words of explanation, inasmuch as some of us, no doubt, remember a Cottard of distinct mediocrity and a Swann by whom modesty and discretion, in all his social relations, were carried to the utmost refinement of delicacy.

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

From this reading _MADAME SWANN AT HOME_ My mother, when it was a question of our having M. de Norpois to dinner for the first time, having expressed her regret that Professor Cottard was away from home, and that she herself had quite ceased to see anything of Swann, since either of these might have helped to entertain the old Ambassador, my father replied that so eminent a guest, so distinguished a man of science as Cottard could never be out of place at a dinner-table, but that Swann, with his ostentation, his habit of crying aloud from the house-tops the name of everyone that he knew, however slightly, was an impossible vulgarian whom the Marquis de Norpois would be sure to dismiss as--to use his own epithet--a "pestilent" fellow.

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

From this reading But in his case, what had happened was that, to the original "young Swann" and also to the Swann of the Jockey Club, our old friend had added a fresh personality (which was not to be his last) that of Odette's husband.