1888
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "You've no idea what a poor opinion I have of myself, and how little I deserve it."--_Ruddigore_.
a person or thing that is a resource that helps make something easier or possible to do
From this reading I could not help thinking that, as they filed off, the ladies looked like queens; while we (especially with the aid of the serviettes) looked like waiters.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "You've no idea what a poor opinion I have of myself, and how little I deserve it."--_Ruddigore_.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading I could not help thinking that, as they filed off, the ladies looked like queens; while we (especially with the aid of the serviettes) looked like waiters.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading We were standing round the dining-room table, each with a dinner-napkin in the left hand; while the right hand was occupied in moving back chairs, to permit of the departure of the ladies for the drawing-room.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
brilliantlyadverbUS /ˈbrɪljəntli/
with brightness
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
placed in a grave
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
ceiling-lamp
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
plural of “chair” — a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading We were standing round the dining-room table, each with a dinner-napkin in the left hand; while the right hand was occupied in moving back chairs, to permit of the departure of the ladies for the drawing-room.
commenceverbUS /kəˈmens/
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading I could not help thinking that, as they filed off, the ladies looked like queens; while we (especially with the aid of the serviettes) looked like waiters.
dankadjectiveUS /dæŋk/
unpleasantly cool and humid
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
the act of departing
From this reading We were standing round the dining-room table, each with a dinner-napkin in the left hand; while the right hand was occupied in moving back chairs, to permit of the departure of the ladies for the drawing-room.
deserveverbUS /dɪˈzɜːrv/
be worthy or deserving
From this reading "You've no idea what a poor opinion I have of myself, and how little I deserve it."--_Ruddigore_.
dining-roomnoun
a room used for dining
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
dinner-napkin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We were standing round the dining-room table, each with a dinner-napkin in the left hand; while the right hand was occupied in moving back chairs, to permit of the departure of the ladies for the drawing-room.
dismaladjectiveUS /ˈdɪzməl/
causing dejection
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We were standing round the dining-room table, each with a dinner-napkin in the left hand; while the right hand was occupied in moving back chairs, to permit of the departure of the ladies for the drawing-room.
drearyadjectiveUS /ˈdrɪri/
lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading The gentlemen drew their chairs round the host, and wine was languidly passed round.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading We were standing round the dining-room table, each with a dinner-napkin in the left hand; while the right hand was occupied in moving back chairs, to permit of the departure of the ladies for the drawing-room.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading I could not help thinking that, as they filed off, the ladies looked like queens; while we (especially with the aid of the serviettes) looked like waiters.
FebruarynounUS /ˈfebjəweri/
the month following January and preceding March
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
filedverbUS /faɪld/
past form of “file” — record in a public office or in a court of law
From this reading I could not help thinking that, as they filed off, the ladies looked like queens; while we (especially with the aid of the serviettes) looked like waiters.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading We were standing round the dining-room table, each with a dinner-napkin in the left hand; while the right hand was occupied in moving back chairs, to permit of the departure of the ladies for the drawing-room.
plural of “gentleman” — a man of refinement
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading We were standing round the dining-room table, each with a dinner-napkin in the left hand; while the right hand was occupied in moving back chairs, to permit of the departure of the ladies for the drawing-room.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading "You've no idea what a poor opinion I have of myself, and how little I deserve it."--_Ruddigore_.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading I could not help thinking that, as they filed off, the ladies looked like queens; while we (especially with the aid of the serviettes) looked like waiters.
a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there
From this reading The gentlemen drew their chairs round the host, and wine was languidly passed round.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "You've no idea what a poor opinion I have of myself, and how little I deserve it."--_Ruddigore_.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "You've no idea what a poor opinion I have of myself, and how little I deserve it."--_Ruddigore_.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading "You've no idea what a poor opinion I have of myself, and how little I deserve it."--_Ruddigore_.
illuminatedadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈluːməneɪtəd/
provided with artificial light
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "You've no idea what a poor opinion I have of myself, and how little I deserve it."--_Ruddigore_.
plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading We were standing round the dining-room table, each with a dinner-napkin in the left hand; while the right hand was occupied in moving back chairs, to permit of the departure of the ladies for the drawing-room.
languidlyadverb
in a languid and lethargic manner
From this reading The gentlemen drew their chairs round the host, and wine was languidly passed round.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading We were standing round the dining-room table, each with a dinner-napkin in the left hand; while the right hand was occupied in moving back chairs, to permit of the departure of the ladies for the drawing-room.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading I could not help thinking that, as they filed off, the ladies looked like queens; while we (especially with the aid of the serviettes) looked like waiters.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading "You've no idea what a poor opinion I have of myself, and how little I deserve it."--_Ruddigore_.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading I could not help thinking that, as they filed off, the ladies looked like queens; while we (especially with the aid of the serviettes) looked like waiters.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
in motion
From this reading We were standing round the dining-room table, each with a dinner-napkin in the left hand; while the right hand was occupied in moving back chairs, to permit of the departure of the ladies for the drawing-room.
