1
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From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
109
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From this reading THE SUBMISSIVE WOMAN 98 THE “AWFULLY JOLLY” GIRL 109 THE NUN 120 THE CHEERY WOMAN 132 THE UNCONJUGAL WOMAN 144 THE BUSY-IDLE WOMAN 156 THE SKITTISH OLD MAID 166 THE “SMART” WOMAN 177 THE GAMBLING WOMAN 189 A SINGER—AND HER MOTHER 201 THE “DEAREST FRIEND” 213
120
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From this reading THE SUBMISSIVE WOMAN 98 THE “AWFULLY JOLLY” GIRL 109 THE NUN 120 THE CHEERY WOMAN 132 THE UNCONJUGAL WOMAN 144 THE BUSY-IDLE WOMAN 156 THE SKITTISH OLD MAID 166 THE “SMART” WOMAN 177 THE GAMBLING WOMAN 189 A SINGER—AND HER MOTHER 201 THE “DEAREST FRIEND” 213
132
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From this reading THE SUBMISSIVE WOMAN 98 THE “AWFULLY JOLLY” GIRL 109 THE NUN 120 THE CHEERY WOMAN 132 THE UNCONJUGAL WOMAN 144 THE BUSY-IDLE WOMAN 156 THE SKITTISH OLD MAID 166 THE “SMART” WOMAN 177 THE GAMBLING WOMAN 189 A SINGER—AND HER MOTHER 201 THE “DEAREST FRIEND” 213
14
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From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
144
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From this reading THE SUBMISSIVE WOMAN 98 THE “AWFULLY JOLLY” GIRL 109 THE NUN 120 THE CHEERY WOMAN 132 THE UNCONJUGAL WOMAN 144 THE BUSY-IDLE WOMAN 156 THE SKITTISH OLD MAID 166 THE “SMART” WOMAN 177 THE GAMBLING WOMAN 189 A SINGER—AND HER MOTHER 201 THE “DEAREST FRIEND” 213
156
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SUBMISSIVE WOMAN 98 THE “AWFULLY JOLLY” GIRL 109 THE NUN 120 THE CHEERY WOMAN 132 THE UNCONJUGAL WOMAN 144 THE BUSY-IDLE WOMAN 156 THE SKITTISH OLD MAID 166 THE “SMART” WOMAN 177 THE GAMBLING WOMAN 189 A SINGER—AND HER MOTHER 201 THE “DEAREST FRIEND” 213
166
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SUBMISSIVE WOMAN 98 THE “AWFULLY JOLLY” GIRL 109 THE NUN 120 THE CHEERY WOMAN 132 THE UNCONJUGAL WOMAN 144 THE BUSY-IDLE WOMAN 156 THE SKITTISH OLD MAID 166 THE “SMART” WOMAN 177 THE GAMBLING WOMAN 189 A SINGER—AND HER MOTHER 201 THE “DEAREST FRIEND” 213
177
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SUBMISSIVE WOMAN 98 THE “AWFULLY JOLLY” GIRL 109 THE NUN 120 THE CHEERY WOMAN 132 THE UNCONJUGAL WOMAN 144 THE BUSY-IDLE WOMAN 156 THE SKITTISH OLD MAID 166 THE “SMART” WOMAN 177 THE GAMBLING WOMAN 189 A SINGER—AND HER MOTHER 201 THE “DEAREST FRIEND” 213
189
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SUBMISSIVE WOMAN 98 THE “AWFULLY JOLLY” GIRL 109 THE NUN 120 THE CHEERY WOMAN 132 THE UNCONJUGAL WOMAN 144 THE BUSY-IDLE WOMAN 156 THE SKITTISH OLD MAID 166 THE “SMART” WOMAN 177 THE GAMBLING WOMAN 189 A SINGER—AND HER MOTHER 201 THE “DEAREST FRIEND” 213
201
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SUBMISSIVE WOMAN 98 THE “AWFULLY JOLLY” GIRL 109 THE NUN 120 THE CHEERY WOMAN 132 THE UNCONJUGAL WOMAN 144 THE BUSY-IDLE WOMAN 156 THE SKITTISH OLD MAID 166 THE “SMART” WOMAN 177 THE GAMBLING WOMAN 189 A SINGER—AND HER MOTHER 201 THE “DEAREST FRIEND” 213
213
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SUBMISSIVE WOMAN 98 THE “AWFULLY JOLLY” GIRL 109 THE NUN 120 THE CHEERY WOMAN 132 THE UNCONJUGAL WOMAN 144 THE BUSY-IDLE WOMAN 156 THE SKITTISH OLD MAID 166 THE “SMART” WOMAN 177 THE GAMBLING WOMAN 189 A SINGER—AND HER MOTHER 201 THE “DEAREST FRIEND” 213
224
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From this reading A “FIN-DE-SIÈCLE” WOMAN 224 WOMAN— THROUGH A MAN’S EYEGLASS _PREAMBLE_ Without woman man is nought; and the proverb, _Cherchez la femme_, though commonly urged with a cynical sneer, is as full of humane wisdom as any saying of Solomon.
