used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading She was therefore not a little surprised to see that lady descending from her pony-carriage at her own door when she was just about to drive to the Samptor's compound.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading She was therefore not a little surprised to see that lady descending from her pony-carriage at her own door when she was just about to drive to the Samptor's compound.
addressingverbUS /əˈdresɪŋ/
-ing form of “address” — speak to
From this reading "What can the woman want, Jane?" she said irritably, addressing her weary-looking daughter, who had just appeared on the threshold of the dressing-room.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading "What can the woman want, Jane?" she said irritably, addressing her weary-looking daughter, who had just appeared on the threshold of the dressing-room.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
ayahnoun
(in India) a native nursemaid who looks after children
From this reading Mrs. Goldring snatched her last hatpin hurriedly from the deferential brown fingers of her waiting ayah.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
an orange of low brightness and saturation
From this reading Mrs. Goldring snatched her last hatpin hurriedly from the deferential brown fingers of her waiting ayah.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Matters of interest in the little Mofussil society were narrow in their range, but they were none the less intense.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading "What can the woman want, Jane?" she said irritably, addressing her weary-looking daughter, who had just appeared on the threshold of the dressing-room.
compoundnounUS /ˈkɑːmpaʊnd/
a whole formed by a union of two or more elements or parts
From this reading She was therefore not a little surprised to see that lady descending from her pony-carriage at her own door when she was just about to drive to the Samptor's compound.
a female human offspring
From this reading "What can the woman want, Jane?" she said irritably, addressing her weary-looking daughter, who had just appeared on the threshold of the dressing-room.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
deferentialadjectiveUS /ˌdefərˈentʃəl/
showing deference
From this reading Mrs. Goldring snatched her last hatpin hurriedly from the deferential brown fingers of her waiting ayah.
descendingadjectiveUS /dɪˈsendɪŋ/
coming down or downward
From this reading She was therefore not a little surprised to see that lady descending from her pony-carriage at her own door when she was just about to drive to the Samptor's compound.
a region marked off for administrative or other purposes
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading She was therefore not a little surprised to see that lady descending from her pony-carriage at her own door when she was just about to drive to the Samptor's compound.
dressing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "What can the woman want, Jane?" she said irritably, addressing her weary-looking daughter, who had just appeared on the threshold of the dressing-room.
operate or control a vehicle
From this reading She was therefore not a little surprised to see that lady descending from her pony-carriage at her own door when she was just about to drive to the Samptor's compound.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)
From this reading Mrs. Goldring snatched her last hatpin hurriedly from the deferential brown fingers of her waiting ayah.
(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading She was therefore not a little surprised to see that lady descending from her pony-carriage at her own door when she was just about to drive to the Samptor's compound.
a contest with rules to determine a winner
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
Goldring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
hatpinnoun
a long sturdy pin used by women to secure a hat to their hair
From this reading Mrs. Goldring snatched her last hatpin hurriedly from the deferential brown fingers of her waiting ayah.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
hurriedlyadverbUS /ˈhɜːridli/
in a hurried or hasty manner
From this reading Mrs. Goldring snatched her last hatpin hurriedly from the deferential brown fingers of her waiting ayah.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Matters of interest in the little Mofussil society were narrow in their range, but they were none the less intense.
possessing or displaying a distinctive feature to a heightened degree
From this reading Matters of interest in the little Mofussil society were narrow in their range, but they were none the less intense.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading Matters of interest in the little Mofussil society were narrow in their range, but they were none the less intense.
irritablyadverb
in a petulant manner
From this reading "What can the woman want, Jane?" she said irritably, addressing her weary-looking daughter, who had just appeared on the threshold of the dressing-room.
JailnounUS /dʒeɪl/
a correctional institution used to detain persons who are in the lawful custody of the government (either accused persons awaiting trial or convicted persons serving a sentence)
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
Jane
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "What can the woman want, Jane?" she said irritably, addressing her weary-looking daughter, who had just appeared on the threshold of the dressing-room.
Judge'snounUS /ˈdʒʌdʒɪz/
possessive form of “judge” — a public official authorized to decide questions brought before a court of justice
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
and nothing more
From this reading She was therefore not a little surprised to see that lady descending from her pony-carriage at her own door when she was just about to drive to the Samptor's compound.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading She was therefore not a little surprised to see that lady descending from her pony-carriage at her own door when she was just about to drive to the Samptor's compound.
immediately past
From this reading Mrs. Goldring snatched her last hatpin hurriedly from the deferential brown fingers of her waiting ayah.
indicating the most important performer or role
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading Matters of interest in the little Mofussil society were narrow in their range, but they were none the less intense.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading She was therefore not a little surprised to see that lady descending from her pony-carriage at her own door when she was just about to drive to the Samptor's compound.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Matters of interest in the little Mofussil society were narrow in their range, but they were none the less intense.
