used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The King himself had ordered all details, and they were carried out exactly as he had planned, on a scale of ostentatious and almost insane extravagance in which he was wont to indulge.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading The King himself had ordered all details, and they were carried out exactly as he had planned, on a scale of ostentatious and almost insane extravagance in which he was wont to indulge.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading The King himself had ordered all details, and they were carried out exactly as he had planned, on a scale of ostentatious and almost insane extravagance in which he was wont to indulge.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The King himself had ordered all details, and they were carried out exactly as he had planned, on a scale of ostentatious and almost insane extravagance in which he was wont to indulge.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading The supposed King was made up to represent a Chinese Emperor, the full robes offering effectual concealment of any difference between the figures of the King and his substitute.
disposed or placed in a particular kind of order
From this reading CHECKMATE The entrance of the mad King's understudy had been arranged with scrupulous eye to effect.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The King himself had ordered all details, and they were carried out exactly as he had planned, on a scale of ostentatious and almost insane extravagance in which he was wont to indulge.
baldadjectiveUS /bɔːld/
with no effort to conceal
From this reading His head was bald save for the ornamental head-dress and the long, coal-black pigtail.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading CHECKMATE The entrance of the mad King's understudy had been arranged with scrupulous eye to effect.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading His features were entirely concealed behind the skin mask of a painted Chinese face drawn very tight, lifelike, yet infinitely grotesque; and his robes were gorgeous and most costly, embroidered with thousands of jewels in the quaintest and weirdest of Chinese designs.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading The supposed King was made up to represent a Chinese Emperor, the full robes offering effectual concealment of any difference between the figures of the King and his substitute.
inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading The King himself had ordered all details, and they were carried out exactly as he had planned, on a scale of ostentatious and almost insane extravagance in which he was wont to indulge.
CHECKMATEnounUS /ˈtʃekmeɪt/
complete victory
From this reading CHECKMATE The entrance of the mad King's understudy had been arranged with scrupulous eye to effect.
ChinesenounUS /tʃaɪˈniːz/
any of the Sino-Tibetan languages spoken in China; regarded as dialects of a single language (even though they are mutually unintelligible) because they share an ideographic writing system
From this reading The supposed King was made up to represent a Chinese Emperor, the full robes offering effectual concealment of any difference between the figures of the King and his substitute.
coal-blackadjective
of the blackest black; similar to the color of jet or coal
From this reading His head was bald save for the ornamental head-dress and the long, coal-black pigtail.
not accessible to view
From this reading His features were entirely concealed behind the skin mask of a painted Chinese face drawn very tight, lifelike, yet infinitely grotesque; and his robes were gorgeous and most costly, embroidered with thousands of jewels in the quaintest and weirdest of Chinese designs.
concealmentnounUS /kənˈsiːlmənt/
the condition of being concealed or hidden
From this reading The supposed King was made up to represent a Chinese Emperor, the full robes offering effectual concealment of any difference between the figures of the King and his substitute.
costlyadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːstli/
entailing great loss or sacrifice
From this reading His features were entirely concealed behind the skin mask of a painted Chinese face drawn very tight, lifelike, yet infinitely grotesque; and his robes were gorgeous and most costly, embroidered with thousands of jewels in the quaintest and weirdest of Chinese designs.
designsnounUS /dɪˈzaɪnz/
plural of “design” — the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)
From this reading His features were entirely concealed behind the skin mask of a painted Chinese face drawn very tight, lifelike, yet infinitely grotesque; and his robes were gorgeous and most costly, embroidered with thousands of jewels in the quaintest and weirdest of Chinese designs.
true confidential information
From this reading The King himself had ordered all details, and they were carried out exactly as he had planned, on a scale of ostentatious and almost insane extravagance in which he was wont to indulge.
the quality of being unlike or dissimilar
From this reading The supposed King was made up to represent a Chinese Emperor, the full robes offering effectual concealment of any difference between the figures of the King and his substitute.
showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
From this reading His features were entirely concealed behind the skin mask of a painted Chinese face drawn very tight, lifelike, yet infinitely grotesque; and his robes were gorgeous and most costly, embroidered with thousands of jewels in the quaintest and weirdest of Chinese designs.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading CHECKMATE The entrance of the mad King's understudy had been arranged with scrupulous eye to effect.
effectualadjective
producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect
From this reading The supposed King was made up to represent a Chinese Emperor, the full robes offering effectual concealment of any difference between the figures of the King and his substitute.