26
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From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
38
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
51
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
64
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
75
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
86
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
98
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SUBMISSIVE WOMAN 98 THE “AWFULLY JOLLY” GIRL 109 THE NUN 120 THE CHEERY WOMAN 132 THE UNCONJUGAL WOMAN 144 THE BUSY-IDLE WOMAN 156 THE SKITTISH OLD MAID 166 THE “SMART” WOMAN 177 THE GAMBLING WOMAN 189 A SINGER—AND HER MOTHER 201 THE “DEAREST FRIEND” 213
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
abstractverbUS /æbˈstrækt/
consider a concept without thinking of a specific example; consider abstractly or theoretically
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
afaradverbUS /əˈfɑːr/
(old-fashioned) at or from or to a great distance; far
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
(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 When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
AMBITIOUSadjectiveUS /æmˈbɪʃəs/
having a strong desire for success or achievement
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Italic text displayed as: _italic_ _Several of these Ladies were informally and appropriately presented by the “Gentlewoman.”
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading A “FIN-DE-SIÈCLE” WOMAN 224 WOMAN— THROUGH A MAN’S EYEGLASS _PREAMBLE_ Without woman man is nought; and the proverb, _Cherchez la femme_, though commonly urged with a cynical sneer, is as full of humane wisdom as any saying of Solomon.
appropriatelyadverbUS /əˈproʊpriɪtli/
in accordance with what is appropriate or suitable for the circumstances
From this reading Italic text displayed as: _italic_ _Several of these Ladies were informally and appropriately presented by the “Gentlewoman.”
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Italic text displayed as: _italic_ _Several of these Ladies were informally and appropriately presented by the “Gentlewoman.”
attirenounUS /əˈtaɪər/
clothing of a distinctive style or for a particular occasion
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
AWFULLYadverbUS /ˈɑːfli/
used as intensifiers
From this reading THE SUBMISSIVE WOMAN 98 THE “AWFULLY JOLLY” GIRL 109 THE NUN 120 THE CHEERY WOMAN 132 THE UNCONJUGAL WOMAN 144 THE BUSY-IDLE WOMAN 156 THE SKITTISH OLD MAID 166 THE “SMART” WOMAN 177 THE GAMBLING WOMAN 189 A SINGER—AND HER MOTHER 201 THE “DEAREST FRIEND” 213
on the far side of; further than
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
BUSY-IDLE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SUBMISSIVE WOMAN 98 THE “AWFULLY JOLLY” GIRL 109 THE NUN 120 THE CHEERY WOMAN 132 THE UNCONJUGAL WOMAN 144 THE BUSY-IDLE WOMAN 156 THE SKITTISH OLD MAID 166 THE “SMART” WOMAN 177 THE GAMBLING WOMAN 189 A SINGER—AND HER MOTHER 201 THE “DEAREST FRIEND” 213
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Italic text displayed as: _italic_ _Several of these Ladies were informally and appropriately presented by the “Gentlewoman.”
