Chapter I

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

From this reading Two days after the holidays began, the four younger members of the Danvers family received a note summoning them to a secret meeting at half-past seven the next morning in the summer-house.

later than; following

From this reading Two days after the holidays began, the four younger members of the Danvers family received a note summoning them to a secret meeting at half-past seven the next morning in the summer-house.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading "Good-morning," she said, rising and shaking hands with them all round.

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

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

subject to appointment

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Two days after the holidays began, the four younger members of the Danvers family received a note summoning them to a secret meeting at half-past seven the next morning in the summer-house.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Two days after the holidays began, the four younger members of the Danvers family received a note summoning them to a secret meeting at half-past seven the next morning in the summer-house.

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

From this reading Two days after the holidays began, the four younger members of the Danvers family received a note summoning them to a secret meeting at half-past seven the next morning in the summer-house.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Two days after the holidays began, the four younger members of the Danvers family received a note summoning them to a secret meeting at half-past seven the next morning in the summer-house.

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

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

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

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

one or the other of two

From this reading "Helen, will you sit facing me, and Jim and Tommy at either side?"

hinge joint between the forearm and upper arm and the corresponding joint in the forelimb of a quadruped

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

a lining applied to the edge of a garment for ornamentation or strengthening

From this reading "Helen, will you sit facing me, and Jim and Tommy at either side?"

a social unit living together

From this reading Two days after the holidays began, the four younger members of the Danvers family received a note summoning them to a secret meeting at half-past seven the next morning in the summer-house.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

set up or found

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading Two days after the holidays began, the four younger members of the Danvers family received a note summoning them to a secret meeting at half-past seven the next morning in the summer-house.

a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

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

From this reading "Good-morning," she said, rising and shaking hands with them all round.

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

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

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

From this reading Two days after the holidays began, the four younger members of the Danvers family received a note summoning them to a secret meeting at half-past seven the next morning in the summer-house.

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

From this reading "Good-morning," she said, rising and shaking hands with them all round.

(Greek mythology) the beautiful daughter of Zeus and Leda who was abducted by Paris; the Greek army sailed to Troy to get her back which resulted in the Trojan War

From this reading "Helen, will you sit facing me, and Jim and Tommy at either side?"

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

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

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

plural of “holiday” — leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure

From this reading Two days after the holidays began, the four younger members of the Danvers family received a note summoning them to a secret meeting at half-past seven the next morning in the summer-house.

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

From this reading Two days after the holidays began, the four younger members of the Danvers family received a note summoning them to a secret meeting at half-past seven the next morning in the summer-house.

-ing form of “include” — have as a part, be made up out of

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

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

From this reading "Helen, will you sit facing me, and Jim and Tommy at either side?"

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading "Helen, will you sit facing me, and Jim and Tommy at either side?"

a formally arranged gathering

From this reading THE SECRET MEETING.

plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

From this reading Two days after the holidays began, the four younger members of the Danvers family received a note summoning them to a secret meeting at half-past seven the next morning in the summer-house.

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading Two days after the holidays began, the four younger members of the Danvers family received a note summoning them to a secret meeting at half-past seven the next morning in the summer-house.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading Two days after the holidays began, the four younger members of the Danvers family received a note summoning them to a secret meeting at half-past seven the next morning in the summer-house.

a brief written record

From this reading Two days after the holidays began, the four younger members of the Danvers family received a note summoning them to a secret meeting at half-past seven the next morning in the summer-house.

plural of “note” — a brief written record

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Two days after the holidays began, the four younger members of the Danvers family received a note summoning them to a secret meeting at half-past seven the next morning in the summer-house.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

a thin cylindrical pointed writing implement; a rod of marking substance encased in wood

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading Two days after the holidays began, the four younger members of the Danvers family received a note summoning them to a secret meeting at half-past seven the next morning in the summer-house.

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status

From this reading "Good-morning," she said, rising and shaking hands with them all round.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading "Good-morning," she said, rising and shaking hands with them all round.

characteristic of rural life

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Good-morning," she said, rising and shaking hands with them all round.

(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading THE SECRET MEETING.

the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one

From this reading Two days after the holidays began, the four younger members of the Danvers family received a note summoning them to a secret meeting at half-past seven the next morning in the summer-house.

the act of causing something to move up and down (or back and forth) with quick movements

From this reading "Good-morning," she said, rising and shaking hands with them all round.

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

From this reading "Good-morning," she said, rising and shaking hands with them all round.

any broad thin expanse or surface

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading "Helen, will you sit facing me, and Jim and Tommy at either side?"

be seated

From this reading "Helen, will you sit facing me, and Jim and Tommy at either side?"

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

From this reading Two days after the holidays began, the four younger members of the Danvers family received a note summoning them to a secret meeting at half-past seven the next morning in the summer-house.

calling up supposed supernatural forces by spells and incantations

From this reading Two days after the holidays began, the four younger members of the Danvers family received a note summoning them to a secret meeting at half-past seven the next morning in the summer-house.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

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

From this reading THE SECRET MEETING.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Two days after the holidays began, the four younger members of the Danvers family received a note summoning them to a secret meeting at half-past seven the next morning in the summer-house.

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

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

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

From this reading Two days after the holidays began, the four younger members of the Danvers family received a note summoning them to a secret meeting at half-past seven the next morning in the summer-house.

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

From this reading "Helen, will you sit facing me, and Jim and Tommy at either side?"

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Two days after the holidays began, the four younger members of the Danvers family received a note summoning them to a secret meeting at half-past seven the next morning in the summer-house.

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

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

at the time that

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

which person or people

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading "Helen, will you sit facing me, and Jim and Tommy at either side?"

in the company of; together with

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading Drusie, who had written and delivered the notes, including one to herself, was the first to reach the appointed place; and when, a few minutes later, the other three arrived, they found her seated at the rustic table with a sheet of paper and a pencil before her, and a glass of water at her elbow.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Helen, will you sit facing me, and Jim and Tommy at either side?"

used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father

From this reading Two days after the holidays began, the four younger members of the Danvers family received a note summoning them to a secret meeting at half-past seven the next morning in the summer-house.