embroideredverbUS /emˈbrɔɪdərd/
past form of “embroider” — decorate with needlework
From this reading His features were entirely concealed behind the skin mask of a painted Chinese face drawn very tight, lifelike, yet infinitely grotesque; and his robes were gorgeous and most costly, embroidered with thousands of jewels in the quaintest and weirdest of Chinese designs.
the male ruler of an empire
From this reading The supposed King was made up to represent a Chinese Emperor, the full robes offering effectual concealment of any difference between the figures of the King and his substitute.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading His features were entirely concealed behind the skin mask of a painted Chinese face drawn very tight, lifelike, yet infinitely grotesque; and his robes were gorgeous and most costly, embroidered with thousands of jewels in the quaintest and weirdest of Chinese designs.
something that provides access (to get in or get out)
From this reading CHECKMATE The entrance of the mad King's understudy had been arranged with scrupulous eye to effect.
indicating exactness or preciseness
From this reading The King himself had ordered all details, and they were carried out exactly as he had planned, on a scale of ostentatious and almost insane extravagance in which he was wont to indulge.
extravagancenounUS /ekˈstrævəɡəns/
the quality of exceeding the appropriate limits of decorum or probability or truth
From this reading The King himself had ordered all details, and they were carried out exactly as he had planned, on a scale of ostentatious and almost insane extravagance in which he was wont to indulge.
the organ of sight
From this reading CHECKMATE The entrance of the mad King's understudy had been arranged with scrupulous eye to effect.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading His features were entirely concealed behind the skin mask of a painted Chinese face drawn very tight, lifelike, yet infinitely grotesque; and his robes were gorgeous and most costly, embroidered with thousands of jewels in the quaintest and weirdest of Chinese designs.
plural of “feature” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something
From this reading His features were entirely concealed behind the skin mask of a painted Chinese face drawn very tight, lifelike, yet infinitely grotesque; and his robes were gorgeous and most costly, embroidered with thousands of jewels in the quaintest and weirdest of Chinese designs.
plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading The supposed King was made up to represent a Chinese Emperor, the full robes offering effectual concealment of any difference between the figures of the King and his substitute.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading His head was bald save for the ornamental head-dress and the long, coal-black pigtail.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading The supposed King was made up to represent a Chinese Emperor, the full robes offering effectual concealment of any difference between the figures of the King and his substitute.
gorgeousadjectiveUS /ˈɡɔːrdʒəs/
dazzlingly beautiful
From this reading His features were entirely concealed behind the skin mask of a painted Chinese face drawn very tight, lifelike, yet infinitely grotesque; and his robes were gorgeous and most costly, embroidered with thousands of jewels in the quaintest and weirdest of Chinese designs.
grotesqueadjectiveUS /ɡroʊˈtesk/
distorted and unnatural in shape or size; abnormal and hideous
From this reading His features were entirely concealed behind the skin mask of a painted Chinese face drawn very tight, lifelike, yet infinitely grotesque; and his robes were gorgeous and most costly, embroidered with thousands of jewels in the quaintest and weirdest of Chinese designs.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading CHECKMATE The entrance of the mad King's understudy had been arranged with scrupulous eye to effect.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The King himself had ordered all details, and they were carried out exactly as he had planned, on a scale of ostentatious and almost insane extravagance in which he was wont to indulge.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading His head was bald save for the ornamental head-dress and the long, coal-black pigtail.
head-dress
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His head was bald save for the ornamental head-dress and the long, coal-black pigtail.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading The King himself had ordered all details, and they were carried out exactly as he had planned, on a scale of ostentatious and almost insane extravagance in which he was wont to indulge.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The supposed King was made up to represent a Chinese Emperor, the full robes offering effectual concealment of any difference between the figures of the King and his substitute.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The King himself had ordered all details, and they were carried out exactly as he had planned, on a scale of ostentatious and almost insane extravagance in which he was wont to indulge.
indulgeverbUS /ˌɪnˈdʌldʒ/
give free rein to
From this reading The King himself had ordered all details, and they were carried out exactly as he had planned, on a scale of ostentatious and almost insane extravagance in which he was wont to indulge.
infinitelyadverbUS /ˈɪnfənətli/
without bounds
From this reading His features were entirely concealed behind the skin mask of a painted Chinese face drawn very tight, lifelike, yet infinitely grotesque; and his robes were gorgeous and most costly, embroidered with thousands of jewels in the quaintest and weirdest of Chinese designs.
insaneadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈseɪn/
afflicted with or characteristic of mental derangement
From this reading The King himself had ordered all details, and they were carried out exactly as he had planned, on a scale of ostentatious and almost insane extravagance in which he was wont to indulge.
jewelsnounUS /ˈdʒuːəlz/
plural of “jewel” — a precious or semiprecious stone incorporated into a piece of jewelry
From this reading His features were entirely concealed behind the skin mask of a painted Chinese face drawn very tight, lifelike, yet infinitely grotesque; and his robes were gorgeous and most costly, embroidered with thousands of jewels in the quaintest and weirdest of Chinese designs.
a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom
From this reading The King himself had ordered all details, and they were carried out exactly as he had planned, on a scale of ostentatious and almost insane extravagance in which he was wont to indulge.
King'snounUS /kɪŋz/
possessive form of “king” — a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom
From this reading CHECKMATE The entrance of the mad King's understudy had been arranged with scrupulous eye to effect.
lifelikeadjectiveUS /ˈlaɪflaɪk/
evoking lifelike images within the mind
From this reading His features were entirely concealed behind the skin mask of a painted Chinese face drawn very tight, lifelike, yet infinitely grotesque; and his robes were gorgeous and most costly, embroidered with thousands of jewels in the quaintest and weirdest of Chinese designs.
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 His head was bald save for the ornamental head-dress and the long, coal-black pigtail.
roused to anger
From this reading CHECKMATE The entrance of the mad King's understudy had been arranged with scrupulous eye to effect.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading The supposed King was made up to represent a Chinese Emperor, the full robes offering effectual concealment of any difference between the figures of the King and his substitute.
maskverbUS /mæsk/
hide under a false appearance
From this reading His features were entirely concealed behind the skin mask of a painted Chinese face drawn very tight, lifelike, yet infinitely grotesque; and his robes were gorgeous and most costly, embroidered with thousands of jewels in the quaintest and weirdest of Chinese designs.
used to form the superlative
From this reading His features were entirely concealed behind the skin mask of a painted Chinese face drawn very tight, lifelike, yet infinitely grotesque; and his robes were gorgeous and most costly, embroidered with thousands of jewels in the quaintest and weirdest of Chinese designs.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading CHECKMATE The entrance of the mad King's understudy had been arranged with scrupulous eye to effect.
offeringnounUS /ˈɔːfərɪŋ/
something offered (as a proposal or bid)
From this reading The supposed King was made up to represent a Chinese Emperor, the full robes offering effectual concealment of any difference between the figures of the King and his substitute.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The King himself had ordered all details, and they were carried out exactly as he had planned, on a scale of ostentatious and almost insane extravagance in which he was wont to indulge.
having a systematic arrangement; especially having elements succeeding in order according to rule
From this reading The King himself had ordered all details, and they were carried out exactly as he had planned, on a scale of ostentatious and almost insane extravagance in which he was wont to indulge.
ornamentalnounUS /ˌɔːrnəˈmentəl/
any plant grown for its beauty or ornamental value
From this reading His head was bald save for the ornamental head-dress and the long, coal-black pigtail.
ostentatiousadjectiveUS /ˌɑːstənˈteɪʃəs/
intended to attract notice and impress others
From this reading The King himself had ordered all details, and they were carried out exactly as he had planned, on a scale of ostentatious and almost insane extravagance in which he was wont to indulge.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The King himself had ordered all details, and they were carried out exactly as he had planned, on a scale of ostentatious and almost insane extravagance in which he was wont to indulge.
coated with paint
From this reading His features were entirely concealed behind the skin mask of a painted Chinese face drawn very tight, lifelike, yet infinitely grotesque; and his robes were gorgeous and most costly, embroidered with thousands of jewels in the quaintest and weirdest of Chinese designs.
pigtailnoun
a plait of braided hair
From this reading His head was bald save for the ornamental head-dress and the long, coal-black pigtail.
plannedadjectiveUS /plænd/
designed or carried out according to a plan
From this reading The King himself had ordered all details, and they were carried out exactly as he had planned, on a scale of ostentatious and almost insane extravagance in which he was wont to indulge.
quaintest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His features were entirely concealed behind the skin mask of a painted Chinese face drawn very tight, lifelike, yet infinitely grotesque; and his robes were gorgeous and most costly, embroidered with thousands of jewels in the quaintest and weirdest of Chinese designs.