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
CHEERYadjectiveUS /ˈtʃɪri/
bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer
From this reading THE SUBMISSIVE WOMAN 98 THE “AWFULLY JOLLY” GIRL 109 THE NUN 120 THE CHEERY WOMAN 132 THE UNCONJUGAL WOMAN 144 THE BUSY-IDLE WOMAN 156 THE SKITTISH OLD MAID 166 THE “SMART” WOMAN 177 THE GAMBLING WOMAN 189 A SINGER—AND HER MOTHER 201 THE “DEAREST FRIEND” 213
Cherchez
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A “FIN-DE-SIÈCLE” WOMAN 224 WOMAN— THROUGH A MAN’S EYEGLASS _PREAMBLE_ Without woman man is nought; and the proverb, _Cherchez la femme_, though commonly urged with a cynical sneer, is as full of humane wisdom as any saying of Solomon.
belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
commonlyadverbUS /ˈkɑːmənli/
under normal conditions
From this reading A “FIN-DE-SIÈCLE” WOMAN 224 WOMAN— THROUGH A MAN’S EYEGLASS _PREAMBLE_ Without woman man is nought; and the proverb, _Cherchez la femme_, though commonly urged with a cynical sneer, is as full of humane wisdom as any saying of Solomon.
communionnounUS /kəˈmjuːnjən/
the act of participating in the celebration of the Eucharist
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
concreteadjectiveUS /kənˈkriːt/
capable of being perceived by the senses; not abstract or imaginary
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
contemplateverbUS /ˈkɑːntəmpleɪt/
look at thoughtfully; observe deep in thought
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
continuousadjectiveUS /kənˈtɪnjuːəs/
continuing in time or space without interruption
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
cynicaladjectiveUS /ˈsɪnɪkəl/
believing the worst of human nature and motives; having a sneering disbelief in e.g. selflessness of others
From this reading A “FIN-DE-SIÈCLE” WOMAN 224 WOMAN— THROUGH A MAN’S EYEGLASS _PREAMBLE_ Without woman man is nought; and the proverb, _Cherchez la femme_, though commonly urged with a cynical sneer, is as full of humane wisdom as any saying of Solomon.
a beloved person; used as terms of endearment
From this reading THE SUBMISSIVE WOMAN 98 THE “AWFULLY JOLLY” GIRL 109 THE NUN 120 THE CHEERY WOMAN 132 THE UNCONJUGAL WOMAN 144 THE BUSY-IDLE WOMAN 156 THE SKITTISH OLD MAID 166 THE “SMART” WOMAN 177 THE GAMBLING WOMAN 189 A SINGER—AND HER MOTHER 201 THE “DEAREST FRIEND” 213
disappointingly unsuccessful
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
displayedverbUS /dɪˈspleɪd/
past form of “display” — to show, make visible or apparent
From this reading Italic text displayed as: _italic_ _Several of these Ladies were informally and appropriately presented by the “Gentlewoman.”
emanating from God
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
of concern to or concerning the internal affairs of a nation
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
electricadjectiveUS /ɪˈlektrɪk/
using or providing or producing or transmitting or operated by electricity
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
essentialadjectiveUS /eˈsenʃəl/
absolutely necessary; vitally necessary
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
EYEGLASSnounUS /ˈaɪɡlæs/
lens for correcting defective vision in one eye; held in place by facial muscles
From this reading A “FIN-DE-SIÈCLE” WOMAN 224 WOMAN— THROUGH A MAN’S EYEGLASS _PREAMBLE_ Without woman man is nought; and the proverb, _Cherchez la femme_, though commonly urged with a cynical sneer, is as full of humane wisdom as any saying of Solomon.
well known or easily recognized
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
femme
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A “FIN-DE-SIÈCLE” WOMAN 224 WOMAN— THROUGH A MAN’S EYEGLASS _PREAMBLE_ Without woman man is nought; and the proverb, _Cherchez la femme_, though commonly urged with a cynical sneer, is as full of humane wisdom as any saying of Solomon.
Fin-de-Siècle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading THE SUBMISSIVE WOMAN 98 THE “AWFULLY JOLLY” GIRL 109 THE NUN 120 THE CHEERY WOMAN 132 THE UNCONJUGAL WOMAN 144 THE BUSY-IDLE WOMAN 156 THE SKITTISH OLD MAID 166 THE “SMART” WOMAN 177 THE GAMBLING WOMAN 189 A SINGER—AND HER MOTHER 201 THE “DEAREST FRIEND” 213
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading A “FIN-DE-SIÈCLE” WOMAN 224 WOMAN— THROUGH A MAN’S EYEGLASS _PREAMBLE_ Without woman man is nought; and the proverb, _Cherchez la femme_, though commonly urged with a cynical sneer, is as full of humane wisdom as any saying of Solomon.
