Chapter XVII · Chapter 17

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

From this reading THE COUP Mr. Heatherbloom, with fingers deft as a sailor's, secured the prince.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading Then drawing the heavy curtains so that they almost concealed the bound figure in the dim recess, the young man stepped once more out into the salon.

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

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

weapons considered collectively

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading THE COUP Mr. Heatherbloom, with fingers deft as a sailor's, secured the prince.

an unofficial association of people or groups

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

a small piece or quantity of something

From this reading Having completed this task, Mr. Heatherbloom next, with vandal hands, whipped from the wall a bit of priceless embroidery, threw it over the nobleman's head and, in spite of sundry frenzied objections, effectually gagged him.

confined by bonds

From this reading Then drawing the heavy curtains so that they almost concealed the bound figure in the dim recess, the young man stepped once more out into the salon.

a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading Having completed this task, Mr. Heatherbloom next, with vandal hands, whipped from the wall a bit of priceless embroidery, threw it over the nobleman's head and, in spite of sundry frenzied objections, effectually gagged him.

not accessible to view

From this reading Then drawing the heavy curtains so that they almost concealed the bound figure in the dim recess, the young man stepped once more out into the salon.

cotton trousers made of corduroy cloth

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

a sudden and decisive change of government illegally or by force

From this reading THE COUP Mr. Heatherbloom, with fingers deft as a sailor's, secured the prince.

plural of “curtain” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

From this reading Then drawing the heavy curtains so that they almost concealed the bound figure in the dim recess, the young man stepped once more out into the salon.

skillful in physical movements; especially of the hands

From this reading THE COUP Mr. Heatherbloom, with fingers deft as a sailor's, secured the prince.

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

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

lacking in light; not bright or harsh

From this reading Then drawing the heavy curtains so that they almost concealed the bound figure in the dim recess, the young man stepped once more out into the salon.

pleasantly occupied

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper

From this reading Then drawing the heavy curtains so that they almost concealed the bound figure in the dim recess, the young man stepped once more out into the salon.

in an effectual manner

From this reading Having completed this task, Mr. Heatherbloom next, with vandal hands, whipped from the wall a bit of priceless embroidery, threw it over the nobleman's head and, in spite of sundry frenzied objections, effectually gagged him.

elaboration of an interpretation by the use of decorative (sometimes fictitious) detail

From this reading Having completed this task, Mr. Heatherbloom next, with vandal hands, whipped from the wall a bit of priceless embroidery, threw it over the nobleman's head and, in spite of sundry frenzied objections, effectually gagged him.

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

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading Then drawing the heavy curtains so that they almost concealed the bound figure in the dim recess, the young man stepped once more out into the salon.

plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)

From this reading THE COUP Mr. Heatherbloom, with fingers deft as a sailor's, secured the prince.

affected with or marked by frenzy or mania uncontrolled by reason

From this reading Having completed this task, Mr. Heatherbloom next, with vandal hands, whipped from the wall a bit of priceless embroidery, threw it over the nobleman's head and, in spite of sundry frenzied objections, effectually gagged him.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

inflected form of “gag” — prevent from speaking out

From this reading Having completed this task, Mr. Heatherbloom next, with vandal hands, whipped from the wall a bit of priceless embroidery, threw it over the nobleman's head and, in spite of sundry frenzied objections, effectually gagged him.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading Having completed this task, Mr. Heatherbloom next, with vandal hands, whipped from the wall a bit of priceless embroidery, threw it over the nobleman's head and, in spite of sundry frenzied objections, effectually gagged him.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Having completed this task, Mr. Heatherbloom next, with vandal hands, whipped from the wall a bit of priceless embroidery, threw it over the nobleman's head and, in spite of sundry frenzied objections, effectually gagged him.

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

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading Having completed this task, Mr. Heatherbloom next, with vandal hands, whipped from the wall a bit of priceless embroidery, threw it over the nobleman's head and, in spite of sundry frenzied objections, effectually gagged him.

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

From this reading THE COUP Mr. Heatherbloom, with fingers deft as a sailor's, secured the prince.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading Then drawing the heavy curtains so that they almost concealed the bound figure in the dim recess, the young man stepped once more out into the salon.

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

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

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

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

the act of retaining something

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

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

From this reading How still it suddenly seemed!

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

From this reading Having completed this task, Mr. Heatherbloom next, with vandal hands, whipped from the wall a bit of priceless embroidery, threw it over the nobleman's head and, in spite of sundry frenzied objections, effectually gagged him.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Then drawing the heavy curtains so that they almost concealed the bound figure in the dim recess, the young man stepped once more out into the salon.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Having completed this task, Mr. Heatherbloom next, with vandal hands, whipped from the wall a bit of priceless embroidery, threw it over the nobleman's head and, in spite of sundry frenzied objections, effectually gagged him.

staying power

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

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

From this reading Then drawing the heavy curtains so that they almost concealed the bound figure in the dim recess, the young man stepped once more out into the salon.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Then drawing the heavy curtains so that they almost concealed the bound figure in the dim recess, the young man stepped once more out into the salon.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

a form of address for a man

From this reading THE COUP Mr. Heatherbloom, with fingers deft as a sailor's, secured the prince.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading Having completed this task, Mr. Heatherbloom next, with vandal hands, whipped from the wall a bit of priceless embroidery, threw it over the nobleman's head and, in spite of sundry frenzied objections, effectually gagged him.

