Chapter XVII · Mine and Countermine

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

From this reading It was broad daylight when the tinkling of a little bell aroused Nadia.

someone who assists a priest or minister in a liturgical service; a cleric ordained in the highest of the minor orders in the Roman Catholic Church but not in the Anglican Church or the Eastern Orthodox Churches

From this reading A priest, followed by a youthful acolyte, was picking his way across the square towards the gate--not the Greek pope of the village, but a Roman Catholic priest from Boloszjen, the town from which the doctor came--and it was the boy who was ringing the bell she had heard.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading A priest, followed by a youthful acolyte, was picking his way across the square towards the gate--not the Greek pope of the village, but a Roman Catholic priest from Boloszjen, the town from which the doctor came--and it was the boy who was ringing the bell she had heard.

work in an administrative capacity; supervise or be in charge of

From this reading Divining at once that the priest had been summoned to administer the last sacraments to her mother, she hastened down-stairs, to find the O’Malachy and the travelled waiter talking in low voices in the passage.

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

From this reading Rising stiff and cramped from the uncomfortable position in which she had fallen asleep, kneeling beside her bed, she went to the window, which looked into the courtyard of the inn.

aroused to action

From this reading It was broad daylight when the tinkling of a little bell aroused Nadia.

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading “And the gracious young lady was not even awakened?” she heard the waiter ask.

in a state of sleep

From this reading Rising stiff and cramped from the uncomfortable position in which she had fallen asleep, kneeling beside her bed, she went to the window, which looked into the courtyard of the inn.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Divining at once that the priest had been summoned to administer the last sacraments to her mother, she hastened down-stairs, to find the O’Malachy and the travelled waiter talking in low voices in the passage.

aroused or activated

From this reading “And the gracious young lady was not even awakened?” she heard the waiter ask.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading Rising stiff and cramped from the uncomfortable position in which she had fallen asleep, kneeling beside her bed, she went to the window, which looked into the courtyard of the inn.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Divining at once that the priest had been summoned to administer the last sacraments to her mother, she hastened down-stairs, to find the O’Malachy and the travelled waiter talking in low voices in the passage.

a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck

From this reading It was broad daylight when the tinkling of a little bell aroused Nadia.

next to; at the side of

From this reading Rising stiff and cramped from the uncomfortable position in which she had fallen asleep, kneeling beside her bed, she went to the window, which looked into the courtyard of the inn.

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

From this reading A priest, followed by a youthful acolyte, was picking his way across the square towards the gate--not the Greek pope of the village, but a Roman Catholic priest from Boloszjen, the town from which the doctor came--and it was the boy who was ringing the bell she had heard.

a youthful male person

From this reading A priest, followed by a youthful acolyte, was picking his way across the square towards the gate--not the Greek pope of the village, but a Roman Catholic priest from Boloszjen, the town from which the doctor came--and it was the boy who was ringing the bell she had heard.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading It was broad daylight when the tinkling of a little bell aroused Nadia.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading A priest, followed by a youthful acolyte, was picking his way across the square towards the gate--not the Greek pope of the village, but a Roman Catholic priest from Boloszjen, the town from which the doctor came--and it was the boy who was ringing the bell she had heard.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading A priest, followed by a youthful acolyte, was picking his way across the square towards the gate--not the Greek pope of the village, but a Roman Catholic priest from Boloszjen, the town from which the doctor came--and it was the boy who was ringing the bell she had heard.

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

From this reading A priest, followed by a youthful acolyte, was picking his way across the square towards the gate--not the Greek pope of the village, but a Roman Catholic priest from Boloszjen, the town from which the doctor came--and it was the boy who was ringing the bell she had heard.

of or relating to or supporting Catholicism

From this reading A priest, followed by a youthful acolyte, was picking his way across the square towards the gate--not the Greek pope of the village, but a Roman Catholic priest from Boloszjen, the town from which the doctor came--and it was the boy who was ringing the bell she had heard.

An unroofed area that is completely or partially enclosed by the walls of a house.

From this reading Rising stiff and cramped from the uncomfortable position in which she had fallen asleep, kneeling beside her bed, she went to the window, which looked into the courtyard of the inn.

constricted in size

From this reading Rising stiff and cramped from the uncomfortable position in which she had fallen asleep, kneeling beside her bed, she went to the window, which looked into the courtyard of the inn.

