Chapter XX · Chapter 20

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

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

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

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

united by being of the same opinion

From this reading LONDON AND BACK At nine that night the two, as agreed upon, met at Dring in the hotel stables.

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

From this reading LONDON AND BACK At nine that night the two, as agreed upon, met at Dring in the hotel stables.

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

From this reading LONDON AND BACK At nine that night the two, as agreed upon, met at Dring in the hotel stables.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading LONDON AND BACK At nine that night the two, as agreed upon, met at Dring in the hotel stables.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading LONDON AND BACK At nine that night the two, as agreed upon, met at Dring in the hotel stables.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading There had been no mishaps.

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

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading Punctually to the minute Jack climbed up beside the driver, the place of honour, and Acton swung himself up behind; the yard doors were flung open, and the gig rattled smartly out.

next to; at the side of

From this reading Punctually to the minute Jack climbed up beside the driver, the place of honour, and Acton swung himself up behind; the yard doors were flung open, and the gig rattled smartly out.

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

sung or uttered rhythmically in a monotone

From this reading The hotel proprietor had not chanted the praises of his horse in vain.

past form of “climb” — go upward with gradual or continuous progress

From this reading Punctually to the minute Jack climbed up beside the driver, the place of honour, and Acton swung himself up behind; the yard doors were flung open, and the gig rattled smartly out.

plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Punctually to the minute Jack climbed up beside the driver, the place of honour, and Acton swung himself up behind; the yard doors were flung open, and the gig rattled smartly out.

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

From this reading LONDON AND BACK At nine that night the two, as agreed upon, met at Dring in the hotel stables.

the operator of a motor vehicle

From this reading Punctually to the minute Jack climbed up beside the driver, the place of honour, and Acton swung himself up behind; the yard doors were flung open, and the gig rattled smartly out.

having ones attention or mind or energy engaged

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

plural of “fear” — an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight)

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

inflected form of “fling” — throw with force or recklessness

From this reading Punctually to the minute Jack climbed up beside the driver, the place of honour, and Acton swung himself up behind; the yard doors were flung open, and the gig rattled smartly out.

long and light rowing boat; especially for racing

From this reading Punctually to the minute Jack climbed up beside the driver, the place of honour, and Acton swung himself up behind; the yard doors were flung open, and the gig rattled smartly out.

educate for a future role or function

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

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

From this reading There had been no mishaps.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Punctually to the minute Jack climbed up beside the driver, the place of honour, and Acton swung himself up behind; the yard doors were flung open, and the gig rattled smartly out.

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

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

the state of being honored

From this reading Punctually to the minute Jack climbed up beside the driver, the place of honour, and Acton swung himself up behind; the yard doors were flung open, and the gig rattled smartly out.

solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services

From this reading LONDON AND BACK At nine that night the two, as agreed upon, met at Dring in the hotel stables.

possessive form of “hour” — a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

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

From this reading LONDON AND BACK At nine that night the two, as agreed upon, met at Dring in the hotel stables.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

a small worthless amount

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

full of or showing high-spirited merriment

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading LONDON AND BACK At nine that night the two, as agreed upon, met at Dring in the hotel stables.

(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

inflected form of “meet” — come together

From this reading LONDON AND BACK At nine that night the two, as agreed upon, met at Dring in the hotel stables.

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

From this reading Punctually to the minute Jack climbed up beside the driver, the place of honour, and Acton swung himself up behind; the yard doors were flung open, and the gig rattled smartly out.

plural of “mishap” — an unpredictable outcome that is unfortunate

From this reading There had been no mishaps.

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

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading LONDON AND BACK At nine that night the two, as agreed upon, met at Dring in the hotel stables.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one

From this reading LONDON AND BACK At nine that night the two, as agreed upon, met at Dring in the hotel stables.

not any; not one

From this reading There had been no mishaps.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The hotel proprietor had not chanted the praises of his horse in vain.

keep busy with

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading Punctually to the minute Jack climbed up beside the driver, the place of honour, and Acton swung himself up behind; the yard doors were flung open, and the gig rattled smartly out.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Punctually to the minute Jack climbed up beside the driver, the place of honour, and Acton swung himself up behind; the yard doors were flung open, and the gig rattled smartly out.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Punctually to the minute Jack climbed up beside the driver, the place of honour, and Acton swung himself up behind; the yard doors were flung open, and the gig rattled smartly out.

plural of “pleasure” — a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

plural of “praise” — an expression of approval and commendation

From this reading The hotel proprietor had not chanted the praises of his horse in vain.

(law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business

From this reading The hotel proprietor had not chanted the praises of his horse in vain.

at the expected or proper time

From this reading Punctually to the minute Jack climbed up beside the driver, the place of honour, and Acton swung himself up behind; the yard doors were flung open, and the gig rattled smartly out.

hitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putter

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

thrown into a state of agitated confusion; (“rattled” is an informal term)

From this reading Punctually to the minute Jack climbed up beside the driver, the place of honour, and Acton swung himself up behind; the yard doors were flung open, and the gig rattled smartly out.

a rapid series of short loud sounds (as might be heard with a stethoscope in some types of respiratory disorders)

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

cut with a saw

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

showing mental alertness and calculation and resourcefulness

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

in a clever manner

From this reading Punctually to the minute Jack climbed up beside the driver, the place of honour, and Acton swung himself up behind; the yard doors were flung open, and the gig rattled smartly out.

revolve quickly and repeatedly around one's own axis

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

plural of “stable” — a farm building for housing horses or other livestock

From this reading LONDON AND BACK At nine that night the two, as agreed upon, met at Dring in the hotel stables.

inflected form of “swing” — move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting

From this reading Punctually to the minute Jack climbed up beside the driver, the place of honour, and Acton swung himself up behind; the yard doors were flung open, and the gig rattled smartly out.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading LONDON AND BACK At nine that night the two, as agreed upon, met at Dring in the hotel stables.

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

From this reading LONDON AND BACK At nine that night the two, as agreed upon, met at Dring in the hotel stables.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There had been no mishaps.

plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

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

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

a device in which something (usually an animal) can be caught and penned

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

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

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

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

From this reading LONDON AND BACK At nine that night the two, as agreed upon, met at Dring in the hotel stables.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Punctually to the minute Jack climbed up beside the driver, the place of honour, and Acton swung himself up behind; the yard doors were flung open, and the gig rattled smartly out.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading LONDON AND BACK At nine that night the two, as agreed upon, met at Dring in the hotel stables.

characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

From this reading The hotel proprietor had not chanted the praises of his horse in vain.

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

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

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

From this reading Punctually to the minute Jack climbed up beside the driver, the place of honour, and Acton swung himself up behind; the yard doors were flung open, and the gig rattled smartly out.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

at the time that

From this reading The groom was busy putting the horse into the trap, and, when Jack saw what a really smart turn-out Acton had engaged, his fears began to occupy less of his thoughts and the pleasures of a rattling hour's spin a jolly lot more.

a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading Punctually to the minute Jack climbed up beside the driver, the place of honour, and Acton swung himself up behind; the yard doors were flung open, and the gig rattled smartly out.