Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading As Lord Standon had said, few knew his origin or his business; but, in reality, his antecedents were of a very ordinary nature.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Stepping hastily into the vehicle, he held up two fingers to the chauffeur, who apparently needed no other instructions; for the car glided off, and Vermont, as he passed the club, looked up at the windows with an ugly smile.

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

From this reading He looked at his watch, and was surprised at the lateness of the hour.

plural of “antecedent” — someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)

From this reading As Lord Standon had said, few knew his origin or his business; but, in reality, his antecedents were of a very ordinary nature.

from appearances alone

From this reading Stepping hastily into the vehicle, he held up two fingers to the chauffeur, who apparently needed no other instructions; for the car glided off, and Vermont, as he passed the club, looked up at the windows with an ugly smile.

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

From this reading Stepping hastily into the vehicle, he held up two fingers to the chauffeur, who apparently needed no other instructions; for the car glided off, and Vermont, as he passed the club, looked up at the windows with an ugly smile.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Outside the club door, Vermont's motor was drawn up at the side waiting for him.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading As Lord Standon had said, few knew his origin or his business; but, in reality, his antecedents were of a very ordinary nature.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading As Lord Standon had said, few knew his origin or his business; but, in reality, his antecedents were of a very ordinary nature.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine

From this reading Stepping hastily into the vehicle, he held up two fingers to the chauffeur, who apparently needed no other instructions; for the car glided off, and Vermont, as he passed the club, looked up at the windows with an ugly smile.

a man paid to drive a privately owned car

From this reading Stepping hastily into the vehicle, he held up two fingers to the chauffeur, who apparently needed no other instructions; for the car glided off, and Vermont, as he passed the club, looked up at the windows with an ugly smile.

a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together

From this reading Outside the club door, Vermont's motor was drawn up at the side waiting for him.

the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Outside the club door, Vermont's motor was drawn up at the side waiting for him.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading Outside the club door, Vermont's motor was drawn up at the side waiting for him.

be identical or equivalent to

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

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

From this reading As Lord Standon had said, few knew his origin or his business; but, in reality, his antecedents were of a very ordinary nature.

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

From this reading Stepping hastily into the vehicle, he held up two fingers to the chauffeur, who apparently needed no other instructions; for the car glided off, and Vermont, as he passed the club, looked up at the windows with an ugly smile.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Outside the club door, Vermont's motor was drawn up at the side waiting for him.

past form of “glide” — move smoothly and effortlessly

From this reading Stepping hastily into the vehicle, he held up two fingers to the chauffeur, who apparently needed no other instructions; for the car glided off, and Vermont, as he passed the club, looked up at the windows with an ugly smile.

past form of “gloss” — give a shine or gloss to, usually by rubbing

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

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

From this reading As Lord Standon had said, few knew his origin or his business; but, in reality, his antecedents were of a very ordinary nature.

in a hurried or hasty manner

From this reading Stepping hastily into the vehicle, he held up two fingers to the chauffeur, who apparently needed no other instructions; for the car glided off, and Vermont, as he passed the club, looked up at the windows with an ugly smile.

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

From this reading He looked at his watch, and was surprised at the lateness of the hour.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading Stepping hastily into the vehicle, he held up two fingers to the chauffeur, who apparently needed no other instructions; for the car glided off, and Vermont, as he passed the club, looked up at the windows with an ugly smile.

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

From this reading Outside the club door, Vermont's motor was drawn up at the side waiting for him.

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

From this reading He looked at his watch, and was surprised at the lateness of the hour.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading He looked at his watch, and was surprised at the lateness of the hour.

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

From this reading As Lord Standon had said, few knew his origin or his business; but, in reality, his antecedents were of a very ordinary nature.

a manual usually accompanying a technical device and explaining how to install or operate it

From this reading Stepping hastily into the vehicle, he held up two fingers to the chauffeur, who apparently needed no other instructions; for the car glided off, and Vermont, as he passed the club, looked up at the windows with an ugly smile.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Stepping hastily into the vehicle, he held up two fingers to the chauffeur, who apparently needed no other instructions; for the car glided off, and Vermont, as he passed the club, looked up at the windows with an ugly smile.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading As Lord Standon had said, few knew his origin or his business; but, in reality, his antecedents were of a very ordinary nature.

quality of coming late or later in time

From this reading He looked at his watch, and was surprised at the lateness of the hour.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading He looked at his watch, and was surprised at the lateness of the hour.

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading As Lord Standon had said, few knew his origin or his business; but, in reality, his antecedents were of a very ordinary nature.

engage in

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

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

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

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

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

mix together different elements

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion

From this reading Outside the club door, Vermont's motor was drawn up at the side waiting for him.

as follows

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading As Lord Standon had said, few knew his origin or his business; but, in reality, his antecedents were of a very ordinary nature.