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

From this reading It was broad daylight when the tinkling of a little bell aroused Nadia.

-ing form of “divine” — perceive intuitively or through some inexplicable perceptive powers

From this reading Divining at once that the priest had been summoned to administer the last sacraments to her mother, she hastened down-stairs, to find the O’Malachy and the travelled waiter talking in low voices in the passage.

a licensed medical practitioner

From this reading A priest, followed by a youthful acolyte, was picking his way across the square towards the gate--not the Greek pope of the village, but a Roman Catholic priest from Boloszjen, the town from which the doctor came--and it was the boy who was ringing the bell she had heard.

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

From this reading Divining at once that the priest had been summoned to administer the last sacraments to her mother, she hastened down-stairs, to find the O’Malachy and the travelled waiter talking in low voices in the passage.

divisible by two

From this reading “And the gracious young lady was not even awakened?” she heard the waiter ask.

having dropped by the force of gravity

From this reading Rising stiff and cramped from the uncomfortable position in which she had fallen asleep, kneeling beside her bed, she went to the window, which looked into the courtyard of the inn.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading Divining at once that the priest had been summoned to administer the last sacraments to her mother, she hastened down-stairs, to find the O’Malachy and the travelled waiter talking in low voices in the passage.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading A priest, followed by a youthful acolyte, was picking his way across the square towards the gate--not the Greek pope of the village, but a Roman Catholic priest from Boloszjen, the town from which the doctor came--and it was the boy who was ringing the bell she had heard.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Rising stiff and cramped from the uncomfortable position in which she had fallen asleep, kneeling beside her bed, she went to the window, which looked into the courtyard of the inn.

a movable barrier in a fence or wall

From this reading A priest, followed by a youthful acolyte, was picking his way across the square towards the gate--not the Greek pope of the village, but a Roman Catholic priest from Boloszjen, the town from which the doctor came--and it was the boy who was ringing the bell she had heard.

characterized by charm, good taste, and generosity of spirit

From this reading “And the gracious young lady was not even awakened?” she heard the waiter ask.

the Hellenic branch of the Indo-European family of languages

From this reading A priest, followed by a youthful acolyte, was picking his way across the square towards the gate--not the Greek pope of the village, but a Roman Catholic priest from Boloszjen, the town from which the doctor came--and it was the boy who was ringing the bell she had heard.

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

From this reading Rising stiff and cramped from the uncomfortable position in which she had fallen asleep, kneeling beside her bed, she went to the window, which looked into the courtyard of the inn.

past form of “hasten” — act or move at high speed

From this reading Divining at once that the priest had been summoned to administer the last sacraments to her mother, she hastened down-stairs, to find the O’Malachy and the travelled waiter talking in low voices in the passage.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading A priest, followed by a youthful acolyte, was picking his way across the square towards the gate--not the Greek pope of the village, but a Roman Catholic priest from Boloszjen, the town from which the doctor came--and it was the boy who was ringing the bell she had heard.

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

From this reading Rising stiff and cramped from the uncomfortable position in which she had fallen asleep, kneeling beside her bed, she went to the window, which looked into the courtyard of the inn.

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

From this reading A priest, followed by a youthful acolyte, was picking his way across the square towards the gate--not the Greek pope of the village, but a Roman Catholic priest from Boloszjen, the town from which the doctor came--and it was the boy who was ringing the bell she had heard.

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

From this reading Rising stiff and cramped from the uncomfortable position in which she had fallen asleep, kneeling beside her bed, she went to the window, which looked into the courtyard of the inn.

a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers

From this reading Rising stiff and cramped from the uncomfortable position in which she had fallen asleep, kneeling beside her bed, she went to the window, which looked into the courtyard of the inn.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Rising stiff and cramped from the uncomfortable position in which she had fallen asleep, kneeling beside her bed, she went to the window, which looked into the courtyard of the inn.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was broad daylight when the tinkling of a little bell aroused Nadia.

supporting yourself on your knees

From this reading Rising stiff and cramped from the uncomfortable position in which she had fallen asleep, kneeling beside her bed, she went to the window, which looked into the courtyard of the inn.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading “And the gracious young lady was not even awakened?” she heard the waiter ask.

immediately past

From this reading Divining at once that the priest had been summoned to administer the last sacraments to her mother, she hastened down-stairs, to find the O’Malachy and the travelled waiter talking in low voices in the passage.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading It was broad daylight when the tinkling of a little bell aroused Nadia.