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading "You've no idea what a poor opinion I have of myself, and how little I deserve it."--_Ruddigore_.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
not any; not one
From this reading "You've no idea what a poor opinion I have of myself, and how little I deserve it."--_Ruddigore_.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading I could not help thinking that, as they filed off, the ladies looked like queens; while we (especially with the aid of the serviettes) looked like waiters.
held or filled or in use
From this reading We were standing round the dining-room table, each with a dinner-napkin in the left hand; while the right hand was occupied in moving back chairs, to permit of the departure of the ladies for the drawing-room.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading "You've no idea what a poor opinion I have of myself, and how little I deserve it."--_Ruddigore_.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading I could not help thinking that, as they filed off, the ladies looked like queens; while we (especially with the aid of the serviettes) looked like waiters.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty
From this reading "You've no idea what a poor opinion I have of myself, and how little I deserve it."--_Ruddigore_.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading The gentlemen drew their chairs round the host, and wine was languidly passed round.
a legal document giving official permission to do something
From this reading We were standing round the dining-room table, each with a dinner-napkin in the left hand; while the right hand was occupied in moving back chairs, to permit of the departure of the ladies for the drawing-room.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading "You've no idea what a poor opinion I have of myself, and how little I deserve it."--_Ruddigore_.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
queensnounUS /kwiːnz/
a borough of New York City
From this reading I could not help thinking that, as they filed off, the ladies looked like queens; while we (especially with the aid of the serviettes) looked like waiters.
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
precisely, exactly
From this reading We were standing round the dining-room table, each with a dinner-napkin in the left hand; while the right hand was occupied in moving back chairs, to permit of the departure of the ladies for the drawing-room.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading We were standing round the dining-room table, each with a dinner-napkin in the left hand; while the right hand was occupied in moving back chairs, to permit of the departure of the ladies for the drawing-room.
Ruddigore
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "You've no idea what a poor opinion I have of myself, and how little I deserve it."--_Ruddigore_.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
serviettes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I could not help thinking that, as they filed off, the ladies looked like queens; while we (especially with the aid of the serviettes) looked like waiters.
relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
sombreadjective
lacking brightness or color; dull
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
having a supporting base
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading We were standing round the dining-room table, each with a dinner-napkin in the left hand; while the right hand was occupied in moving back chairs, to permit of the departure of the ladies for the drawing-room.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The gentlemen drew their chairs round the host, and wine was languidly passed round.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading I could not help thinking that, as they filed off, the ladies looked like queens; while we (especially with the aid of the serviettes) looked like waiters.
the process of using your mind to consider something carefully
From this reading I could not help thinking that, as they filed off, the ladies looked like queens; while we (especially with the aid of the serviettes) looked like waiters.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
waitersnounUS /ˈweɪtərz/
plural of “waiter” — a person whose occupation is to serve at table (as in a restaurant)
From this reading I could not help thinking that, as they filed off, the ladies looked like queens; while we (especially with the aid of the serviettes) looked like waiters.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading We were standing round the dining-room table, each with a dinner-napkin in the left hand; while the right hand was occupied in moving back chairs, to permit of the departure of the ladies for the drawing-room.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading We were standing round the dining-room table, each with a dinner-napkin in the left hand; while the right hand was occupied in moving back chairs, to permit of the departure of the ladies for the drawing-room.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading "You've no idea what a poor opinion I have of myself, and how little I deserve it."--_Ruddigore_.
at the time that
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading We were standing round the dining-room table, each with a dinner-napkin in the left hand; while the right hand was occupied in moving back chairs, to permit of the departure of the ladies for the drawing-room.
fermented juice (of grapes especially)
From this reading The gentlemen drew their chairs round the host, and wine was languidly passed round.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading It was one dark, dank, dreary, dismal night in February, 1888 (I believe that is the way to commence a book, no matter what the subject be), when the present writer might have been seen standing, with other gentlemen, in a sombre dining-room brilliantly illuminated with one ceiling-lamp buried in a deep red shade.
You've
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "You've no idea what a poor opinion I have of myself, and how little I deserve it."--_Ruddigore_.