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading Stepping hastily into the vehicle, he held up two fingers to the chauffeur, who apparently needed no other instructions; for the car glided off, and Vermont, as he passed the club, looked up at the windows with an ugly smile.

not any; not one

From this reading Stepping hastily into the vehicle, he held up two fingers to the chauffeur, who apparently needed no other instructions; for the car glided off, and Vermont, as he passed the club, looked up at the windows with an ugly smile.

a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

come into possession of

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He looked at his watch, and was surprised at the lateness of the hour.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Stepping hastily into the vehicle, he held up two fingers to the chauffeur, who apparently needed no other instructions; for the car glided off, and Vermont, as he passed the club, looked up at the windows with an ugly smile.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

and nothing more

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading As Lord Standon had said, few knew his origin or his business; but, in reality, his antecedents were of a very ordinary nature.

a judge of a probate court

From this reading As Lord Standon had said, few knew his origin or his business; but, in reality, his antecedents were of a very ordinary nature.

the place where something begins, where it springs into being

From this reading As Lord Standon had said, few knew his origin or his business; but, in reality, his antecedents were of a very ordinary nature.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Stepping hastily into the vehicle, he held up two fingers to the chauffeur, who apparently needed no other instructions; for the car glided off, and Vermont, as he passed the club, looked up at the windows with an ugly smile.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading Outside the club door, Vermont's motor was drawn up at the side waiting for him.

above and across; more than

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading Stepping hastily into the vehicle, he held up two fingers to the chauffeur, who apparently needed no other instructions; for the car glided off, and Vermont, as he passed the club, looked up at the windows with an ugly smile.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

possession of controlling influence

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you

From this reading As Lord Standon had said, few knew his origin or his business; but, in reality, his antecedents were of a very ordinary nature.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading As Lord Standon had said, few knew his origin or his business; but, in reality, his antecedents were of a very ordinary nature.

plural of “scandal” — disgraceful gossip about the private lives of other people

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

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

From this reading Outside the club door, Vermont's motor was drawn up at the side waiting for him.

change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure

From this reading Stepping hastily into the vehicle, he held up two fingers to the chauffeur, who apparently needed no other instructions; for the car glided off, and Vermont, as he passed the club, looked up at the windows with an ugly smile.

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

a petitioner who solicits contributions or trade or votes

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

a male human offspring

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

morally degraded

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

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

From this reading As Lord Standon had said, few knew his origin or his business; but, in reality, his antecedents were of a very ordinary nature.

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

From this reading Stepping hastily into the vehicle, he held up two fingers to the chauffeur, who apparently needed no other instructions; for the car glided off, and Vermont, as he passed the club, looked up at the windows with an ugly smile.

taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment

From this reading He looked at his watch, and was surprised at the lateness of the hour.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

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

From this reading Outside the club door, Vermont's motor was drawn up at the side waiting for him.

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

From this reading Stepping hastily into the vehicle, he held up two fingers to the chauffeur, who apparently needed no other instructions; for the car glided off, and Vermont, as he passed the club, looked up at the windows with an ugly smile.

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

From this reading Stepping hastily into the vehicle, he held up two fingers to the chauffeur, who apparently needed no other instructions; for the car glided off, and Vermont, as he passed the club, looked up at the windows with an ugly smile.

displeasing to the senses

From this reading Stepping hastily into the vehicle, he held up two fingers to the chauffeur, who apparently needed no other instructions; for the car glided off, and Vermont, as he passed the club, looked up at the windows with an ugly smile.

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

From this reading Outside the club door, Vermont's motor was drawn up at the side waiting for him.

a conveyance that transports people or objects

From this reading Stepping hastily into the vehicle, he held up two fingers to the chauffeur, who apparently needed no other instructions; for the car glided off, and Vermont, as he passed the club, looked up at the windows with an ugly smile.

a state in New England

From this reading Stepping hastily into the vehicle, he held up two fingers to the chauffeur, who apparently needed no other instructions; for the car glided off, and Vermont, as he passed the club, looked up at the windows with an ugly smile.

possessive form of “vermont” — a state in New England

From this reading Outside the club door, Vermont's motor was drawn up at the side waiting for him.

precisely as stated

From this reading As Lord Standon had said, few knew his origin or his business; but, in reality, his antecedents were of a very ordinary nature.

the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)

From this reading Outside the club door, Vermont's motor was drawn up at the side waiting for him.

desired or wished for or sought

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

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

From this reading Outside the club door, Vermont's motor was drawn up at the side waiting for him.

look attentively

From this reading He looked at his watch, and was surprised at the lateness of the hour.

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

From this reading As Lord Standon had said, few knew his origin or his business; but, in reality, his antecedents were of a very ordinary nature.

at the time that

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading He was the son of a solicitor who had lived with but one object in his sordid life, namely, the desire to make his son a man of position with the power to mix as an equal among that portion of society which only came to Malcolm Vermont when it wanted its scandals glossed over, or to obtain money.

which person or people

From this reading Stepping hastily into the vehicle, he held up two fingers to the chauffeur, who apparently needed no other instructions; for the car glided off, and Vermont, as he passed the club, looked up at the windows with an ugly smile.

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading Stepping hastily into the vehicle, he held up two fingers to the chauffeur, who apparently needed no other instructions; for the car glided off, and Vermont, as he passed the club, looked up at the windows with an ugly smile.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Stepping hastily into the vehicle, he held up two fingers to the chauffeur, who apparently needed no other instructions; for the car glided off, and Vermont, as he passed the club, looked up at the windows with an ugly smile.