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

From this reading Rising stiff and cramped from the uncomfortable position in which she had fallen asleep, kneeling beside her bed, she went to the window, which looked into the courtyard of the inn.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Divining at once that the priest had been summoned to administer the last sacraments to her mother, she hastened down-stairs, to find the O’Malachy and the travelled waiter talking in low voices in the passage.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading Divining at once that the priest had been summoned to administer the last sacraments to her mother, she hastened down-stairs, to find the O’Malachy and the travelled waiter talking in low voices in the passage.

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

From this reading It was broad daylight when the tinkling of a little bell aroused Nadia.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading A priest, followed by a youthful acolyte, was picking his way across the square towards the gate--not the Greek pope of the village, but a Roman Catholic priest from Boloszjen, the town from which the doctor came--and it was the boy who was ringing the bell she had heard.

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

From this reading Divining at once that the priest had been summoned to administer the last sacraments to her mother, she hastened down-stairs, to find the O’Malachy and the travelled waiter talking in low voices in the passage.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was broad daylight when the tinkling of a little bell aroused Nadia.

on one occasion

From this reading Divining at once that the priest had been summoned to administer the last sacraments to her mother, she hastened down-stairs, to find the O’Malachy and the travelled waiter talking in low voices in the passage.

the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading Divining at once that the priest had been summoned to administer the last sacraments to her mother, she hastened down-stairs, to find the O’Malachy and the travelled waiter talking in low voices in the passage.

the quantity of a crop that is harvested

From this reading A priest, followed by a youthful acolyte, was picking his way across the square towards the gate--not the Greek pope of the village, but a Roman Catholic priest from Boloszjen, the town from which the doctor came--and it was the boy who was ringing the bell she had heard.

the head of the Roman Catholic Church

From this reading A priest, followed by a youthful acolyte, was picking his way across the square towards the gate--not the Greek pope of the village, but a Roman Catholic priest from Boloszjen, the town from which the doctor came--and it was the boy who was ringing the bell she had heard.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading Rising stiff and cramped from the uncomfortable position in which she had fallen asleep, kneeling beside her bed, she went to the window, which looked into the courtyard of the inn.

a clergyman in Christian churches who has the authority to perform or administer various religious rites; one of the Holy Orders

From this reading A priest, followed by a youthful acolyte, was picking his way across the square towards the gate--not the Greek pope of the village, but a Roman Catholic priest from Boloszjen, the town from which the doctor came--and it was the boy who was ringing the bell she had heard.

the sound of a bell ringing

From this reading A priest, followed by a youthful acolyte, was picking his way across the square towards the gate--not the Greek pope of the village, but a Roman Catholic priest from Boloszjen, the town from which the doctor came--and it was the boy who was ringing the bell she had heard.

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status

From this reading Rising stiff and cramped from the uncomfortable position in which she had fallen asleep, kneeling beside her bed, she went to the window, which looked into the courtyard of the inn.

relating to or characteristic of people of Rome

From this reading A priest, followed by a youthful acolyte, was picking his way across the square towards the gate--not the Greek pope of the village, but a Roman Catholic priest from Boloszjen, the town from which the doctor came--and it was the boy who was ringing the bell she had heard.

plural of “sacrament” — a formal religious ceremony conferring a specific grace on those who receive it

From this reading Divining at once that the priest had been summoned to administer the last sacraments to her mother, she hastened down-stairs, to find the O’Malachy and the travelled waiter talking in low voices in the passage.

