Chapter XXXI

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

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

(of mail) marked with a destination

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

past form of “adjudge” — declare to be

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

filled with fear or apprehension

From this reading "I'm afraid I never did have the instincts of a real lady," she said.

Having no one else present.

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

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

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

react verbally

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

aerobic rod-shaped spore-producing bacterium; often occurring in chainlike formations; found primarily in soil

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

possessive form of “b” — aerobic rod-shaped spore-producing bacterium; often occurring in chainlike formations; found primarily in soil

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

a man who has never been married

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split

From this reading A minute later the seal was broken and Peggy was composedly extracting the folded sheets.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "But perhaps the postman would never have delivered this letter.

in a self-collected or self-possessed manner

From this reading A minute later the seal was broken and Peggy was composedly extracting the folded sheets.

make right or correct

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

past form of “deliver” — deliver (a speech, oration, or idea)

From this reading "But perhaps the postman would never have delivered this letter.

third-person singular of “deliver” — deliver (a speech, oration, or idea)

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading "I'm afraid I never did have the instincts of a real lady," she said.

a room used for dining

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

coming next after the tenth and just before the twelfth in position

From this reading THE ELEVENTH HOUR "_This Week's Society Problem_," mused Peggy.

qualified for or allowed or worthy of being chosen

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

-ing form of “extract” — remove, usually with some force or effort; also used in an abstract sense

From this reading A minute later the seal was broken and Peggy was composedly extracting the folded sheets.

the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

past form of “fold” — bend or lay so that one part covers the other

From this reading A minute later the seal was broken and Peggy was composedly extracting the folded sheets.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

something written by hand

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "I'm afraid I never did have the instincts of a real lady," she said.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading THE ELEVENTH HOUR "_This Week's Society Problem_," mused Peggy.

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

From this reading "I'm afraid I never did have the instincts of a real lady," she said.

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

From this reading "I'm afraid I never did have the instincts of a real lady," she said.

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

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

plural of “instinct” — inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli

From this reading "I'm afraid I never did have the instincts of a real lady," she said.

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

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

a polite name for any woman

From this reading "I'm afraid I never did have the instincts of a real lady," she said.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading A minute later the seal was broken and Peggy was composedly extracting the folded sheets.

go away from a place

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour

From this reading A minute later the seal was broken and Peggy was composedly extracting the folded sheets.

past form of “muse” — reflect deeply on a subject

From this reading THE ELEVENTH HOUR "_This Week's Society Problem_," mused Peggy.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading "I'm afraid I never did have the instincts of a real lady," she said.

plural of “notice” — an announcement containing information about an event

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

To move from a closed position.

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

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

From this reading THE ELEVENTH HOUR "_This Week's Society Problem_," mused Peggy.

by chance

From this reading "But perhaps the postman would never have delivered this letter.

affix in a public place or for public notice

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

a man who delivers the mail

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved

From this reading THE ELEVENTH HOUR "_This Week's Society Problem_," mused Peggy.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading "I'm afraid I never did have the instincts of a real lady," she said.

any address at which you dwell more than temporarily

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "I'm afraid I never did have the instincts of a real lady," she said.

make tight; secure against leakage

From this reading A minute later the seal was broken and Peggy was composedly extracting the folded sheets.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading "I'm afraid I never did have the instincts of a real lady," she said.

plural of “sheet” — any broad thin expanse or surface

From this reading A minute later the seal was broken and Peggy was composedly extracting the folded sheets.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading THE ELEVENTH HOUR "_This Week's Society Problem_," mused Peggy.

an elderly unmarried woman

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

past form of “stamp” — walk heavily

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

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

From this reading THE ELEVENTH HOUR "_This Week's Society Problem_," mused Peggy.

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

From this reading THE ELEVENTH HOUR "_This Week's Society Problem_," mused Peggy.

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

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

not wise in the ways of the world

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

up to a particular time

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

a formal word for “on”

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

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

From this reading A minute later the seal was broken and Peggy was composedly extracting the folded sheets.

possessive form of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading THE ELEVENTH HOUR "_This Week's Society Problem_," mused Peggy.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

in or at the place that

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."

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

From this reading "But perhaps the postman would never have delivered this letter.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading "_A, an unsophisticated young spinster, finding herself alone in the residence of B, an eligible bachelor acquaintance, notices upon B's dining-room table a letter in B's handwriting, addressed to herself and stamped for post._ Problem: _What should A do?_ Answer adjudged correct: _Leave the letter where it is and wait until the postman delivers it._ Answer adjudged incorrect: _Open the letter and read it_."