Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading The ancient port of Sunwich was basking in the sunshine of a July afternoon.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading The ancient port of Sunwich was basking in the sunshine of a July afternoon.

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading The ancient port of Sunwich was basking in the sunshine of a July afternoon.

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

From this reading A rattle of cranes and winches sounded from the shipping in the harbour, but the town itself was half asleep.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

characterized by intense emotion

From this reading Somnolent shopkeepers in dim back parlours coyly veiled their faces in red handkerchiefs from the too ardent flies, while small boys left in charge noticed listlessly the slow passing of time as recorded by the church clock.

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

From this reading Somnolent shopkeepers in dim back parlours coyly veiled their faces in red handkerchiefs from the too ardent flies, while small boys left in charge noticed listlessly the slow passing of time as recorded by the church clock.

in a state of sleep

From this reading A rattle of cranes and winches sounded from the shipping in the harbour, but the town itself was half asleep.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Somnolent shopkeepers in dim back parlours coyly veiled their faces in red handkerchiefs from the too ardent flies, while small boys left in charge noticed listlessly the slow passing of time as recorded by the church clock.

-ing form of “bask” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading The ancient port of Sunwich was basking in the sunshine of a July afternoon.

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

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

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading Somnolent shopkeepers in dim back parlours coyly veiled their faces in red handkerchiefs from the too ardent flies, while small boys left in charge noticed listlessly the slow passing of time as recorded by the church clock.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading A rattle of cranes and winches sounded from the shipping in the harbour, but the town itself was half asleep.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Somnolent shopkeepers in dim back parlours coyly veiled their faces in red handkerchiefs from the too ardent flies, while small boys left in charge noticed listlessly the slow passing of time as recorded by the church clock.

to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle

From this reading Somnolent shopkeepers in dim back parlours coyly veiled their faces in red handkerchiefs from the too ardent flies, while small boys left in charge noticed listlessly the slow passing of time as recorded by the church clock.

plural of “chime” — a percussion instrument consisting of a set of tuned bells that are struck with a hammer; used as an orchestral instrument

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship

From this reading Somnolent shopkeepers in dim back parlours coyly veiled their faces in red handkerchiefs from the too ardent flies, while small boys left in charge noticed listlessly the slow passing of time as recorded by the church clock.

a timepiece that shows the time of day

From this reading Somnolent shopkeepers in dim back parlours coyly veiled their faces in red handkerchiefs from the too ardent flies, while small boys left in charge noticed listlessly the slow passing of time as recorded by the church clock.

in a coy manner

From this reading Somnolent shopkeepers in dim back parlours coyly veiled their faces in red handkerchiefs from the too ardent flies, while small boys left in charge noticed listlessly the slow passing of time as recorded by the church clock.

plural of “crane” — United States writer (1871-1900)

From this reading A rattle of cranes and winches sounded from the shipping in the harbour, but the town itself was half asleep.

lacking in light; not bright or harsh

From this reading Somnolent shopkeepers in dim back parlours coyly veiled their faces in red handkerchiefs from the too ardent flies, while small boys left in charge noticed listlessly the slow passing of time as recorded by the church clock.

-ing form of “display” — to show, make visible or apparent

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

causing mental discomfort

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading Somnolent shopkeepers in dim back parlours coyly veiled their faces in red handkerchiefs from the too ardent flies, while small boys left in charge noticed listlessly the slow passing of time as recorded by the church clock.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading It is a fine church, and Sunwich is proud of it.

(theater) the space over the stage (out of view of the audience) used to store scenery (drop curtains)

From this reading Somnolent shopkeepers in dim back parlours coyly veiled their faces in red handkerchiefs from the too ardent flies, while small boys left in charge noticed listlessly the slow passing of time as recorded by the church clock.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading A rattle of cranes and winches sounded from the shipping in the harbour, but the town itself was half asleep.

plural of “generation” — all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

having the deep slightly brownish color of gold

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

of an achromatic color of any lightness intermediate between the extremes of white and black

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading A rattle of cranes and winches sounded from the shipping in the harbour, but the town itself was half asleep.

plural of “handkerchief” — a square piece of cloth used for wiping the eyes or nose or as a costume accessory

From this reading Somnolent shopkeepers in dim back parlours coyly veiled their faces in red handkerchiefs from the too ardent flies, while small boys left in charge noticed listlessly the slow passing of time as recorded by the church clock.

secretly shelter (as of fugitives or criminals)

From this reading A rattle of cranes and winches sounded from the shipping in the harbour, but the town itself was half asleep.

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

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

crowded or massed together

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

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

From this reading The ancient port of Sunwich was basking in the sunshine of a July afternoon.

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

From this reading It is a fine church, and Sunwich is proud of it.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It is a fine church, and Sunwich is proud of it.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading A rattle of cranes and winches sounded from the shipping in the harbour, but the town itself was half asleep.

the month following June and preceding August

From this reading The ancient port of Sunwich was basking in the sunshine of a July afternoon.

the position of a prominent or well-known object in a particular landscape

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading Somnolent shopkeepers in dim back parlours coyly veiled their faces in red handkerchiefs from the too ardent flies, while small boys left in charge noticed listlessly the slow passing of time as recorded by the church clock.

in a listless manner

From this reading Somnolent shopkeepers in dim back parlours coyly veiled their faces in red handkerchiefs from the too ardent flies, while small boys left in charge noticed listlessly the slow passing of time as recorded by the church clock.