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

From this reading Rising stiff and cramped from the uncomfortable position in which she had fallen asleep, kneeling beside her bed, she went to the window, which looked into the courtyard of the inn.

make square

From this reading A priest, followed by a youthful acolyte, was picking his way across the square towards the gate--not the Greek pope of the village, but a Roman Catholic priest from Boloszjen, the town from which the doctor came--and it was the boy who was ringing the bell she had heard.

not moving or operating freely

From this reading Rising stiff and cramped from the uncomfortable position in which she had fallen asleep, kneeling beside her bed, she went to the window, which looked into the courtyard of the inn.

past form of “summon” — call in an official matter, such as to attend court

From this reading Divining at once that the priest had been summoned to administer the last sacraments to her mother, she hastened down-stairs, to find the O’Malachy and the travelled waiter talking in low voices in the passage.

an exchange of ideas via conversation

From this reading Divining at once that the priest had been summoned to administer the last sacraments to her mother, she hastened down-stairs, to find the O’Malachy and the travelled waiter talking in low voices in the passage.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Divining at once that the priest had been summoned to administer the last sacraments to her mother, she hastened down-stairs, to find the O’Malachy and the travelled waiter talking in low voices in the passage.

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

From this reading It was broad daylight when the tinkling of a little bell aroused Nadia.

like the short high ringing sound of a small bell

From this reading It was broad daylight when the tinkling of a little bell aroused Nadia.

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

From this reading Rising stiff and cramped from the uncomfortable position in which she had fallen asleep, kneeling beside her bed, she went to the window, which looked into the courtyard of the inn.

in the direction of

From this reading A priest, followed by a youthful acolyte, was picking his way across the square towards the gate--not the Greek pope of the village, but a Roman Catholic priest from Boloszjen, the town from which the doctor came--and it was the boy who was ringing the bell she had heard.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading A priest, followed by a youthful acolyte, was picking his way across the square towards the gate--not the Greek pope of the village, but a Roman Catholic priest from Boloszjen, the town from which the doctor came--and it was the boy who was ringing the bell she had heard.

familiar with many parts of the world

From this reading Divining at once that the priest had been summoned to administer the last sacraments to her mother, she hastened down-stairs, to find the O’Malachy and the travelled waiter talking in low voices in the passage.

conducive to or feeling mental discomfort

From this reading Rising stiff and cramped from the uncomfortable position in which she had fallen asleep, kneeling beside her bed, she went to the window, which looked into the courtyard of the inn.

a community of people smaller than a town

From this reading A priest, followed by a youthful acolyte, was picking his way across the square towards the gate--not the Greek pope of the village, but a Roman Catholic priest from Boloszjen, the town from which the doctor came--and it was the boy who was ringing the bell she had heard.

plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading Divining at once that the priest had been summoned to administer the last sacraments to her mother, she hastened down-stairs, to find the O’Malachy and the travelled waiter talking in low voices in the passage.

a person whose occupation is to serve at table (as in a restaurant)

From this reading Divining at once that the priest had been summoned to administer the last sacraments to her mother, she hastened down-stairs, to find the O’Malachy and the travelled waiter talking in low voices in the passage.

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

From this reading It was broad daylight when the tinkling of a little bell aroused Nadia.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading A priest, followed by a youthful acolyte, was picking his way across the square towards the gate--not the Greek pope of the village, but a Roman Catholic priest from Boloszjen, the town from which the doctor came--and it was the boy who was ringing the bell she had heard.

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

From this reading Rising stiff and cramped from the uncomfortable position in which she had fallen asleep, kneeling beside her bed, she went to the window, which looked into the courtyard of the inn.

at the time that

From this reading It was broad daylight when the tinkling of a little bell aroused Nadia.

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

From this reading Rising stiff and cramped from the uncomfortable position in which she had fallen asleep, kneeling beside her bed, she went to the window, which looked into the courtyard of the inn.

which person or people

From this reading A priest, followed by a youthful acolyte, was picking his way across the square towards the gate--not the Greek pope of the village, but a Roman Catholic priest from Boloszjen, the town from which the doctor came--and it was the boy who was ringing the bell she had heard.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading Rising stiff and cramped from the uncomfortable position in which she had fallen asleep, kneeling beside her bed, she went to the window, which looked into the courtyard of the inn.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading “And the gracious young lady was not even awakened?” she heard the waiter ask.

suggestive of youth; vigorous and fresh

From this reading A priest, followed by a youthful acolyte, was picking his way across the square towards the gate--not the Greek pope of the village, but a Roman Catholic priest from Boloszjen, the town from which the doctor came--and it was the boy who was ringing the bell she had heard.