Chapter V · Chapter 5

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

From this reading SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Just at dusk one cold, rainy night late in August, a shabby, weary, wet, old man plodded through the dripping woods, across the stone bridge, and up the road toward Parker.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Just at dusk one cold, rainy night late in August, a shabby, weary, wet, old man plodded through the dripping woods, across the stone bridge, and up the road toward Parker.

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

From this reading SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Just at dusk one cold, rainy night late in August, a shabby, weary, wet, old man plodded through the dripping woods, across the stone bridge, and up the road toward Parker.

from appearances alone

From this reading But as he neared the fourth one, he eagerly scanned the place as if familiar with its surroundings, and listened intently for the sound of voices, seeming disappointed at the result, for apparently not a creature was stirring indoors or out.

past form of “approach” — move towards

From this reading Not even old Towzer came to challenge him as he unlatched the gate and approached the house, and not a ray of light shone out into the darkness from window or door, though it was yet early evening.

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

From this reading But as he neared the fourth one, he eagerly scanned the place as if familiar with its surroundings, and listened intently for the sound of voices, seeming disappointed at the result, for apparently not a creature was stirring indoors or out.

The powdery residue left after the burning of a substance.

From this reading SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Just at dusk one cold, rainy night late in August, a shabby, weary, wet, old man plodded through the dripping woods, across the stone bridge, and up the road toward Parker.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Just at dusk one cold, rainy night late in August, a shabby, weary, wet, old man plodded through the dripping woods, across the stone bridge, and up the road toward Parker.

the month following July and preceding September

From this reading SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Just at dusk one cold, rainy night late in August, a shabby, weary, wet, old man plodded through the dripping woods, across the stone bridge, and up the road toward Parker.

a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.

From this reading SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Just at dusk one cold, rainy night late in August, a shabby, weary, wet, old man plodded through the dripping woods, across the stone bridge, and up the road toward Parker.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But as he neared the fourth one, he eagerly scanned the place as if familiar with its surroundings, and listened intently for the sound of voices, seeming disappointed at the result, for apparently not a creature was stirring indoors or out.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He had come a long way through mud and moisture, and was very tired, yet the first three farmhouses he passed by with scarcely a glance.

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

From this reading Not even old Towzer came to challenge him as he unlatched the gate and approached the house, and not a ray of light shone out into the darkness from window or door, though it was yet early evening.

take exception to

From this reading Not even old Towzer came to challenge him as he unlatched the gate and approached the house, and not a ray of light shone out into the darkness from window or door, though it was yet early evening.

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Just at dusk one cold, rainy night late in August, a shabby, weary, wet, old man plodded through the dripping woods, across the stone bridge, and up the road toward Parker.

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

From this reading He had come a long way through mud and moisture, and was very tired, yet the first three farmhouses he passed by with scarcely a glance.

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading But as he neared the fourth one, he eagerly scanned the place as if familiar with its surroundings, and listened intently for the sound of voices, seeming disappointed at the result, for apparently not a creature was stirring indoors or out.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading Not even old Towzer came to challenge him as he unlatched the gate and approached the house, and not a ray of light shone out into the darkness from window or door, though it was yet early evening.

disappointingly unsuccessful

From this reading But as he neared the fourth one, he eagerly scanned the place as if familiar with its surroundings, and listened intently for the sound of voices, seeming disappointed at the result, for apparently not a creature was stirring indoors or out.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Not even old Towzer came to challenge him as he unlatched the gate and approached the house, and not a ray of light shone out into the darkness from window or door, though it was yet early evening.

a liquid (as water) that flows in drops (as from the eaves of house)

From this reading SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Just at dusk one cold, rainy night late in August, a shabby, weary, wet, old man plodded through the dripping woods, across the stone bridge, and up the road toward Parker.

the time of day immediately following sunset

From this reading SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Just at dusk one cold, rainy night late in August, a shabby, weary, wet, old man plodded through the dripping woods, across the stone bridge, and up the road toward Parker.

with eagerness; in an eager manner

From this reading But as he neared the fourth one, he eagerly scanned the place as if familiar with its surroundings, and listened intently for the sound of voices, seeming disappointed at the result, for apparently not a creature was stirring indoors or out.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading Not even old Towzer came to challenge him as he unlatched the gate and approached the house, and not a ray of light shone out into the darkness from window or door, though it was yet early evening.

divisible by two

From this reading Not even old Towzer came to challenge him as he unlatched the gate and approached the house, and not a ray of light shone out into the darkness from window or door, though it was yet early evening.