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

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

unhurried and relaxed

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

the force of workers available

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

make or become more narrow or restricted

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

being perceived or observed

From this reading Somnolent shopkeepers in dim back parlours coyly veiled their faces in red handkerchiefs from the too ardent flies, while small boys left in charge noticed listlessly the slow passing of time as recorded by the church clock.

plural of “numeral” — a symbol used to represent a number

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The ancient port of Sunwich was basking in the sunshine of a July afternoon.

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

From this reading Somnolent shopkeepers in dim back parlours coyly veiled their faces in red handkerchiefs from the too ardent flies, while small boys left in charge noticed listlessly the slow passing of time as recorded by the church clock.

(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate

From this reading Somnolent shopkeepers in dim back parlours coyly veiled their faces in red handkerchiefs from the too ardent flies, while small boys left in charge noticed listlessly the slow passing of time as recorded by the church clock.

a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country

From this reading The ancient port of Sunwich was basking in the sunshine of a July afternoon.

feeling self-respect or pleasure in something by which you measure your self-worth; or being a reason for pride

From this reading It is a fine church, and Sunwich is proud of it.

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

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

make short successive sounds

From this reading A rattle of cranes and winches sounded from the shipping in the harbour, but the town itself was half asleep.

set down or registered in a permanent form especially on film or tape for reproduction

From this reading Somnolent shopkeepers in dim back parlours coyly veiled their faces in red handkerchiefs from the too ardent flies, while small boys left in charge noticed listlessly the slow passing of time as recorded by the church clock.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading Somnolent shopkeepers in dim back parlours coyly veiled their faces in red handkerchiefs from the too ardent flies, while small boys left in charge noticed listlessly the slow passing of time as recorded by the church clock.

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

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

plural of “roof” — a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

the commercial enterprise of moving goods and materials

From this reading A rattle of cranes and winches sounded from the shipping in the harbour, but the town itself was half asleep.

plural of “shopkeeper” — a merchant who owns or manages a shop

From this reading Somnolent shopkeepers in dim back parlours coyly veiled their faces in red handkerchiefs from the too ardent flies, while small boys left in charge noticed listlessly the slow passing of time as recorded by the church clock.

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading Somnolent shopkeepers in dim back parlours coyly veiled their faces in red handkerchiefs from the too ardent flies, while small boys left in charge noticed listlessly the slow passing of time as recorded by the church clock.

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

From this reading Somnolent shopkeepers in dim back parlours coyly veiled their faces in red handkerchiefs from the too ardent flies, while small boys left in charge noticed listlessly the slow passing of time as recorded by the church clock.

inclined to or marked by drowsiness

From this reading Somnolent shopkeepers in dim back parlours coyly veiled their faces in red handkerchiefs from the too ardent flies, while small boys left in charge noticed listlessly the slow passing of time as recorded by the church clock.

past form of “sound” — appear in a certain way

From this reading A rattle of cranes and winches sounded from the shipping in the harbour, but the town itself was half asleep.

plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

the rays of the sun

From this reading The ancient port of Sunwich was basking in the sunshine of a July afternoon.

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

From this reading The ancient port of Sunwich was basking in the sunshine of a July afternoon.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

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

From this reading The ancient port of Sunwich was basking in the sunshine of a July afternoon.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Somnolent shopkeepers in dim back parlours coyly veiled their faces in red handkerchiefs from the too ardent flies, while small boys left in charge noticed listlessly the slow passing of time as recorded by the church clock.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Somnolent shopkeepers in dim back parlours coyly veiled their faces in red handkerchiefs from the too ardent flies, while small boys left in charge noticed listlessly the slow passing of time as recorded by the church clock.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Somnolent shopkeepers in dim back parlours coyly veiled their faces in red handkerchiefs from the too ardent flies, while small boys left in charge noticed listlessly the slow passing of time as recorded by the church clock.

a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

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

From this reading A rattle of cranes and winches sounded from the shipping in the harbour, but the town itself was half asleep.

having or as if having a veil or concealing cover

From this reading Somnolent shopkeepers in dim back parlours coyly veiled their faces in red handkerchiefs from the too ardent flies, while small boys left in charge noticed listlessly the slow passing of time as recorded by the church clock.

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

From this reading The ancient port of Sunwich was basking in the sunshine of a July afternoon.

during the time that

From this reading Somnolent shopkeepers in dim back parlours coyly veiled their faces in red handkerchiefs from the too ardent flies, while small boys left in charge noticed listlessly the slow passing of time as recorded by the church clock.

belonging to which person

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.

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

From this reading A rattle of cranes and winches sounded from the shipping in the harbour, but the town itself was half asleep.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The tall grey tower is a landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itself it has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofs huddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock with gilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours for many generations of Sunwich men.