used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading AND WELCOMES A HOSTESS Perhaps for the first time in his life Lord Denningham was taken aback.
abackadverbUS /əˈbæk/
having the wind against the forward side of the sails
From this reading AND WELCOMES A HOSTESS Perhaps for the first time in his life Lord Denningham was taken aback.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading "Where is Morice?" she repeated, glancing from Denningham to Sir Stephen, who stood leaning against the wall laughing softly to himself in maudlin enjoyment.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading However, at the moment, an impatient lady awaited an answer.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading AND WELCOMES A HOSTESS Perhaps for the first time in his life Lord Denningham was taken aback.
react verbally
From this reading However, at the moment, an impatient lady awaited an answer.
apparitionnounUS /ˌæpərˈɪʃən/
a ghostly appearing figure
From this reading Behind this triple apparition lurked a mystery calling for explanation.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
awaitedadjectiveUS /əˈweɪtɪd/
expected hopefully
From this reading However, at the moment, an impatient lady awaited an answer.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
Berrington
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
BretonnounUS /ˈbretən/
a native or inhabitant of Brittany (especially one who speaks the Breton language)
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
the particular occupation for which you are trained
From this reading Behind this triple apparition lurked a mystery calling for explanation.
Compasses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
Denningham
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AND WELCOMES A HOSTESS Perhaps for the first time in his life Lord Denningham was taken aback.
disapprovedverbUS /ˌdɪsəˈpruːvd/
past form of “disapprove” — consider bad or wrong
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
enjoymentnounUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪmənt/
the pleasure felt when having a good time
From this reading "Where is Morice?" she repeated, glancing from Denningham to Sir Stephen, who stood leaning against the wall laughing softly to himself in maudlin enjoyment.
a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading Behind this triple apparition lurked a mystery calling for explanation.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading AND WELCOMES A HOSTESS Perhaps for the first time in his life Lord Denningham was taken aback.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading AND WELCOMES A HOSTESS Perhaps for the first time in his life Lord Denningham was taken aback.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading "Where is Morice?" she repeated, glancing from Denningham to Sir Stephen, who stood leaning against the wall laughing softly to himself in maudlin enjoyment.
girlishadjectiveUS /ˈɡɜːrlɪʃ/
befitting or characteristic of a young girl
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
-ing form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading "Where is Morice?" she repeated, glancing from Denningham to Sir Stephen, who stood leaning against the wall laughing softly to himself in maudlin enjoyment.
GoatnounUS /ɡoʊt/
any of numerous agile ruminants related to sheep but having a beard and straight horns
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading "Where is Morice?" she repeated, glancing from Denningham to Sir Stephen, who stood leaning against the wall laughing softly to himself in maudlin enjoyment.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading AND WELCOMES A HOSTESS Perhaps for the first time in his life Lord Denningham was taken aback.
hostelnounUS /ˈhɑːstəl/
a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
HOSTESSnounUS /ˈhoʊstəs/
a woman host
From this reading AND WELCOMES A HOSTESS Perhaps for the first time in his life Lord Denningham was taken aback.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading However, at the moment, an impatient lady awaited an answer.
restless or short-tempered under delay or opposition
From this reading However, at the moment, an impatient lady awaited an answer.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading AND WELCOMES A HOSTESS Perhaps for the first time in his life Lord Denningham was taken aback.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "Where is Morice?" she repeated, glancing from Denningham to Sir Stephen, who stood leaning against the wall laughing softly to himself in maudlin enjoyment.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
jollyadjectiveUS /ˈdʒɑːli/
full of or showing high-spirited merriment
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading However, at the moment, an impatient lady awaited an answer.
showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness
From this reading "Where is Morice?" she repeated, glancing from Denningham to Sir Stephen, who stood leaning against the wall laughing softly to himself in maudlin enjoyment.
departing or being caused to depart from the true vertical or horizontal
From this reading "Where is Morice?" she repeated, glancing from Denningham to Sir Stephen, who stood leaning against the wall laughing softly to himself in maudlin enjoyment.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading AND WELCOMES A HOSTESS Perhaps for the first time in his life Lord Denningham was taken aback.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God
From this reading AND WELCOMES A HOSTESS Perhaps for the first time in his life Lord Denningham was taken aback.
