used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Knapp, consequently, turned his full attention towards her, using in his attack that oldest and subtlest weapon against the sex--flattery.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading And with the lightest of bows, Knapp drew off and passed as quickly as he could, without attracting attention, round the corner to the confectioner's.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading And with the lightest of bows, Knapp drew off and passed as quickly as he could, without attracting attention, round the corner to the confectioner's.
(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
From this reading Here his attack was warier.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading And with the lightest of bows, Knapp drew off and passed as quickly as he could, without attracting attention, round the corner to the confectioner's.
attractingverbUS /əˈtræktɪŋ/
-ing form of “attract” — direct toward itself or oneself by means of some psychological power or physical attributes
From this reading And with the lightest of bows, Knapp drew off and passed as quickly as he could, without attracting attention, round the corner to the confectioner's.
awedadjectiveUS /ɔːd/
inspired by a feeling of fearful wonderment or reverence
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Sally Loton was behind the counter with her husband, and they had evidently been talking the matter over very confidentially.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Sally Loton was behind the counter with her husband, and they had evidently been talking the matter over very confidentially.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
bowsnounUS /baʊz/
plural of “bow” — a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces
From this reading And with the lightest of bows, Knapp drew off and passed as quickly as he could, without attracting attention, round the corner to the confectioner's.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
confectioner's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And with the lightest of bows, Knapp drew off and passed as quickly as he could, without attracting attention, round the corner to the confectioner's.
confidencesnounUS /ˈkɑːnfədənsɪz/
plural of “confidence” — freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
confidentiallyadverbUS /ˌkɑːnfəˈdenʃəli/
in a confidential manner
From this reading Sally Loton was behind the counter with her husband, and they had evidently been talking the matter over very confidentially.
consequentlyadverbUS /ˈkɑːnsəkwəntli/
(sentence connectors) because of the reason given
From this reading Knapp, consequently, turned his full attention towards her, using in his attack that oldest and subtlest weapon against the sex--flattery.
persuaded of; very sure
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading And with the lightest of bows, Knapp drew off and passed as quickly as he could, without attracting attention, round the corner to the confectioner's.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading And with the lightest of bows, Knapp drew off and passed as quickly as he could, without attracting attention, round the corner to the confectioner's.
counternounUS /ˈkaʊntər/
table consisting of a horizontal surface over which business is transacted
From this reading Sally Loton was behind the counter with her husband, and they had evidently been talking the matter over very confidentially.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading And with the lightest of bows, Knapp drew off and passed as quickly as he could, without attracting attention, round the corner to the confectioner's.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading Sally Loton was behind the counter with her husband, and they had evidently been talking the matter over very confidentially.
the organ of sight
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
flatterynounUS /ˈflætəri/
excessive or insincere praise
From this reading Knapp, consequently, turned his full attention towards her, using in his attack that oldest and subtlest weapon against the sex--flattery.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading Knapp, consequently, turned his full attention towards her, using in his attack that oldest and subtlest weapon against the sex--flattery.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Sally Loton was behind the counter with her husband, and they had evidently been talking the matter over very confidentially.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading And with the lightest of bows, Knapp drew off and passed as quickly as he could, without attracting attention, round the corner to the confectioner's.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Sally Loton was behind the counter with her husband, and they had evidently been talking the matter over very confidentially.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Here his attack was warier.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Here his attack was warier.
a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading Sally Loton was behind the counter with her husband, and they had evidently been talking the matter over very confidentially.
impartverbUS /ˌɪmˈpɑːrt/
transmit (knowledge or skills)
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
Knapp
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And with the lightest of bows, Knapp drew off and passed as quickly as he could, without attracting attention, round the corner to the confectioner's.
evidencing the possession of inside information
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
lady'snounUS /ˈleɪdiz/
possessive form of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
lightestadjectiveUS /ˈlaɪtəst/
superlative of “light” — of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading And with the lightest of bows, Knapp drew off and passed as quickly as he could, without attracting attention, round the corner to the confectioner's.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
Loton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sally Loton was behind the counter with her husband, and they had evidently been talking the matter over very confidentially.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Sally Loton was behind the counter with her husband, and they had evidently been talking the matter over very confidentially.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading And with the lightest of bows, Knapp drew off and passed as quickly as he could, without attracting attention, round the corner to the confectioner's.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading And with the lightest of bows, Knapp drew off and passed as quickly as he could, without attracting attention, round the corner to the confectioner's.
oldestadjectiveUS /ˈoʊldəst/
superlative of “old” — (used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Knapp, consequently, turned his full attention towards her, using in his attack that oldest and subtlest weapon against the sex--flattery.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Sally Loton was behind the counter with her husband, and they had evidently been talking the matter over very confidentially.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading And with the lightest of bows, Knapp drew off and passed as quickly as he could, without attracting attention, round the corner to the confectioner's.
in the near future
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
with speed
From this reading And with the lightest of bows, Knapp drew off and passed as quickly as he could, without attracting attention, round the corner to the confectioner's.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading And with the lightest of bows, Knapp drew off and passed as quickly as he could, without attracting attention, round the corner to the confectioner's.
witty remark
From this reading Sally Loton was behind the counter with her husband, and they had evidently been talking the matter over very confidentially.
activities associated with sexual intercourse
From this reading Knapp, consequently, turned his full attention towards her, using in his attack that oldest and subtlest weapon against the sex--flattery.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
stridentadjectiveUS /ˈstraɪdənt/
conspicuously and offensively loud; given to vehement outcry
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
subtlest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Knapp, consequently, turned his full attention towards her, using in his attack that oldest and subtlest weapon against the sex--flattery.
past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
surprisingadjectiveUS /sərˈpraɪzɪŋ/
causing surprise or wonder or amazement
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
an exchange of ideas via conversation
From this reading Sally Loton was behind the counter with her husband, and they had evidently been talking the matter over very confidentially.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading And with the lightest of bows, Knapp drew off and passed as quickly as he could, without attracting attention, round the corner to the confectioner's.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Sally Loton was behind the counter with her husband, and they had evidently been talking the matter over very confidentially.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading And with the lightest of bows, Knapp drew off and passed as quickly as he could, without attracting attention, round the corner to the confectioner's.
in the direction of
From this reading Knapp, consequently, turned his full attention towards her, using in his attack that oldest and subtlest weapon against the sex--flattery.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading Knapp, consequently, turned his full attention towards her, using in his attack that oldest and subtlest weapon against the sex--flattery.
unwillingadjectiveUS /ənˈwɪlɪŋ/
not disposed or inclined toward
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
an act that exploits or victimizes someone (treats them unfairly)
From this reading Knapp, consequently, turned his full attention towards her, using in his attack that oldest and subtlest weapon against the sex--flattery.
precisely as stated
From this reading Sally Loton was behind the counter with her husband, and they had evidently been talking the matter over very confidentially.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
warier
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here his attack was warier.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Here his attack was warier.
any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting
From this reading Knapp, consequently, turned his full attention towards her, using in his attack that oldest and subtlest weapon against the sex--flattery.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading But Knapp was not to be awed by her small, keen eye or strident voice, and presently succeeded in surprising a knowing look on the lady's face, which convinced him that in the confidences between husband and wife a name had been used which she appeared to be less unwilling to impart than he.
in the company of; together with
From this reading And with the lightest of bows, Knapp drew off and passed as quickly as he could, without attracting attention, round the corner to the confectioner's.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading And with the lightest of bows, Knapp drew off and passed as quickly as he could, without attracting attention, round the corner to the confectioner's.
