used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The afternoon was drawing to its close when a carriage halted in front of the Fontenay house.
speak to
From this reading "Ask him in," he said, for he recalled having given his address to a lapidary for the delivery of a purchase.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading The afternoon was drawing to its close when a carriage halted in front of the Fontenay house.
anew
From this reading Then, as the bell was rung furiously again, they peered through the peep-hole cut into the wall, and perceived a man, concealed, from neck to waist, behind an immense gold buckler.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Then, as the bell was rung furiously again, they peered through the peep-hole cut into the wall, and perceived a man, concealed, from neck to waist, behind an immense gold buckler.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Since Des Esseintes received no visitors, and since the postman never even ventured into these uninhabited parts, having no occasion to deliver any papers, magazines or letters, the servants hesitated before opening the door.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Since Des Esseintes received no visitors, and since the postman never even ventured into these uninhabited parts, having no occasion to deliver any papers, magazines or letters, the servants hesitated before opening the door.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Then, as the bell was rung furiously again, they peered through the peep-hole cut into the wall, and perceived a man, concealed, from neck to waist, behind an immense gold buckler.
make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading "Ask him in," he said, for he recalled having given his address to a lapidary for the delivery of a purchase.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Since Des Esseintes received no visitors, and since the postman never even ventured into these uninhabited parts, having no occasion to deliver any papers, magazines or letters, the servants hesitated before opening the door.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Then, as the bell was rung furiously again, they peered through the peep-hole cut into the wall, and perceived a man, concealed, from neck to waist, behind an immense gold buckler.
a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck
From this reading Then, as the bell was rung furiously again, they peered through the peep-hole cut into the wall, and perceived a man, concealed, from neck to waist, behind an immense gold buckler.
breakfasting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They informed their master, who was breakfasting.
bucklernounUS /ˈbʌkələr/
armor carried on the arm to intercept blows
From this reading Then, as the bell was rung furiously again, they peered through the peep-hole cut into the wall, and perceived a man, concealed, from neck to waist, behind an immense gold buckler.
a railcar where passengers ride
From this reading The afternoon was drawing to its close when a carriage halted in front of the Fontenay house.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading The afternoon was drawing to its close when a carriage halted in front of the Fontenay house.
not accessible to view
From this reading Then, as the bell was rung furiously again, they peered through the peep-hole cut into the wall, and perceived a man, concealed, from neck to waist, behind an immense gold buckler.
separate with or as if with an instrument
From this reading Then, as the bell was rung furiously again, they peered through the peep-hole cut into the wall, and perceived a man, concealed, from neck to waist, behind an immense gold buckler.
deliververbUS /dɪˈlɪvər/
deliver (a speech, oration, or idea)
From this reading Since Des Esseintes received no visitors, and since the postman never even ventured into these uninhabited parts, having no occasion to deliver any papers, magazines or letters, the servants hesitated before opening the door.
deliverynounUS /dɪˈlɪvəri/
the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)
From this reading "Ask him in," he said, for he recalled having given his address to a lapidary for the delivery of a purchase.
DesnounUS /des/
a potent estrogen used in medicine and in feed for livestock and poultry
From this reading Since Des Esseintes received no visitors, and since the postman never even ventured into these uninhabited parts, having no occasion to deliver any papers, magazines or letters, the servants hesitated before opening the door.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading Since Des Esseintes received no visitors, and since the postman never even ventured into these uninhabited parts, having no occasion to deliver any papers, magazines or letters, the servants hesitated before opening the door.
an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper
From this reading The afternoon was drawing to its close when a carriage halted in front of the Fontenay house.
Esseintes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Since Des Esseintes received no visitors, and since the postman never even ventured into these uninhabited parts, having no occasion to deliver any papers, magazines or letters, the servants hesitated before opening the door.
divisible by two
From this reading Since Des Esseintes received no visitors, and since the postman never even ventured into these uninhabited parts, having no occasion to deliver any papers, magazines or letters, the servants hesitated before opening the door.