lurkedverbUS /lɜːrkt/
past form of “lurk” — lie in wait, lie in ambush, behave in a sneaky and secretive manner
From this reading Behind this triple apparition lurked a mystery calling for explanation.
maudlinadjectiveUS /ˈmɔːdlɪn/
effusively or insincerely emotional
From this reading "Where is Morice?" she repeated, glancing from Denningham to Sir Stephen, who stood leaning against the wall laughing softly to himself in maudlin enjoyment.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
(Old Testament) the guardian archangel of the Jews
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
a particular point in time
From this reading However, at the moment, an impatient lady awaited an answer.
Morice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Where is Morice?" she repeated, glancing from Denningham to Sir Stephen, who stood leaning against the wall laughing softly to himself in maudlin enjoyment.
used to form the superlative
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
muffledadjectiveUS /ˈmʌfəld/
being or made softer or less loud or clear
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading Behind this triple apparition lurked a mystery calling for explanation.
by chance
From this reading AND WELCOMES A HOSTESS Perhaps for the first time in his life Lord Denningham was taken aback.
Quernais
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
recurring again and again
From this reading "Where is Morice?" she repeated, glancing from Denningham to Sir Stephen, who stood leaning against the wall laughing softly to himself in maudlin enjoyment.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "Where is Morice?" she repeated, glancing from Denningham to Sir Stephen, who stood leaning against the wall laughing softly to himself in maudlin enjoyment.
term of address for a man
From this reading "Where is Morice?" she repeated, glancing from Denningham to Sir Stephen, who stood leaning against the wall laughing softly to himself in maudlin enjoyment.
slimadjectiveUS /slɪm/
being of delicate or slender build
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
with low volume
From this reading "Where is Morice?" she repeated, glancing from Denningham to Sir Stephen, who stood leaning against the wall laughing softly to himself in maudlin enjoyment.
StephennounUS /ˈstiːvən/
English writer (1832-1904)
From this reading "Where is Morice?" she repeated, glancing from Denningham to Sir Stephen, who stood leaning against the wall laughing softly to himself in maudlin enjoyment.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
with strength or in a strong manner
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading AND WELCOMES A HOSTESS Perhaps for the first time in his life Lord Denningham was taken aback.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading AND WELCOMES A HOSTESS Perhaps for the first time in his life Lord Denningham was taken aback.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Behind this triple apparition lurked a mystery calling for explanation.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading AND WELCOMES A HOSTESS Perhaps for the first time in his life Lord Denningham was taken aback.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "Where is Morice?" she repeated, glancing from Denningham to Sir Stephen, who stood leaning against the wall laughing softly to himself in maudlin enjoyment.
travelling-coat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
tripleverbUS /ˈtrɪpəl/
increase threefold
From this reading Behind this triple apparition lurked a mystery calling for explanation.
not expected or anticipated
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
unwelcomeadjectiveUS /ənˈwelkəm/
not welcome; not giving pleasure or received with pleasure
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
a vivid mental image
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading "Where is Morice?" she repeated, glancing from Denningham to Sir Stephen, who stood leaning against the wall laughing softly to himself in maudlin enjoyment.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading AND WELCOMES A HOSTESS Perhaps for the first time in his life Lord Denningham was taken aback.
accept gladly
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
WELCOMESnounUS /ˈwelkəmz/
plural of “welcome” — the state of being welcome
From this reading AND WELCOMES A HOSTESS Perhaps for the first time in his life Lord Denningham was taken aback.
in or at the place that
From this reading "Where is Morice?" she repeated, glancing from Denningham to Sir Stephen, who stood leaning against the wall laughing softly to himself in maudlin enjoyment.
which person or people
From this reading "Where is Morice?" she repeated, glancing from Denningham to Sir Stephen, who stood leaning against the wall laughing softly to himself in maudlin enjoyment.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
but in spite of that
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading The vision was so wholly unexpected, so welcome, and yet most unwelcome, for behind the slim, girlish figure, muffled in its long travelling-coat, stood Michael Berrington and the young Breton, de Quernais, whom Denningham had met and strongly disapproved at that jolly hostel the Goat and Compasses.