GAMBLINGnounUS /ˈɡæmbəlɪŋ/
the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)
From this reading THE SUBMISSIVE WOMAN 98 THE “AWFULLY JOLLY” GIRL 109 THE NUN 120 THE CHEERY WOMAN 132 THE UNCONJUGAL WOMAN 144 THE BUSY-IDLE WOMAN 156 THE SKITTISH OLD MAID 166 THE “SMART” WOMAN 177 THE GAMBLING WOMAN 189 A SINGER—AND HER MOTHER 201 THE “DEAREST FRIEND” 213
gentlenessnounUS /ˈdʒentəlnəs/
the property possessed by a slope that is very gradual
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
GentlewomannounUS /ˈdʒentəlwʊmən/
a woman of refinement
From this reading Italic text displayed as: _italic_ _Several of these Ladies were informally and appropriately presented by the “Gentlewoman.”
a young female
From this reading THE SUBMISSIVE WOMAN 98 THE “AWFULLY JOLLY” GIRL 109 THE NUN 120 THE CHEERY WOMAN 132 THE UNCONJUGAL WOMAN 144 THE BUSY-IDLE WOMAN 156 THE SKITTISH OLD MAID 166 THE “SMART” WOMAN 177 THE GAMBLING WOMAN 189 A SINGER—AND HER MOTHER 201 THE “DEAREST FRIEND” 213
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading THE SUBMISSIVE WOMAN 98 THE “AWFULLY JOLLY” GIRL 109 THE NUN 120 THE CHEERY WOMAN 132 THE UNCONJUGAL WOMAN 144 THE BUSY-IDLE WOMAN 156 THE SKITTISH OLD MAID 166 THE “SMART” WOMAN 177 THE GAMBLING WOMAN 189 A SINGER—AND HER MOTHER 201 THE “DEAREST FRIEND” 213
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
humaneadjectiveUS /hjuːˈmeɪn/
pertaining to or concerned with the humanities
From this reading A “FIN-DE-SIÈCLE” WOMAN 224 WOMAN— THROUGH A MAN’S EYEGLASS _PREAMBLE_ Without woman man is nought; and the proverb, _Cherchez la femme_, though commonly urged with a cynical sneer, is as full of humane wisdom as any saying of Solomon.
the quality of being humane
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
informallyadverbUS /ˌɪnˈfɔːrməli/
without formality
From this reading Italic text displayed as: _italic_ _Several of these Ladies were informally and appropriately presented by the “Gentlewoman.”
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A “FIN-DE-SIÈCLE” WOMAN 224 WOMAN— THROUGH A MAN’S EYEGLASS _PREAMBLE_ Without woman man is nought; and the proverb, _Cherchez la femme_, though commonly urged with a cynical sneer, is as full of humane wisdom as any saying of Solomon.
ItalicnounUS /aɪˈtælɪk/
a style of handwriting with the letters slanting to the right
From this reading Italic text displayed as: _italic_ _Several of these Ladies were informally and appropriately presented by the “Gentlewoman.”
of or relating to two people who are married to each other
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
JOLLYadjectiveUS /ˈdʒɑːli/
full of or showing high-spirited merriment
From this reading THE SUBMISSIVE WOMAN 98 THE “AWFULLY JOLLY” GIRL 109 THE NUN 120 THE CHEERY WOMAN 132 THE UNCONJUGAL WOMAN 144 THE BUSY-IDLE WOMAN 156 THE SKITTISH OLD MAID 166 THE “SMART” WOMAN 177 THE GAMBLING WOMAN 189 A SINGER—AND HER MOTHER 201 THE “DEAREST FRIEND” 213
kneelverbUS /niːl/
rest one's weight on one's knees
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
a white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily; occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth
From this reading A “FIN-DE-SIÈCLE” WOMAN 224 WOMAN— THROUGH A MAN’S EYEGLASS _PREAMBLE_ Without woman man is nought; and the proverb, _Cherchez la femme_, though commonly urged with a cynical sneer, is as full of humane wisdom as any saying of Solomon.
plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading Italic text displayed as: _italic_ _Several of these Ladies were informally and appropriately presented by the “Gentlewoman.”
a polite name for any woman
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
LADY-NOVELIST
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
feeling or showing love and affection
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
a female domestic
From this reading THE SUBMISSIVE WOMAN 98 THE “AWFULLY JOLLY” GIRL 109 THE NUN 120 THE CHEERY WOMAN 132 THE UNCONJUGAL WOMAN 144 THE BUSY-IDLE WOMAN 156 THE SKITTISH OLD MAID 166 THE “SMART” WOMAN 177 THE GAMBLING WOMAN 189 A SINGER—AND HER MOTHER 201 THE “DEAREST FRIEND” 213
engage in
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading A “FIN-DE-SIÈCLE” WOMAN 224 WOMAN— THROUGH A MAN’S EYEGLASS _PREAMBLE_ Without woman man is nought; and the proverb, _Cherchez la femme_, though commonly urged with a cynical sneer, is as full of humane wisdom as any saying of Solomon.
MAN'SnounUS /mænz/
possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading A “FIN-DE-SIÈCLE” WOMAN 224 WOMAN— THROUGH A MAN’S EYEGLASS _PREAMBLE_ Without woman man is nought; and the proverb, _Cherchez la femme_, though commonly urged with a cynical sneer, is as full of humane wisdom as any saying of Solomon.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
come together
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
noughtnoun
a mathematical element that when added to another number yields the same number
From this reading A “FIN-DE-SIÈCLE” WOMAN 224 WOMAN— THROUGH A MAN’S EYEGLASS _PREAMBLE_ Without woman man is nought; and the proverb, _Cherchez la femme_, though commonly urged with a cynical sneer, is as full of humane wisdom as any saying of Solomon.
NUNnounUS /nʌn/
a woman religious
From this reading THE SUBMISSIVE WOMAN 98 THE “AWFULLY JOLLY” GIRL 109 THE NUN 120 THE CHEERY WOMAN 132 THE UNCONJUGAL WOMAN 144 THE BUSY-IDLE WOMAN 156 THE SKITTISH OLD MAID 166 THE “SMART” WOMAN 177 THE GAMBLING WOMAN 189 A SINGER—AND HER MOTHER 201 THE “DEAREST FRIEND” 213
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Italic text displayed as: _italic_ _Several of these Ladies were informally and appropriately presented by the “Gentlewoman.”
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading THE SUBMISSIVE WOMAN 98 THE “AWFULLY JOLLY” GIRL 109 THE NUN 120 THE CHEERY WOMAN 132 THE UNCONJUGAL WOMAN 144 THE BUSY-IDLE WOMAN 156 THE SKITTISH OLD MAID 166 THE “SMART” WOMAN 177 THE GAMBLING WOMAN 189 A SINGER—AND HER MOTHER 201 THE “DEAREST FRIEND” 213
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
planenounUS /pleɪn/
an aircraft that has a fixed wing and is powered by propellers or jets
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
PREAMBLEnounUS /priˈæmbəl/
a preliminary introduction to a statute or constitution (usually explaining its purpose)
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Italic text displayed as: _italic_ _Several of these Ladies were informally and appropriately presented by the “Gentlewoman.”
privilegenounUS /ˈprɪvlədʒ/
a special advantage or immunity or benefit not enjoyed by all
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
proverbnounUS /ˈprɑːvərb/
a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people
From this reading A “FIN-DE-SIÈCLE” WOMAN 224 WOMAN— THROUGH A MAN’S EYEGLASS _PREAMBLE_ Without woman man is nought; and the proverb, _Cherchez la femme_, though commonly urged with a cynical sneer, is as full of humane wisdom as any saying of Solomon.
reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
reappearancenounUS /ˌriːəˈpɪrəns/
the event of something appearing again
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations
From this reading A “FIN-DE-SIÈCLE” WOMAN 224 WOMAN— THROUGH A MAN’S EYEGLASS _PREAMBLE_ Without woman man is nought; and the proverb, _Cherchez la femme_, though commonly urged with a cynical sneer, is as full of humane wisdom as any saying of Solomon.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading Italic text displayed as: _italic_ _Several of these Ladies were informally and appropriately presented by the “Gentlewoman.”