Fontenay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The afternoon was drawing to its close when a carriage halted in front of the Fontenay house.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading "Ask him in," he said, for he recalled having given his address to a lapidary for the delivery of a purchase.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Then, as the bell was rung furiously again, they peered through the peep-hole cut into the wall, and perceived a man, concealed, from neck to waist, behind an immense gold buckler.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading The afternoon was drawing to its close when a carriage halted in front of the Fontenay house.
furiouslyadverbUS /ˈfjʊriəsli/
(of the elements) in a wild and stormy manner
From this reading Then, as the bell was rung furiously again, they peered through the peep-hole cut into the wall, and perceived a man, concealed, from neck to waist, behind an immense gold buckler.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading "Ask him in," he said, for he recalled having given his address to a lapidary for the delivery of a purchase.
coins made of gold
From this reading Then, as the bell was rung furiously again, they peered through the peep-hole cut into the wall, and perceived a man, concealed, from neck to waist, behind an immense gold buckler.
haltedverbUS /ˈhɔːltəd/
past form of “halt” — cause to stop
From this reading The afternoon was drawing to its close when a carriage halted in front of the Fontenay house.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Since Des Esseintes received no visitors, and since the postman never even ventured into these uninhabited parts, having no occasion to deliver any papers, magazines or letters, the servants hesitated before opening the door.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "Ask him in," he said, for he recalled having given his address to a lapidary for the delivery of a purchase.
past form of “hesitate” — pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness
From this reading Since Des Esseintes received no visitors, and since the postman never even ventured into these uninhabited parts, having no occasion to deliver any papers, magazines or letters, the servants hesitated before opening the door.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "Ask him in," he said, for he recalled having given his address to a lapidary for the delivery of a purchase.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading "Ask him in," he said, for he recalled having given his address to a lapidary for the delivery of a purchase.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading The afternoon was drawing to its close when a carriage halted in front of the Fontenay house.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading Then, as the bell was rung furiously again, they peered through the peep-hole cut into the wall, and perceived a man, concealed, from neck to waist, behind an immense gold buckler.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The afternoon was drawing to its close when a carriage halted in front of the Fontenay house.
having much knowledge or education
From this reading They informed their master, who was breakfasting.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Since Des Esseintes received no visitors, and since the postman never even ventured into these uninhabited parts, having no occasion to deliver any papers, magazines or letters, the servants hesitated before opening the door.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The afternoon was drawing to its close when a carriage halted in front of the Fontenay house.
lapidarynounUS /ˈlæpəderi/
an expert on precious stones and the art of cutting and engraving them
From this reading "Ask him in," he said, for he recalled having given his address to a lapidary for the delivery of a purchase.
the literary culture
From this reading Since Des Esseintes received no visitors, and since the postman never even ventured into these uninhabited parts, having no occasion to deliver any papers, magazines or letters, the servants hesitated before opening the door.
magazinesnounUS /ˈmæɡəziːnz/
plural of “magazine” — a periodic publication containing pictures and stories and articles of interest to those who purchase it or subscribe to it
From this reading Since Des Esseintes received no visitors, and since the postman never even ventured into these uninhabited parts, having no occasion to deliver any papers, magazines or letters, the servants hesitated before opening the door.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Then, as the bell was rung furiously again, they peered through the peep-hole cut into the wall, and perceived a man, concealed, from neck to waist, behind an immense gold buckler.
an artist of consummate skill
From this reading They informed their master, who was breakfasting.
the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body
From this reading Then, as the bell was rung furiously again, they peered through the peep-hole cut into the wall, and perceived a man, concealed, from neck to waist, behind an immense gold buckler.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Since Des Esseintes received no visitors, and since the postman never even ventured into these uninhabited parts, having no occasion to deliver any papers, magazines or letters, the servants hesitated before opening the door.
not any; not one
From this reading Since Des Esseintes received no visitors, and since the postman never even ventured into these uninhabited parts, having no occasion to deliver any papers, magazines or letters, the servants hesitated before opening the door.
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading Since Des Esseintes received no visitors, and since the postman never even ventured into these uninhabited parts, having no occasion to deliver any papers, magazines or letters, the servants hesitated before opening the door.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The afternoon was drawing to its close when a carriage halted in front of the Fontenay house.
an open or empty space in or between things
From this reading Since Des Esseintes received no visitors, and since the postman never even ventured into these uninhabited parts, having no occasion to deliver any papers, magazines or letters, the servants hesitated before opening the door.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Since Des Esseintes received no visitors, and since the postman never even ventured into these uninhabited parts, having no occasion to deliver any papers, magazines or letters, the servants hesitated before opening the door.
writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)
From this reading Since Des Esseintes received no visitors, and since the postman never even ventured into these uninhabited parts, having no occasion to deliver any papers, magazines or letters, the servants hesitated before opening the door.
