Chapter XX · The Temptation

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading "I told you I should startle you," said Mr. Moss with a shrewd observance of his friend's demeanor, and for the good of that friend preparing for a battle.

United States professional baseball player who hit more home runs than Babe Ruth (born in 1934)

From this reading Aaron listened with attention and surprise, with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with surprise because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.

having fair knowledge of

From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted through the earlier chapters of this story.

grievously affected especially by disease

From this reading When Mr. Moss ceased speaking the afflicted man rose and paced the room in distress and disappointment.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Aaron listened with attention and surprise, with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with surprise because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.

(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic

From this reading Aaron listened with attention and surprise, with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with surprise because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.

establish after a calculation, investigation, experiment, survey, or study

From this reading Aaron listened with attention and surprise, with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with surprise because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading Aaron listened with attention and surprise, with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with surprise because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.

a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading "I told you I should startle you," said Mr. Moss with a shrewd observance of his friend's demeanor, and for the good of that friend preparing for a battle.

for the reason that

From this reading Aaron listened with attention and surprise, with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with surprise because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted through the earlier chapters of this story.

past form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading When Mr. Moss ceased speaking the afflicted man rose and paced the room in distress and disappointment.

plural of “chapter” — a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled

From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted through the earlier chapters of this story.

(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

From this reading Aaron listened with attention and surprise, with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with surprise because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.

(behavioral attributes) the way a person behaves toward other people

From this reading "I told you I should startle you," said Mr. Moss with a shrewd observance of his friend's demeanor, and for the good of that friend preparing for a battle.

a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized

From this reading When Mr. Moss ceased speaking the afflicted man rose and paced the room in distress and disappointment.

the speech act of making something evident

From this reading Aaron listened with attention and surprise, with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with surprise because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.

psychological suffering

From this reading When Mr. Moss ceased speaking the afflicted man rose and paced the room in distress and disappointment.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading "What do you say to it?"

earlier in time; previously

From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted through the earlier chapters of this story.

past form of “enable” — render capable or able for some task

From this reading Aaron listened with attention and surprise, with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with surprise because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.

release from entanglement of difficulty

From this reading Aaron listened with attention and surprise, with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with surprise because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted through the earlier chapters of this story.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading "I told you I should startle you," said Mr. Moss with a shrewd observance of his friend's demeanor, and for the good of that friend preparing for a battle.

possessive form of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading "I told you I should startle you," said Mr. Moss with a shrewd observance of his friend's demeanor, and for the good of that friend preparing for a battle.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Aaron listened with attention and surprise, with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with surprise because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading "I told you I should startle you," said Mr. Moss with a shrewd observance of his friend's demeanor, and for the good of that friend preparing for a battle.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted through the earlier chapters of this story.

expect, believe, or suppose

From this reading Aaron listened with attention and surprise, with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with surprise because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted through the earlier chapters of this story.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted through the earlier chapters of this story.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Aaron listened with attention and surprise, with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with surprise because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted through the earlier chapters of this story.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Aaron listened with attention and surprise, with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with surprise because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Aaron listened with attention and surprise, with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with surprise because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "I told you I should startle you," said Mr. Moss with a shrewd observance of his friend's demeanor, and for the good of that friend preparing for a battle.

the formation of a mental image of something that is not perceived as real and is not present to the senses

From this reading Aaron listened with attention and surprise, with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with surprise because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading When Mr. Moss ceased speaking the afflicted man rose and paced the room in distress and disappointment.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "What do you say to it?"

has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

From this reading Aaron listened with attention and surprise, with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with surprise because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.

past form of “listen” — hear with intention

From this reading Aaron listened with attention and surprise, with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with surprise because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted through the earlier chapters of this story.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading When Mr. Moss ceased speaking the afflicted man rose and paced the room in distress and disappointment.

an organization of missionaries in a foreign land sent to carry on religious work

From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted through the earlier chapters of this story.

