Meanings of seized a moment in English

Robert of Artois craftily seized a moment when the king's indignation against Phillip was at the highest.

Aouda seized a moment when Mr. Fogg was asleep to tell Fix and Passepartout whom she had seen.

Waiting her opportunity, she seized a moment when her mother was absent, and with her usual frankness spoke out impetuously.

A little nervously she seized a moment when the restive horses were being quieted, before they stepped into the carriage, and said again:

She had seized a moment after Grandairs had come, and Mrs Slumpy was not yet there, to give instructions to the great functionary.

But before they went, he seized a moment when Barbara's attention was engaged by his nephew to say something that his hostess rather resented.

I seized a moment, when the reading was interrupted, to say, "You looked dreadfully shocked, Madame, when the King pronounced the name of D'Egmont."