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

From this reading Not even old Towzer came to challenge him as he unlatched the gate and approached the house, and not a ray of light shone out into the darkness from window or door, though it was yet early evening.

well known or easily recognized

From this reading But as he neared the fourth one, he eagerly scanned the place as if familiar with its surroundings, and listened intently for the sound of voices, seeming disappointed at the result, for apparently not a creature was stirring indoors or out.

plural of “farmhouse” — house for a farmer and family

From this reading He had come a long way through mud and moisture, and was very tired, yet the first three farmhouses he passed by with scarcely a glance.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading He had come a long way through mud and moisture, and was very tired, yet the first three farmhouses he passed by with scarcely a glance.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading But as he neared the fourth one, he eagerly scanned the place as if familiar with its surroundings, and listened intently for the sound of voices, seeming disappointed at the result, for apparently not a creature was stirring indoors or out.

following the third position; number four in a countable series

From this reading But as he neared the fourth one, he eagerly scanned the place as if familiar with its surroundings, and listened intently for the sound of voices, seeming disappointed at the result, for apparently not a creature was stirring indoors or out.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Not even old Towzer came to challenge him as he unlatched the gate and approached the house, and not a ray of light shone out into the darkness from window or door, though it was yet early evening.

a movable barrier in a fence or wall

From this reading Not even old Towzer came to challenge him as he unlatched the gate and approached the house, and not a ray of light shone out into the darkness from window or door, though it was yet early evening.

throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading He had come a long way through mud and moisture, and was very tired, yet the first three farmhouses he passed by with scarcely a glance.

death of a person

From this reading The place was as silent as a grave.

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

From this reading He had come a long way through mud and moisture, and was very tired, yet the first three farmhouses he passed by with scarcely a glance.

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

From this reading He had come a long way through mud and moisture, and was very tired, yet the first three farmhouses he passed by with scarcely a glance.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Not even old Towzer came to challenge him as he unlatched the gate and approached the house, and not a ray of light shone out into the darkness from window or door, though it was yet early evening.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading Not even old Towzer came to challenge him as he unlatched the gate and approached the house, and not a ray of light shone out into the darkness from window or door, though it was yet early evening.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading But as he neared the fourth one, he eagerly scanned the place as if familiar with its surroundings, and listened intently for the sound of voices, seeming disappointed at the result, for apparently not a creature was stirring indoors or out.

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

From this reading SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Just at dusk one cold, rainy night late in August, a shabby, weary, wet, old man plodded through the dripping woods, across the stone bridge, and up the road toward Parker.

within a building

From this reading But as he neared the fourth one, he eagerly scanned the place as if familiar with its surroundings, and listened intently for the sound of voices, seeming disappointed at the result, for apparently not a creature was stirring indoors or out.

with strained or eager attention

From this reading But as he neared the fourth one, he eagerly scanned the place as if familiar with its surroundings, and listened intently for the sound of voices, seeming disappointed at the result, for apparently not a creature was stirring indoors or out.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Not even old Towzer came to challenge him as he unlatched the gate and approached the house, and not a ray of light shone out into the darkness from window or door, though it was yet early evening.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Not even old Towzer came to challenge him as he unlatched the gate and approached the house, and not a ray of light shone out into the darkness from window or door, though it was yet early evening.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading But as he neared the fourth one, he eagerly scanned the place as if familiar with its surroundings, and listened intently for the sound of voices, seeming disappointed at the result, for apparently not a creature was stirring indoors or out.

and nothing more

From this reading SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Just at dusk one cold, rainy night late in August, a shabby, weary, wet, old man plodded through the dripping woods, across the stone bridge, and up the road toward Parker.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Just at dusk one cold, rainy night late in August, a shabby, weary, wet, old man plodded through the dripping woods, across the stone bridge, and up the road toward Parker.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading Not even old Towzer came to challenge him as he unlatched the gate and approached the house, and not a ray of light shone out into the darkness from window or door, though it was yet early evening.

past form of “listen” — hear with intention

From this reading But as he neared the fourth one, he eagerly scanned the place as if familiar with its surroundings, and listened intently for the sound of voices, seeming disappointed at the result, for apparently not a creature was stirring indoors or out.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading He had come a long way through mud and moisture, and was very tired, yet the first three farmhouses he passed by with scarcely a glance.

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

From this reading SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Just at dusk one cold, rainy night late in August, a shabby, weary, wet, old man plodded through the dripping woods, across the stone bridge, and up the road toward Parker.

wetness caused by water

From this reading He had come a long way through mud and moisture, and was very tired, yet the first three farmhouses he passed by with scarcely a glance.

water soaked soil; soft wet earth

From this reading He had come a long way through mud and moisture, and was very tired, yet the first three farmhouses he passed by with scarcely a glance.

past form of “near” — move towards

From this reading But as he neared the fourth one, he eagerly scanned the place as if familiar with its surroundings, and listened intently for the sound of voices, seeming disappointed at the result, for apparently not a creature was stirring indoors or out.

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

From this reading SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Just at dusk one cold, rainy night late in August, a shabby, weary, wet, old man plodded through the dripping woods, across the stone bridge, and up the road toward Parker.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But as he neared the fourth one, he eagerly scanned the place as if familiar with its surroundings, and listened intently for the sound of voices, seeming disappointed at the result, for apparently not a creature was stirring indoors or out.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading But as he neared the fourth one, he eagerly scanned the place as if familiar with its surroundings, and listened intently for the sound of voices, seeming disappointed at the result, for apparently not a creature was stirring indoors or out.