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
SINGERnounUS /ˈsɪŋər/
a person who sings
From this reading THE SUBMISSIVE WOMAN 98 THE “AWFULLY JOLLY” GIRL 109 THE NUN 120 THE CHEERY WOMAN 132 THE UNCONJUGAL WOMAN 144 THE BUSY-IDLE WOMAN 156 THE SKITTISH OLD MAID 166 THE “SMART” WOMAN 177 THE GAMBLING WOMAN 189 A SINGER—AND HER MOTHER 201 THE “DEAREST FRIEND” 213
SKITTISHadjectiveUS /ˈskɪtɪʃ/
unpredictably excitable (especially of horses)
From this reading THE SUBMISSIVE WOMAN 98 THE “AWFULLY JOLLY” GIRL 109 THE NUN 120 THE CHEERY WOMAN 132 THE UNCONJUGAL WOMAN 144 THE BUSY-IDLE WOMAN 156 THE SKITTISH OLD MAID 166 THE “SMART” WOMAN 177 THE GAMBLING WOMAN 189 A SINGER—AND HER MOTHER 201 THE “DEAREST FRIEND” 213
sleight-of-mind
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
SMARTadjectiveUS /smɑːrt/
showing mental alertness and calculation and resourcefulness
From this reading THE SUBMISSIVE WOMAN 98 THE “AWFULLY JOLLY” GIRL 109 THE NUN 120 THE CHEERY WOMAN 132 THE UNCONJUGAL WOMAN 144 THE BUSY-IDLE WOMAN 156 THE SKITTISH OLD MAID 166 THE “SMART” WOMAN 177 THE GAMBLING WOMAN 189 A SINGER—AND HER MOTHER 201 THE “DEAREST FRIEND” 213
sneerverbUS /snɪr/
express through a scornful smile
From this reading A “FIN-DE-SIÈCLE” WOMAN 224 WOMAN— THROUGH A MAN’S EYEGLASS _PREAMBLE_ Without woman man is nought; and the proverb, _Cherchez la femme_, though commonly urged with a cynical sneer, is as full of humane wisdom as any saying of Solomon.
SOCIALLYadverbUS /ˈsoʊʃəli/
by or with respect to society
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
Solomonproper nounUS /ˈsɒl.ə.mən/
A legendary king renowned for his wisdom and fabulous hidden mines.
From this reading A “FIN-DE-SIÈCLE” WOMAN 224 WOMAN— THROUGH A MAN’S EYEGLASS _PREAMBLE_ Without woman man is nought; and the proverb, _Cherchez la femme_, though commonly urged with a cynical sneer, is as full of humane wisdom as any saying of Solomon.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
SPINSTERnounUS /ˈspɪnstər/
an elderly unmarried woman
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
spiritualitynounUS /ˌspɪrɪtʃuːˈælətiː/
property or income owned by a church
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
SUBMISSIVEadjectiveUS /səbˈmɪsɪv/
inclined or willing to submit to orders or wishes of others or showing such inclination
From this reading THE SUBMISSIVE WOMAN 98 THE “AWFULLY JOLLY” GIRL 109 THE NUN 120 THE CHEERY WOMAN 132 THE UNCONJUGAL WOMAN 144 THE BUSY-IDLE WOMAN 156 THE SKITTISH OLD MAID 166 THE “SMART” WOMAN 177 THE GAMBLING WOMAN 189 A SINGER—AND HER MOTHER 201 THE “DEAREST FRIEND” 213
an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
textnounUS /tekst/
the words of something written
From this reading Italic text displayed as: _italic_ _Several of these Ladies were informally and appropriately presented by the “Gentlewoman.”
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Italic text displayed as: _italic_ _Several of these Ladies were informally and appropriately presented by the “Gentlewoman.”
