used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE RIFLED SAFE Later on, in the small hours, the young couple had a further _tête-à-tête_.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Quietly they stole away to a secluded corner where they could whisper away to their hearts’ content, and were safe from interruption.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
celebratedadjectiveUS /ˈseləbreɪtɪd/
widely known and esteemed
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something
From this reading Quietly they stole away to a secluded corner where they could whisper away to their hearts’ content, and were safe from interruption.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading Quietly they stole away to a secluded corner where they could whisper away to their hearts’ content, and were safe from interruption.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Quietly they stole away to a secluded corner where they could whisper away to their hearts’ content, and were safe from interruption.
a pair who associate with one another
From this reading THE RIFLED SAFE Later on, in the small hours, the young couple had a further _tête-à-tête_.
a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
Deanerynoun
the official residence of a dean
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
someone who is a detective
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
entertainmentsnounUS /ˌentərˈteɪnmənts/
plural of “entertainment” — an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
exchangedadjectiveUS /ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒd/
changed for (replaced by) something different
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
a social unit living together
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
featurenounUS /ˈfiːtʃər/
a prominent attribute or aspect of something
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Quietly they stole away to a secluded corner where they could whisper away to their hearts’ content, and were safe from interruption.
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading THE RIFLED SAFE Later on, in the small hours, the young couple had a further _tête-à-tête_.
a young female
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THE RIFLED SAFE Later on, in the small hours, the young couple had a further _tête-à-tête_.
a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades
From this reading Quietly they stole away to a secluded corner where they could whisper away to their hearts’ content, and were safe from interruption.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading THE RIFLED SAFE Later on, in the small hours, the young couple had a further _tête-à-tête_.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE RIFLED SAFE Later on, in the small hours, the young couple had a further _tête-à-tête_.
inclinationsnounUS /ˌɪnkləˈneɪʃənz/
plural of “inclination” — an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
interruptionnounUS /ˌɪntərˈʌpʃən/
an act of delaying or interrupting the continuity
From this reading Quietly they stole away to a secluded corner where they could whisper away to their hearts’ content, and were safe from interruption.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading THE RIFLED SAFE Later on, in the small hours, the young couple had a further _tête-à-tête_.
leisurenounUS /ˈleʒər/
time available for ease and relaxation
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
the message that is intended or expressed or signified
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
melodynounUS /ˈmelədi/
a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
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 The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
plural of “note” — a brief written record
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE RIFLED SAFE Later on, in the small hours, the young couple had a further _tête-à-tête_.
an open or empty space in or between things
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
(of games) engaged in
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
in the near future
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
proceedingnounUS /prəˈsiːdɪŋ/
(law) the institution of a sequence of steps by which legal judgments are invoked
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
pursuingadjectiveUS /pərˈsuːɪŋ/
following in order to overtake or capture or as accompaniment to such pursuit
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
with low volume
From this reading Quietly they stole away to a secluded corner where they could whisper away to their hearts’ content, and were safe from interruption.
Richard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
RIFLEDadjectiveUS /ˈraɪfəld/
of a firearm; having rifling or internal spiral grooves inside the barrel
From this reading THE RIFLED SAFE Later on, in the small hours, the young couple had a further _tête-à-tête_.
free from danger or the risk of harm
From this reading THE RIFLED SAFE Later on, in the small hours, the young couple had a further _tête-à-tête_.
screwnounUS /skruː/
someone who guards prisoners
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
secludedadjectiveUS /sɪˈkluːdɪd/
hidden from general view or use
From this reading Quietly they stole away to a secluded corner where they could whisper away to their hearts’ content, and were safe from interruption.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
ludicrous, foolish
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading THE RIFLED SAFE Later on, in the small hours, the young couple had a further _tête-à-tête_.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
stickingadjectiveUS /ˈstɪkɪŋ/
extending out above or beyond a surface or boundary
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
a wide scarf worn about their shoulders by women
From this reading Quietly they stole away to a secluded corner where they could whisper away to their hearts’ content, and were safe from interruption.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
sweetheartnounUS /ˈswiːthɑːrt/
a person loved by another person
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE RIFLED SAFE Later on, in the small hours, the young couple had a further _tête-à-tête_.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Quietly they stole away to a secluded corner where they could whisper away to their hearts’ content, and were safe from interruption.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
tête-à-tête
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE RIFLED SAFE Later on, in the small hours, the young couple had a further _tête-à-tête_.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
violinistnounUS /vaɪəˈlɪnəst/
a musician who plays the violin
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
wailingnounUS /ˈweɪlɪŋ/
loud cries made while weeping
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
in or at the place that
From this reading Quietly they stole away to a secluded corner where they could whisper away to their hearts’ content, and were safe from interruption.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading The members of the family had done their duty by their several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for a while.
speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cords
From this reading Quietly they stole away to a secluded corner where they could whisper away to their hearts’ content, and were safe from interruption.
in the company of; together with
From this reading A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning glance with his sweetheart.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading THE RIFLED SAFE Later on, in the small hours, the young couple had a further _tête-à-tête_.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice, pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little time.