the local environment
From this reading Since Des Esseintes received no visitors, and since the postman never even ventured into these uninhabited parts, having no occasion to deliver any papers, magazines or letters, the servants hesitated before opening the door.
peep-hole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then, as the bell was rung furiously again, they peered through the peep-hole cut into the wall, and perceived a man, concealed, from neck to waist, behind an immense gold buckler.
peeredverbUS /pɪrd/
past form of “peer” — look searchingly
From this reading Then, as the bell was rung furiously again, they peered through the peep-hole cut into the wall, and perceived a man, concealed, from neck to waist, behind an immense gold buckler.
detected by instinct or inference rather than by recognized perceptual cues
From this reading Then, as the bell was rung furiously again, they peered through the peep-hole cut into the wall, and perceived a man, concealed, from neck to waist, behind an immense gold buckler.
postmannounUS /ˈpoʊstmən/
a man who delivers the mail
From this reading Since Des Esseintes received no visitors, and since the postman never even ventured into these uninhabited parts, having no occasion to deliver any papers, magazines or letters, the servants hesitated before opening the door.
purchasenounUS /ˈpɜːrtʃəs/
the acquisition of something for payment
From this reading "Ask him in," he said, for he recalled having given his address to a lapidary for the delivery of a purchase.
past form of “recall” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection
From this reading "Ask him in," he said, for he recalled having given his address to a lapidary for the delivery of a purchase.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading Since Des Esseintes received no visitors, and since the postman never even ventured into these uninhabited parts, having no occasion to deliver any papers, magazines or letters, the servants hesitated before opening the door.
rungnounUS /rʌŋ/
a crosspiece between the legs of a chair
From this reading Then, as the bell was rung furiously again, they peered through the peep-hole cut into the wall, and perceived a man, concealed, from neck to waist, behind an immense gold buckler.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "Ask him in," he said, for he recalled having given his address to a lapidary for the delivery of a purchase.
plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading Since Des Esseintes received no visitors, and since the postman never even ventured into these uninhabited parts, having no occasion to deliver any papers, magazines or letters, the servants hesitated before opening the door.
SinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Since Des Esseintes received no visitors, and since the postman never even ventured into these uninhabited parts, having no occasion to deliver any papers, magazines or letters, the servants hesitated before opening the door.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The afternoon was drawing to its close when a carriage halted in front of the Fontenay house.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading They informed their master, who was breakfasting.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Then, as the bell was rung furiously again, they peered through the peep-hole cut into the wall, and perceived a man, concealed, from neck to waist, behind an immense gold buckler.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Since Des Esseintes received no visitors, and since the postman never even ventured into these uninhabited parts, having no occasion to deliver any papers, magazines or letters, the servants hesitated before opening the door.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Then, as the bell was rung furiously again, they peered through the peep-hole cut into the wall, and perceived a man, concealed, from neck to waist, behind an immense gold buckler.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Then, as the bell was rung furiously again, they peered through the peep-hole cut into the wall, and perceived a man, concealed, from neck to waist, behind an immense gold buckler.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The afternoon was drawing to its close when a carriage halted in front of the Fontenay house.
uninhabitedadjectiveUS /ˌʌnɪnˈhæbətɪd/
not having inhabitants; not lived in
From this reading Since Des Esseintes received no visitors, and since the postman never even ventured into these uninhabited parts, having no occasion to deliver any papers, magazines or letters, the servants hesitated before opening the door.
past form of “venture” — proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers
From this reading Since Des Esseintes received no visitors, and since the postman never even ventured into these uninhabited parts, having no occasion to deliver any papers, magazines or letters, the servants hesitated before opening the door.
plural of “visitor” — someone who visits
From this reading Since Des Esseintes received no visitors, and since the postman never even ventured into these uninhabited parts, having no occasion to deliver any papers, magazines or letters, the servants hesitated before opening the door.
the narrowing of the body between the ribs and hips
From this reading Then, as the bell was rung furiously again, they peered through the peep-hole cut into the wall, and perceived a man, concealed, from neck to waist, behind an immense gold buckler.
an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading Then, as the bell was rung furiously again, they peered through the peep-hole cut into the wall, and perceived a man, concealed, from neck to waist, behind an immense gold buckler.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The afternoon was drawing to its close when a carriage halted in front of the Fontenay house.
at the time that
From this reading The afternoon was drawing to its close when a carriage halted in front of the Fontenay house.
which person or people
From this reading They informed their master, who was breakfasting.