possessive form of “nobleman” — a titled peer of the realm

From this reading Having completed this task, Mr. Heatherbloom next, with vandal hands, whipped from the wall a bit of priceless embroidery, threw it over the nobleman's head and, in spite of sundry frenzied objections, effectually gagged him.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

plural of “objection” — the act of expressing earnest opposition or protest

From this reading Having completed this task, Mr. Heatherbloom next, with vandal hands, whipped from the wall a bit of priceless embroidery, threw it over the nobleman's head and, in spite of sundry frenzied objections, effectually gagged him.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Having completed this task, Mr. Heatherbloom next, with vandal hands, whipped from the wall a bit of priceless embroidery, threw it over the nobleman's head and, in spite of sundry frenzied objections, effectually gagged him.

on one occasion

From this reading Then drawing the heavy curtains so that they almost concealed the bound figure in the dim recess, the young man stepped once more out into the salon.

any plant grown for its beauty or ornamental value

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Then drawing the heavy curtains so that they almost concealed the bound figure in the dim recess, the young man stepped once more out into the salon.

above and across; more than

From this reading Having completed this task, Mr. Heatherbloom next, with vandal hands, whipped from the wall a bit of priceless embroidery, threw it over the nobleman's head and, in spite of sundry frenzied objections, effectually gagged him.

concerned with actual use or practice

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

having incalculable monetary, intellectual, or spiritual worth

From this reading Having completed this task, Mr. Heatherbloom next, with vandal hands, whipped from the wall a bit of priceless embroidery, threw it over the nobleman's head and, in spite of sundry frenzied objections, effectually gagged him.

a male member of a royal family other than the sovereign (especially the son of a sovereign)

From this reading THE COUP Mr. Heatherbloom, with fingers deft as a sailor's, secured the prince.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

put into a recess

From this reading Then drawing the heavy curtains so that they almost concealed the bound figure in the dim recess, the young man stepped once more out into the salon.

possessive form of “sailor” — any member of a ship's crew

From this reading THE COUP Mr. Heatherbloom, with fingers deft as a sailor's, secured the prince.

gallery where works of art can be displayed

From this reading Then drawing the heavy curtains so that they almost concealed the bound figure in the dim recess, the young man stepped once more out into the salon.

only a very short time before

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

past form of “secure” — get by special effort

From this reading THE COUP Mr. Heatherbloom, with fingers deft as a sailor's, secured the prince.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading How still it suddenly seemed!

having a smooth, gleaming surface reflecting light

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

feeling a need to see others suffer

From this reading Having completed this task, Mr. Heatherbloom next, with vandal hands, whipped from the wall a bit of priceless embroidery, threw it over the nobleman's head and, in spite of sundry frenzied objections, effectually gagged him.

inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step

From this reading Then drawing the heavy curtains so that they almost concealed the bound figure in the dim recess, the young man stepped once more out into the salon.

not in physical motion

From this reading How still it suddenly seemed!

happening unexpectedly

From this reading How still it suddenly seemed!

be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds

From this reading Having completed this task, Mr. Heatherbloom next, with vandal hands, whipped from the wall a bit of priceless embroidery, threw it over the nobleman's head and, in spite of sundry frenzied objections, effectually gagged him.

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading Having completed this task, Mr. Heatherbloom next, with vandal hands, whipped from the wall a bit of priceless embroidery, threw it over the nobleman's head and, in spite of sundry frenzied objections, effectually gagged him.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Then drawing the heavy curtains so that they almost concealed the bound figure in the dim recess, the young man stepped once more out into the salon.

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

From this reading THE COUP Mr. Heatherbloom, with fingers deft as a sailor's, secured the prince.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then drawing the heavy curtains so that they almost concealed the bound figure in the dim recess, the young man stepped once more out into the salon.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Then drawing the heavy curtains so that they almost concealed the bound figure in the dim recess, the young man stepped once more out into the salon.

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

From this reading Having completed this task, Mr. Heatherbloom next, with vandal hands, whipped from the wall a bit of priceless embroidery, threw it over the nobleman's head and, in spite of sundry frenzied objections, effectually gagged him.

inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading Having completed this task, Mr. Heatherbloom next, with vandal hands, whipped from the wall a bit of priceless embroidery, threw it over the nobleman's head and, in spite of sundry frenzied objections, effectually gagged him.

in a tight or constricted manner

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

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

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

someone who willfully destroys or defaces property

From this reading Having completed this task, Mr. Heatherbloom next, with vandal hands, whipped from the wall a bit of priceless embroidery, threw it over the nobleman's head and, in spite of sundry frenzied objections, effectually gagged him.

an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading Having completed this task, Mr. Heatherbloom next, with vandal hands, whipped from the wall a bit of priceless embroidery, threw it over the nobleman's head and, in spite of sundry frenzied objections, effectually gagged him.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

inflected form of “whip” — beat severely with a whip or rod

From this reading Having completed this task, Mr. Heatherbloom next, with vandal hands, whipped from the wall a bit of priceless embroidery, threw it over the nobleman's head and, in spite of sundry frenzied objections, effectually gagged him.

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE COUP Mr. Heatherbloom, with fingers deft as a sailor's, secured the prince.

an injury to living tissue (especially an injury involving a cut or break in the skin)

From this reading The single silken band did not suffice; other cords, diverted from the ornamental to a like practical purpose, were wound around and around his excellency's legs and arms, holding him so tightly to the chair he could scarcely move.

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

From this reading Then drawing the heavy curtains so that they almost concealed the bound figure in the dim recess, the young man stepped once more out into the salon.