Chapter XXIII · Chapter 23

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

From this reading The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and the boarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularly appropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed his instructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on business of his own.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and the boarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularly appropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed his instructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on business of his own.

farther along in physical or mental development

From this reading The summer evening was well advanced when Mr. Kybird and his old friend parted.

a positive feeling of liking

From this reading He was anxious to find Mr. Silk alone, as otherwise the difficulty of his errand would be considerably increased, Mrs. Silk’s intelligence being by no means obscured by any ungovernable affection for the Kybird family.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading If she was at home he would have to invent some pretext for luring Teddy into the privacy of the open air.

a narrow street with walls on both sides

From this reading Mr. Kybird walked slowly towards Fullalove Alley with his head sunk in meditation.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and the boarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularly appropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed his instructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on business of his own.

Having no one else present.

From this reading He was anxious to find Mr. Silk alone, as otherwise the difficulty of his errand would be considerably increased, Mrs. Silk’s intelligence being by no means obscured by any ungovernable affection for the Kybird family.

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

From this reading The summer evening was well advanced when Mr. Kybird and his old friend parted.

eagerly desirous

From this reading He was anxious to find Mr. Silk alone, as otherwise the difficulty of his errand would be considerably increased, Mrs. Silk’s intelligence being by no means obscured by any ungovernable affection for the Kybird family.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading He was anxious to find Mr. Silk alone, as otherwise the difficulty of his errand would be considerably increased, Mrs. Silk’s intelligence being by no means obscured by any ungovernable affection for the Kybird family.

give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause

From this reading The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and the boarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularly appropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed his instructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on business of his own.

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

From this reading He was anxious to find Mr. Silk alone, as otherwise the difficulty of his errand would be considerably increased, Mrs. Silk’s intelligence being by no means obscured by any ungovernable affection for the Kybird family.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading If she was at home he would have to invent some pretext for luring Teddy into the privacy of the open air.

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

From this reading He was anxious to find Mr. Silk alone, as otherwise the difficulty of his errand would be considerably increased, Mrs. Silk’s intelligence being by no means obscured by any ungovernable affection for the Kybird family.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading He was anxious to find Mr. Silk alone, as otherwise the difficulty of his errand would be considerably increased, Mrs. Silk’s intelligence being by no means obscured by any ungovernable affection for the Kybird family.

the capacity to attract and hold something

From this reading The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and the boarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularly appropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed his instructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on business of his own.

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

From this reading The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and the boarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularly appropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed his instructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on business of his own.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and the boarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularly appropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed his instructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on business of his own.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He was anxious to find Mr. Silk alone, as otherwise the difficulty of his errand would be considerably increased, Mrs. Silk’s intelligence being by no means obscured by any ungovernable affection for the Kybird family.

to a great extent or degree

From this reading He was anxious to find Mr. Silk alone, as otherwise the difficulty of his errand would be considerably increased, Mrs. Silk’s intelligence being by no means obscured by any ungovernable affection for the Kybird family.

well in the past; former

From this reading The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and the boarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularly appropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed his instructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on business of his own.

an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading He was anxious to find Mr. Silk alone, as otherwise the difficulty of his errand would be considerably increased, Mrs. Silk’s intelligence being by no means obscured by any ungovernable affection for the Kybird family.

a short trip that is taken in the performance of a necessary task or mission

From this reading He was anxious to find Mr. Silk alone, as otherwise the difficulty of his errand would be considerably increased, Mrs. Silk’s intelligence being by no means obscured by any ungovernable affection for the Kybird family.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading The summer evening was well advanced when Mr. Kybird and his old friend parted.

a social unit living together

From this reading He was anxious to find Mr. Silk alone, as otherwise the difficulty of his errand would be considerably increased, Mrs. Silk’s intelligence being by no means obscured by any ungovernable affection for the Kybird family.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading He was anxious to find Mr. Silk alone, as otherwise the difficulty of his errand would be considerably increased, Mrs. Silk’s intelligence being by no means obscured by any ungovernable affection for the Kybird family.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and the boarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularly appropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed his instructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on business of his own.

referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)

From this reading The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and the boarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularly appropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed his instructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on business of his own.

enclose in or as if in a frame

From this reading The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and the boarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularly appropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed his instructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on business of his own.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading The summer evening was well advanced when Mr. Kybird and his old friend parted.

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

From this reading Mr. Kybird walked slowly towards Fullalove Alley with his head sunk in meditation.

a man of refinement

From this reading The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and the boarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularly appropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed his instructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on business of his own.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading If she was at home he would have to invent some pretext for luring Teddy into the privacy of the open air.

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

From this reading He was anxious to find Mr. Silk alone, as otherwise the difficulty of his errand would be considerably increased, Mrs. Silk’s intelligence being by no means obscured by any ungovernable affection for the Kybird family.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading Mr. Kybird walked slowly towards Fullalove Alley with his head sunk in meditation.

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

From this reading The summer evening was well advanced when Mr. Kybird and his old friend parted.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading If she was at home he would have to invent some pretext for luring Teddy into the privacy of the open air.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If she was at home he would have to invent some pretext for luring Teddy into the privacy of the open air.

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

From this reading The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and the boarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularly appropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed his instructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on business of his own.

made greater in size or amount or degree

From this reading He was anxious to find Mr. Silk alone, as otherwise the difficulty of his errand would be considerably increased, Mrs. Silk’s intelligence being by no means obscured by any ungovernable affection for the Kybird family.

a manual usually accompanying a technical device and explaining how to install or operate it

From this reading The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and the boarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularly appropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed his instructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on business of his own.

the ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience

From this reading He was anxious to find Mr. Silk alone, as otherwise the difficulty of his errand would be considerably increased, Mrs. Silk’s intelligence being by no means obscured by any ungovernable affection for the Kybird family.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading If she was at home he would have to invent some pretext for luring Teddy into the privacy of the open air.

come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort

From this reading If she was at home he would have to invent some pretext for luring Teddy into the privacy of the open air.

