using this as a pretext; thereby

in a mess, scattered about, or in complete disorder

to console or comfort

to have a bad reputation; notorious

a reason or explanation put forward to conceal a true purpose or to justify a fault; a pretext

to contain or be filled with internal meaning, emotions, or qualities

cups and dishes in complete disorder; the messy state of a table after a feast or drinking party

to lie in total disorder or piled on top of one another

temperate and refined

to make a lot of excuses

something that one relies on; a basis or resource

by means of; through; by

by means of; through; by

by means of; through; with the help of

to bully, insult, or oppress someone; often used in literary contexts to describe the maltreatment of those who are weaker.