Final answer:
In "The Oblong Box," the word 'expressions' refers to the spoken manifestations of the friend's affections and views towards his bride, conveying a profound emotional connection.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the excerpt from "The Oblong Box," the meaning of the word expressions as it is used in the text refers to the statements, sentiments, or verbal utterances made by the friend of the narrator. These expressions of love toward his bride left the narrator feeling puzzled or unable to understand or make sense of the friend's deep emotions or the intensity of his feelings.
This term encapsulates the spoken manifestations of the friend's affections and views regarding his beloved, indicating a profound and possibly complex emotional connection that elicits contemplation.