Question

2 I thanked him, and, turning from the main road, we entered a grass-grown by-path, which, in half an hour, nearly lost itself in a dense forest, clothing the base of a mountain. Through this dank and gloomy wood we rode some two miles, when the Maison de Sante came in view. It was a fantastic chateau, much dilapidated, and indeed scarcely tenantable through age and neglect. Its aspect inspired me with absolute dread, and, checking my horse, I half resolved to turn back. I soon, however, grew ashamed of my weakness, and proceeded. 3 As we rode up to the gate-way, I noticed it slightly open, and the visage of a man peering through. In an instant afterward, this man came forth, accosted my companion by name, shook him cordially by the hand, and begged him to alight. It was Monsieur Maillard himself. He was a portly, fine-looking gentleman of the old school, with a polished manner, and a certain air of gravity which was very impressive.
Which dictionary definition of alight BEST applies to its use in the underlined sentence?
A) dismount a horse
B) provide with light
C) light someone’s cigar or cigarette for them
D) to encounter or notice something accidentally

Answer 1

Answer:

A) dismount a horse

Explanation:

Alight can mean to descend or come down from somewhere. In this sentence Monsieur Maillard has greeted the men and is encouraging them to com into his house. He does this by asking them to dismount from their horses. It doesn't make sense for the men on horseback to be providing the man of the home a light since he should have one more readily available than the horseback riders.

Answer 2

2 I thanked him, and, turning from the main road, we entered a grass-grown by-path, which, in half an hour, nearly lost itself in a dense forest, clothing the base of a mountain. Through this dank and gloomy wood we rode some two miles, when the Maison de Sante came in view. It was a fantastic chateau, much dilapidated, and indeed scarcely tenantable through age and neglect. Its aspect inspired me with absolute dread, and, checking my horse, I half resolved to turn back. I soon, however, grew ashamed of my weakness, and proceeded. 3 As we rode up to the gate-way, I noticed it slightly open, and the visage of a man peering through. In an instant afterward, this man came forth, accosted my companion by name, shook him cordially by the hand, and begged him to alight. It was Monsieur Maillard himself. He was a portly, fine-looking gentleman of the old school, with a polished manner, and a certain air of gravity which was very impressive.  

Which dictionary definition of alight BEST applies to its use in the underlined sentence?

A) dismount a horse  

B) provide with light  

C) light someone’s cigar or cigarette for them  

D) to encounter or notice something accidentally