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

From this reading The summer evening was well advanced when Mr. Kybird and his old friend parted.

-ing form of “lure” — provoke someone to do something through (often false or exaggerated) promises or persuasion

From this reading If she was at home he would have to invent some pretext for luring Teddy into the privacy of the open air.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading He was anxious to find Mr. Silk alone, as otherwise the difficulty of his errand would be considerably increased, Mrs. Silk’s intelligence being by no means obscured by any ungovernable affection for the Kybird family.

continuous and profound contemplation or musing on a subject or series of subjects of a deep or abstruse nature

From this reading Mr. Kybird walked slowly towards Fullalove Alley with his head sunk in meditation.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and the boarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularly appropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed his instructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on business of his own.

a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling

From this reading The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and the boarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularly appropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed his instructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on business of his own.

a form of address for a man

From this reading The summer evening was well advanced when Mr. Kybird and his old friend parted.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading He was anxious to find Mr. Silk alone, as otherwise the difficulty of his errand would be considerably increased, Mrs. Silk’s intelligence being by no means obscured by any ungovernable affection for the Kybird family.

not any; not one

From this reading He was anxious to find Mr. Silk alone, as otherwise the difficulty of his errand would be considerably increased, Mrs. Silk’s intelligence being by no means obscured by any ungovernable affection for the Kybird family.

a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and the boarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularly appropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed his instructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on business of his own.

past form of “obscure” — make less visible or unclear

From this reading He was anxious to find Mr. Silk alone, as otherwise the difficulty of his errand would be considerably increased, Mrs. Silk’s intelligence being by no means obscured by any ungovernable affection for the Kybird family.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and the boarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularly appropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed his instructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on business of his own.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading The summer evening was well advanced when Mr. Kybird and his old friend parted.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and the boarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularly appropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed his instructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on business of his own.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading If she was at home he would have to invent some pretext for luring Teddy into the privacy of the open air.

in other respects or ways

From this reading He was anxious to find Mr. Silk alone, as otherwise the difficulty of his errand would be considerably increased, Mrs. Silk’s intelligence being by no means obscured by any ungovernable affection for the Kybird family.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and the boarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularly appropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed his instructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on business of his own.

having a margin incised almost to the base so as to create distinct divisions or lobes

From this reading The summer evening was well advanced when Mr. Kybird and his old friend parted.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and the boarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularly appropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed his instructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on business of his own.

something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason

From this reading If she was at home he would have to invent some pretext for luring Teddy into the privacy of the open air.

the quality of being secluded from the presence or view of others

From this reading If she was at home he would have to invent some pretext for luring Teddy into the privacy of the open air.

a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution

From this reading The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and the boarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularly appropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed his instructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on business of his own.

restored to a new condition

From this reading The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and the boarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularly appropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed his instructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on business of his own.

filled with satisfaction

From this reading The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and the boarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularly appropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed his instructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on business of his own.

the trait of keeping things secret

From this reading The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and the boarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularly appropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed his instructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on business of his own.

given to or marked by sentiment or sentimentality

From this reading The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and the boarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularly appropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed his instructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on business of his own.

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

From this reading If she was at home he would have to invent some pretext for luring Teddy into the privacy of the open air.

a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae

From this reading The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and the boarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularly appropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed his instructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on business of his own.

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

From this reading He was anxious to find Mr. Silk alone, as otherwise the difficulty of his errand would be considerably increased, Mrs. Silk’s intelligence being by no means obscured by any ungovernable affection for the Kybird family.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading Mr. Kybird walked slowly towards Fullalove Alley with his head sunk in meditation.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading If she was at home he would have to invent some pretext for luring Teddy into the privacy of the open air.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading The summer evening was well advanced when Mr. Kybird and his old friend parted.

doomed to extinction

From this reading Mr. Kybird walked slowly towards Fullalove Alley with his head sunk in meditation.

plaything consisting of a child's toy bear (usually plush and stuffed with soft materials)

From this reading If she was at home he would have to invent some pretext for luring Teddy into the privacy of the open air.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and the boarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularly appropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed his instructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on business of his own.

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

From this reading The summer evening was well advanced when Mr. Kybird and his old friend parted.

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

From this reading The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and the boarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularly appropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed his instructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on business of his own.

in the direction of

From this reading Mr. Kybird walked slowly towards Fullalove Alley with his head sunk in meditation.

incapable of being controlled

From this reading He was anxious to find Mr. Silk alone, as otherwise the difficulty of his errand would be considerably increased, Mrs. Silk’s intelligence being by no means obscured by any ungovernable affection for the Kybird family.

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and the boarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularly appropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed his instructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on business of his own.

past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps

From this reading Mr. Kybird walked slowly towards Fullalove Alley with his head sunk in meditation.

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

From this reading The summer evening was well advanced when Mr. Kybird and his old friend parted.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading The summer evening was well advanced when Mr. Kybird and his old friend parted.

at the time that

From this reading The summer evening was well advanced when Mr. Kybird and his old friend parted.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Mr. Kybird walked slowly towards Fullalove Alley with his head sunk in meditation.

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

From this reading He was anxious to find Mr. Silk alone, as otherwise the difficulty of his errand would be considerably increased, Mrs. Silk’s intelligence being by no means obscured by any ungovernable affection for the Kybird family.