representverbUS /ˌreprɪˈzent/
take the place of or be parallel or equivalent to
From this reading The supposed King was made up to represent a Chinese Emperor, the full robes offering effectual concealment of any difference between the figures of the King and his substitute.
robesnounUS /roʊbz/
plural of “robe” — any loose flowing garment
From this reading The supposed King was made up to represent a Chinese Emperor, the full robes offering effectual concealment of any difference between the figures of the King and his substitute.
except for; apart from
From this reading His head was bald save for the ornamental head-dress and the long, coal-black pigtail.
scalenounUS /skeɪl/
an ordered reference standard
From this reading The King himself had ordered all details, and they were carried out exactly as he had planned, on a scale of ostentatious and almost insane extravagance in which he was wont to indulge.
scrupulousadjectiveUS /ˈskruːpjələs/
having scruples; arising from a sense of right and wrong; principled
From this reading CHECKMATE The entrance of the mad King's understudy had been arranged with scrupulous eye to effect.
a natural protective body covering and site of the sense of touch
From this reading His features were entirely concealed behind the skin mask of a painted Chinese face drawn very tight, lifelike, yet infinitely grotesque; and his robes were gorgeous and most costly, embroidered with thousands of jewels in the quaintest and weirdest of Chinese designs.
substituteverbUS /ˈsʌbstətuːt/
put in the place of another; switch seemingly equivalent items
From this reading The supposed King was made up to represent a Chinese Emperor, the full robes offering effectual concealment of any difference between the figures of the King and his substitute.
required or under orders
From this reading The supposed King was made up to represent a Chinese Emperor, the full robes offering effectual concealment of any difference between the figures of the King and his substitute.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading CHECKMATE The entrance of the mad King's understudy had been arranged with scrupulous eye to effect.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The King himself had ordered all details, and they were carried out exactly as he had planned, on a scale of ostentatious and almost insane extravagance in which he was wont to indulge.
plural of “thousand” — the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100
From this reading His features were entirely concealed behind the skin mask of a painted Chinese face drawn very tight, lifelike, yet infinitely grotesque; and his robes were gorgeous and most costly, embroidered with thousands of jewels in the quaintest and weirdest of Chinese designs.
closely constrained or constricted or constricting
From this reading His features were entirely concealed behind the skin mask of a painted Chinese face drawn very tight, lifelike, yet infinitely grotesque; and his robes were gorgeous and most costly, embroidered with thousands of jewels in the quaintest and weirdest of Chinese designs.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading CHECKMATE The entrance of the mad King's understudy had been arranged with scrupulous eye to effect.
understudynounUS /ˈʌndərstʌdi/
an actor able to replace a regular performer when required
From this reading CHECKMATE The entrance of the mad King's understudy had been arranged with scrupulous eye to effect.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The supposed King was made up to represent a Chinese Emperor, the full robes offering effectual concealment of any difference between the figures of the King and his substitute.
precisely as stated
From this reading His features were entirely concealed behind the skin mask of a painted Chinese face drawn very tight, lifelike, yet infinitely grotesque; and his robes were gorgeous and most costly, embroidered with thousands of jewels in the quaintest and weirdest of Chinese designs.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The King himself had ordered all details, and they were carried out exactly as he had planned, on a scale of ostentatious and almost insane extravagance in which he was wont to indulge.
weirdestadjectiveUS /ˈwɪrdəst/
superlative of “weird” — suggesting the operation of supernatural influences
From this reading His features were entirely concealed behind the skin mask of a painted Chinese face drawn very tight, lifelike, yet infinitely grotesque; and his robes were gorgeous and most costly, embroidered with thousands of jewels in the quaintest and weirdest of Chinese designs.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The King himself had ordered all details, and they were carried out exactly as he had planned, on a scale of ostentatious and almost insane extravagance in which he was wont to indulge.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The King himself had ordered all details, and they were carried out exactly as he had planned, on a scale of ostentatious and almost insane extravagance in which he was wont to indulge.
in the company of; together with
From this reading CHECKMATE The entrance of the mad King's understudy had been arranged with scrupulous eye to effect.
wontnounUS /woʊnt/
an established custom
From this reading The King himself had ordered all details, and they were carried out exactly as he had planned, on a scale of ostentatious and almost insane extravagance in which he was wont to indulge.
but in spite of that
From this reading His features were entirely concealed behind the skin mask of a painted Chinese face drawn very tight, lifelike, yet infinitely grotesque; and his robes were gorgeous and most costly, embroidered with thousands of jewels in the quaintest and weirdest of Chinese designs.