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Italic text displayed as: _italic_ _Several of these Ladies were informally and appropriately presented by the “Gentlewoman.”
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading A “FIN-DE-SIÈCLE” WOMAN 224 WOMAN— THROUGH A MAN’S EYEGLASS _PREAMBLE_ Without woman man is nought; and the proverb, _Cherchez la femme_, though commonly urged with a cynical sneer, is as full of humane wisdom as any saying of Solomon.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading A “FIN-DE-SIÈCLE” WOMAN 224 WOMAN— THROUGH A MAN’S EYEGLASS _PREAMBLE_ Without woman man is nought; and the proverb, _Cherchez la femme_, though commonly urged with a cynical sneer, is as full of humane wisdom as any saying of Solomon.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
tricksnounUS /trɪks/
plural of “trick” — a cunning or deceitful action or device
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
UNCONJUGAL
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SUBMISSIVE WOMAN 98 THE “AWFULLY JOLLY” GIRL 109 THE NUN 120 THE CHEERY WOMAN 132 THE UNCONJUGAL WOMAN 144 THE BUSY-IDLE WOMAN 156 THE SKITTISH OLD MAID 166 THE “SMART” WOMAN 177 THE GAMBLING WOMAN 189 A SINGER—AND HER MOTHER 201 THE “DEAREST FRIEND” 213
past form of “urge” — force or impel in an indicated direction
From this reading A “FIN-DE-SIÈCLE” WOMAN 224 WOMAN— THROUGH A MAN’S EYEGLASS _PREAMBLE_ Without woman man is nought; and the proverb, _Cherchez la femme_, though commonly urged with a cynical sneer, is as full of humane wisdom as any saying of Solomon.
vanitiesnounUS /ˈvænətiz/
plural of “vanity” — feelings of excessive pride
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
weaknessesnounUS /ˈwiːknəsəz/
plural of “weakness” — a flaw or weak point
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Italic text displayed as: _italic_ _Several of these Ladies were informally and appropriately presented by the “Gentlewoman.”
at the time that
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
a woman whose husband is dead especially one who has not remarried
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
wiresnounUS /ˈwaɪərz/
plural of “wire” — ligament made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
accumulated knowledge or erudition or enlightenment
From this reading A “FIN-DE-SIÈCLE” WOMAN 224 WOMAN— THROUGH A MAN’S EYEGLASS _PREAMBLE_ Without woman man is nought; and the proverb, _Cherchez la femme_, though commonly urged with a cynical sneer, is as full of humane wisdom as any saying of Solomon.
in the company of; together with
From this reading A “FIN-DE-SIÈCLE” WOMAN 224 WOMAN— THROUGH A MAN’S EYEGLASS _PREAMBLE_ Without woman man is nought; and the proverb, _Cherchez la femme_, though commonly urged with a cynical sneer, is as full of humane wisdom as any saying of Solomon.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading A “FIN-DE-SIÈCLE” WOMAN 224 WOMAN— THROUGH A MAN’S EYEGLASS _PREAMBLE_ Without woman man is nought; and the proverb, _Cherchez la femme_, though commonly urged with a cynical sneer, is as full of humane wisdom as any saying of Solomon.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading In somewhat new attire, however, they make their reappearance, joined by my Lady Fin-de-Siècle._ _CONTENTS_ PAGE PREAMBLE 1 THE LITTLE WIDOW 14 MY MOTHER 26 THE SOCIALLY AMBITIOUS WOMAN 38 THE DOMESTIC WOMAN 51 A MODERN LADY-NOVELIST 64 THE DISAPPOINTED SPINSTER 75 THE INDIVIDUAL WOMAN 86
love unquestioningly and uncritically or to excess; venerate as an idol
From this reading When I contemplate woman in the abstract, with all her divine gentleness and sympathy, and her essential spirituality, I feel that I must kneel and worship her from afar; but when I regard her in the concrete, with all those little weaknesses and vanities and sleight-of-mind tricks, which are as the electric wires through which man is brought into familiar and continuous communion with her then I feel that she is near to me, that we can meet on a common plane of humanity, and that the privilege of loving her is not beyond my reach.