Mofussil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Matters of interest in the little Mofussil society were narrow in their range, but they were none the less intense.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
napnounUS /næp/
a period of time spent sleeping
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading Matters of interest in the little Mofussil society were narrow in their range, but they were none the less intense.
not one, and not any
From this reading Matters of interest in the little Mofussil society were narrow in their range, but they were none the less intense.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading She was therefore not a little surprised to see that lady descending from her pony-carriage at her own door when she was just about to drive to the Samptor's compound.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading She was therefore not a little surprised to see that lady descending from her pony-carriage at her own door when she was just about to drive to the Samptor's compound.
pony-carriage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was therefore not a little surprised to see that lady descending from her pony-carriage at her own door when she was just about to drive to the Samptor's compound.
preparingverbUS /priˈperɪŋ/
-ing form of “prepare” — make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
Puranapore
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"
From this reading Matters of interest in the little Mofussil society were narrow in their range, but they were none the less intense.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "What can the woman want, Jane?" she said irritably, addressing her weary-looking daughter, who had just appeared on the threshold of the dressing-room.
Samptor's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading She was therefore not a little surprised to see that lady descending from her pony-carriage at her own door when she was just about to drive to the Samptor's compound.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She was therefore not a little surprised to see that lady descending from her pony-carriage at her own door when she was just about to drive to the Samptor's compound.
snatchedverbUS /snætʃt/
past form of “snatch” — to grasp hastily or eagerly
From this reading Mrs. Goldring snatched her last hatpin hurriedly from the deferential brown fingers of her waiting ayah.
an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization
From this reading Matters of interest in the little Mofussil society were narrow in their range, but they were none the less intense.
SuperintendentnounUS /ˌsuːpərənˈtendənt/
a person who directs and manages an organization
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment
From this reading She was therefore not a little surprised to see that lady descending from her pony-carriage at her own door when she was just about to drive to the Samptor's compound.
tennisnounUS /ˈtenəs/
a game played with rackets by two or four players who hit a ball back and forth over a net that divides the court
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading She was therefore not a little surprised to see that lady descending from her pony-carriage at her own door when she was just about to drive to the Samptor's compound.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Matters of interest in the little Mofussil society were narrow in their range, but they were none the less intense.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading She was therefore not a little surprised to see that lady descending from her pony-carriage at her own door when she was just about to drive to the Samptor's compound.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Matters of interest in the little Mofussil society were narrow in their range, but they were none the less intense.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
thresholdnounUS /ˈθreʃoʊld/
the starting point for a new state or experience
From this reading "What can the woman want, Jane?" she said irritably, addressing her weary-looking daughter, who had just appeared on the threshold of the dressing-room.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading Mrs. Goldring snatched her last hatpin hurriedly from the deferential brown fingers of her waiting ayah.
feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading "What can the woman want, Jane?" she said irritably, addressing her weary-looking daughter, who had just appeared on the threshold of the dressing-room.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
weary-looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "What can the woman want, Jane?" she said irritably, addressing her weary-looking daughter, who had just appeared on the threshold of the dressing-room.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Matters of interest in the little Mofussil society were narrow in their range, but they were none the less intense.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading "What can the woman want, Jane?" she said irritably, addressing her weary-looking daughter, who had just appeared on the threshold of the dressing-room.
at the time that
From this reading She was therefore not a little surprised to see that lady descending from her pony-carriage at her own door when she was just about to drive to the Samptor's compound.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
which person or people
From this reading "What can the woman want, Jane?" she said irritably, addressing her weary-looking daughter, who had just appeared on the threshold of the dressing-room.
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading Mrs. Goldring, the Judge's wife at Puranapore, had finished her afternoon nap and was now preparing for the leading event of the day, the evening game at tennis, which on this occasion was to be held at Mrs. Samptor's, the wife of the Superintendent of the District Jail.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading "What can the woman want, Jane?" she said irritably, addressing her weary-looking daughter, who had just appeared on the threshold of the dressing-room.