tiny leafy-stemmed flowerless plants

From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted through the earlier chapters of this story.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted through the earlier chapters of this story.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted through the earlier chapters of this story.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Aaron listened with attention and surprise, with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with surprise because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading "I told you I should startle you," said Mr. Moss with a shrewd observance of his friend's demeanor, and for the good of that friend preparing for a battle.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted through the earlier chapters of this story.

past form of “pace” — walk with slow or fast paces

From this reading When Mr. Moss ceased speaking the afflicted man rose and paced the room in distress and disappointment.

plural of “particular” — a fact about some part (as opposed to general)

From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted through the earlier chapters of this story.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading Aaron listened with attention and surprise, with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with surprise because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.

-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 "I told you I should startle you," said Mr. Moss with a shrewd observance of his friend's demeanor, and for the good of that friend preparing for a battle.

past form of “proceed” — continue talking

From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted through the earlier chapters of this story.

something proposed (such as a plan or assumption)

From this reading Aaron listened with attention and surprise, with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with surprise because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.

have the often specious appearance of being, intending, or claiming

From this reading Aaron listened with attention and surprise, with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with surprise because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.

a person who enjoys reading

From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted through the earlier chapters of this story.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading When Mr. Moss ceased speaking the afflicted man rose and paced the room in distress and disappointment.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading When Mr. Moss ceased speaking the afflicted man rose and paced the room in distress and disappointment.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "I told you I should startle you," said Mr. Moss with a shrewd observance of his friend's demeanor, and for the good of that friend preparing for a battle.

express in words

From this reading "What do you say to it?"

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading "I told you I should startle you," said Mr. Moss with a shrewd observance of his friend's demeanor, and for the good of that friend preparing for a battle.

marked by practical hardheaded intelligence

From this reading "I told you I should startle you," said Mr. Moss with a shrewd observance of his friend's demeanor, and for the good of that friend preparing for a battle.

unusual or striking

From this reading Aaron listened with attention and surprise, with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with surprise because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.

the utterance of intelligible speech

From this reading When Mr. Moss ceased speaking the afflicted man rose and paced the room in distress and disappointment.

to stimulate to action

From this reading "I told you I should startle you," said Mr. Moss with a shrewd observance of his friend's demeanor, and for the good of that friend preparing for a battle.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted through the earlier chapters of this story.

occupy a large, elongated area

From this reading Aaron listened with attention and surprise, with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with surprise because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading Aaron listened with attention and surprise, with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with surprise because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "I told you I should startle you," said Mr. Moss with a shrewd observance of his friend's demeanor, and for the good of that friend preparing for a battle.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted through the earlier chapters of this story.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted through the earlier chapters of this story.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted through the earlier chapters of this story.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted through the earlier chapters of this story.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted through the earlier chapters of this story.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading "I told you I should startle you," said Mr. Moss with a shrewd observance of his friend's demeanor, and for the good of that friend preparing for a battle.

inflected form of “undertake” — enter upon an activity or enterprise

From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted through the earlier chapters of this story.

develop or come to a promising stage

From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted through the earlier chapters of this story.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Aaron listened with attention and surprise, with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with surprise because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "What do you say to it?"

at the time that

From this reading When Mr. Moss ceased speaking the afflicted man rose and paced the room in distress and disappointment.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading Aaron listened with attention and surprise, with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with surprise because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted through the earlier chapters of this story.

superlative of “wild” — marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading Aaron listened with attention and surprise, with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with surprise because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Mr. Moss then proceeded to unfold the nature of the mission he had undertaken for Mr. Gordon, with the particulars of which the reader has been made acquainted through the earlier chapters of this story.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Aaron listened with attention and surprise, with attention because of his anxiety to ascertain whether the proposal was likely to extricate him from his cruel position, with surprise because the wildest stretch of his imagination would not have enabled him to guess the purport of the singular disclosure.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "I told you I should startle you," said Mr. Moss with a shrewd observance of his friend's demeanor, and for the good of that friend preparing for a battle.