Both Uses of
formidable
in
The Age of Innocence
- The dinner was a somewhat formidable business.†
Chpt 8 *formidable = intimidating or impressive
- She wanted to keep me with her; but I had to be free—" He was impressed by this light way of speaking of the formidable Catherine, and moved by the thought of what must have given Madame Olenska this thirst for even the loneliest kind of freedom.†
Chpt 9
Definition:
intimidating or impressive -- arousing fear or admiration due to impressiveness or challenge