Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

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

From this reading "Is yon maid ever a-coming with the victuals?" she inquired in a rather harsh treble voice.

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

From this reading The woman sat bolt upright, an enormous, full basket on the table at her right hand, and did not appear to care in the least whether she were seen or not.

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

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

eagerly desirous

From this reading The man kept his hat drawn over his face, and slunk close into the corner as though he were anxious not to be seen.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The woman sat bolt upright, an enormous, full basket on the table at her right hand, and did not appear to care in the least whether she were seen or not.

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

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The woman sat bolt upright, an enormous, full basket on the table at her right hand, and did not appear to care in the least whether she were seen or not.

a container that is usually woven and has handles

From this reading The woman sat bolt upright, an enormous, full basket on the table at her right hand, and did not appear to care in the least whether she were seen or not.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading The man kept his hat drawn over his face, and slunk close into the corner as though he were anxious not to be seen.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

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

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

a discharge of lightning accompanied by thunder

From this reading The woman sat bolt upright, an enormous, full basket on the table at her right hand, and did not appear to care in the least whether she were seen or not.

an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something

From this reading The woman sat bolt upright, an enormous, full basket on the table at her right hand, and did not appear to care in the least whether she were seen or not.

showing careful forethought

From this reading "Do hush, Tabby!" said the man in the most cautious of whispers.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

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

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading The man kept his hat drawn over his face, and slunk close into the corner as though he were anxious not to be seen.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading The woman sat bolt upright, an enormous, full basket on the table at her right hand, and did not appear to care in the least whether she were seen or not.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading "Do hush, Tabby!" said the man in the most cautious of whispers.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading The man kept his hat drawn over his face, and slunk close into the corner as though he were anxious not to be seen.

extraordinarily large in size or extent or amount or power or degree

From this reading The woman sat bolt upright, an enormous, full basket on the table at her right hand, and did not appear to care in the least whether she were seen or not.

at any time

From this reading "Is yon maid ever a-coming with the victuals?" she inquired in a rather harsh treble voice.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading The man kept his hat drawn over his face, and slunk close into the corner as though he were anxious not to be seen.

provide as food

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

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

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading The woman sat bolt upright, an enormous, full basket on the table at her right hand, and did not appear to care in the least whether she were seen or not.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

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

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading The woman sat bolt upright, an enormous, full basket on the table at her right hand, and did not appear to care in the least whether she were seen or not.

unpleasantly stern

From this reading "Is yon maid ever a-coming with the victuals?" she inquired in a rather harsh treble voice.

headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim

From this reading The man kept his hat drawn over his face, and slunk close into the corner as though he were anxious not to be seen.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

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

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading The woman sat bolt upright, an enormous, full basket on the table at her right hand, and did not appear to care in the least whether she were seen or not.

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

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

become quiet or still; fall silent

From this reading "Do hush, Tabby!" said the man in the most cautious of whispers.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

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

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

past form of “inquire” — address a question to and expect an answer from

From this reading "Is yon maid ever a-coming with the victuals?" she inquired in a rather harsh treble voice.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

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

From this reading "Is yon maid ever a-coming with the victuals?" she inquired in a rather harsh treble voice.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading The man kept his hat drawn over his face, and slunk close into the corner as though he were anxious not to be seen.

a room equipped for preparing meals

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading The woman sat bolt upright, an enormous, full basket on the table at her right hand, and did not appear to care in the least whether she were seen or not.

a female domestic

From this reading "Is yon maid ever a-coming with the victuals?" she inquired in a rather harsh treble voice.

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

From this reading The man kept his hat drawn over his face, and slunk close into the corner as though he were anxious not to be seen.

belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

used to form the superlative

From this reading "Do hush, Tabby!" said the man in the most cautious of whispers.

a form of address for a man

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The woman sat bolt upright, an enormous, full basket on the table at her right hand, and did not appear to care in the least whether she were seen or not.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The woman sat bolt upright, an enormous, full basket on the table at her right hand, and did not appear to care in the least whether she were seen or not.

above and across; more than

From this reading The man kept his hat drawn over his face, and slunk close into the corner as though he were anxious not to be seen.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

an expression consisting of one or more words forming a grammatical constituent of a sentence

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

on the contrary

From this reading "Is yon maid ever a-coming with the victuals?" she inquired in a rather harsh treble voice.

provided with a secure reputation

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

tending to return to an earlier state

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

precisely, exactly

From this reading The woman sat bolt upright, an enormous, full basket on the table at her right hand, and did not appear to care in the least whether she were seen or not.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Do hush, Tabby!" said the man in the most cautious of whispers.

Identical; not different.

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading The woman sat bolt upright, an enormous, full basket on the table at her right hand, and did not appear to care in the least whether she were seen or not.

(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading The man kept his hat drawn over his face, and slunk close into the corner as though he were anxious not to be seen.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The woman sat bolt upright, an enormous, full basket on the table at her right hand, and did not appear to care in the least whether she were seen or not.

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

From this reading The man kept his hat drawn over his face, and slunk close into the corner as though he were anxious not to be seen.

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

a small amount of liquid food

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

a cat with a grey or tawny coat mottled with black

From this reading "Do hush, Tabby!" said the man in the most cautious of whispers.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading The woman sat bolt upright, an enormous, full basket on the table at her right hand, and did not appear to care in the least whether she were seen or not.

a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

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

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

in or at that place or location

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading The man kept his hat drawn over his face, and slunk close into the corner as though he were anxious not to be seen.

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

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

having or denoting a high range

From this reading "Is yon maid ever a-coming with the victuals?" she inquired in a rather harsh treble voice.

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

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

in a vertical position; not sloping

From this reading The woman sat bolt upright, an enormous, full basket on the table at her right hand, and did not appear to care in the least whether she were seen or not.

a stock or supply of foods

From this reading "Is yon maid ever a-coming with the victuals?" she inquired in a rather harsh treble voice.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading "Is yon maid ever a-coming with the victuals?" she inquired in a rather harsh treble voice.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

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

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading The woman sat bolt upright, an enormous, full basket on the table at her right hand, and did not appear to care in the least whether she were seen or not.

plural of “whisper” — speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cords

From this reading "Do hush, Tabby!" said the man in the most cautious of whispers.

which person or people

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

in the company of; together with

From this reading "Is yon maid ever a-coming with the victuals?" she inquired in a rather harsh treble voice.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading The woman sat bolt upright, an enormous, full basket on the table at her right hand, and did not appear to care in the least whether she were seen or not.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading If Mr Benden had not been in a brown study as he went into the Chequers to "sup his four-hours"--in modern phrase, to have his tea--and to give his horse a rest and feed before returning home, he would certainly have recognised two people who were seated in a dark corner of the inn kitchen, and had come there for the same purpose.

distant but within sight (“yon” is dialectal)

From this reading "Is yon maid ever a-coming with the victuals?" she inquired in a rather harsh treble voice.