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

From this reading SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Just at dusk one cold, rainy night late in August, a shabby, weary, wet, old man plodded through the dripping woods, across the stone bridge, and up the road toward Parker.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Just at dusk one cold, rainy night late in August, a shabby, weary, wet, old man plodded through the dripping woods, across the stone bridge, and up the road toward Parker.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading But as he neared the fourth one, he eagerly scanned the place as if familiar with its surroundings, and listened intently for the sound of voices, seeming disappointed at the result, for apparently not a creature was stirring indoors or out.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading But as he neared the fourth one, he eagerly scanned the place as if familiar with its surroundings, and listened intently for the sound of voices, seeming disappointed at the result, for apparently not a creature was stirring indoors or out.

United States saxophonist and leader of the bop style of jazz (1920-1955)

From this reading SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Just at dusk one cold, rainy night late in August, a shabby, weary, wet, old man plodded through the dripping woods, across the stone bridge, and up the road toward Parker.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading He had come a long way through mud and moisture, and was very tired, yet the first three farmhouses he passed by with scarcely a glance.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading But as he neared the fourth one, he eagerly scanned the place as if familiar with its surroundings, and listened intently for the sound of voices, seeming disappointed at the result, for apparently not a creature was stirring indoors or out.

inflected form of “plod” — walk heavily and firmly, as when weary, or through mud

From this reading SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Just at dusk one cold, rainy night late in August, a shabby, weary, wet, old man plodded through the dripping woods, across the stone bridge, and up the road toward Parker.

(of weather) wet by periods of rain

From this reading SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Just at dusk one cold, rainy night late in August, a shabby, weary, wet, old man plodded through the dripping woods, across the stone bridge, and up the road toward Parker.

a column of light (as from a beacon)

From this reading Not even old Towzer came to challenge him as he unlatched the gate and approached the house, and not a ray of light shone out into the darkness from window or door, though it was yet early evening.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading But as he neared the fourth one, he eagerly scanned the place as if familiar with its surroundings, and listened intently for the sound of voices, seeming disappointed at the result, for apparently not a creature was stirring indoors or out.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Just at dusk one cold, rainy night late in August, a shabby, weary, wet, old man plodded through the dripping woods, across the stone bridge, and up the road toward Parker.

a garment made of coarse sacking; formerly worn as an indication of remorse

From this reading SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Just at dusk one cold, rainy night late in August, a shabby, weary, wet, old man plodded through the dripping woods, across the stone bridge, and up the road toward Parker.

inflected form of “scan” — examine minutely or intensely

From this reading But as he neared the fourth one, he eagerly scanned the place as if familiar with its surroundings, and listened intently for the sound of voices, seeming disappointed at the result, for apparently not a creature was stirring indoors or out.

only a very short time before

From this reading He had come a long way through mud and moisture, and was very tired, yet the first three farmhouses he passed by with scarcely a glance.

appearing as such but not necessarily so

From this reading But as he neared the fourth one, he eagerly scanned the place as if familiar with its surroundings, and listened intently for the sound of voices, seeming disappointed at the result, for apparently not a creature was stirring indoors or out.

showing signs of wear and tear

From this reading SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Just at dusk one cold, rainy night late in August, a shabby, weary, wet, old man plodded through the dripping woods, across the stone bridge, and up the road toward Parker.

inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light

From this reading Not even old Towzer came to challenge him as he unlatched the gate and approached the house, and not a ray of light shone out into the darkness from window or door, though it was yet early evening.

marked by absence of sound

From this reading The place was as silent as a grave.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading But as he neared the fourth one, he eagerly scanned the place as if familiar with its surroundings, and listened intently for the sound of voices, seeming disappointed at the result, for apparently not a creature was stirring indoors or out.

agitating a liquid with an implement

From this reading But as he neared the fourth one, he eagerly scanned the place as if familiar with its surroundings, and listened intently for the sound of voices, seeming disappointed at the result, for apparently not a creature was stirring indoors or out.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Just at dusk one cold, rainy night late in August, a shabby, weary, wet, old man plodded through the dripping woods, across the stone bridge, and up the road toward Parker.

the environmental condition

From this reading But as he neared the fourth one, he eagerly scanned the place as if familiar with its surroundings, and listened intently for the sound of voices, seeming disappointed at the result, for apparently not a creature was stirring indoors or out.

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

From this reading SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Just at dusk one cold, rainy night late in August, a shabby, weary, wet, old man plodded through the dripping woods, across the stone bridge, and up the road toward Parker.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Not even old Towzer came to challenge him as he unlatched the gate and approached the house, and not a ray of light shone out into the darkness from window or door, though it was yet early evening.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading He had come a long way through mud and moisture, and was very tired, yet the first three farmhouses he passed by with scarcely a glance.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Just at dusk one cold, rainy night late in August, a shabby, weary, wet, old man plodded through the dripping woods, across the stone bridge, and up the road toward Parker.

depleted of strength or energy

From this reading He had come a long way through mud and moisture, and was very tired, yet the first three farmhouses he passed by with scarcely a glance.

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

From this reading Not even old Towzer came to challenge him as he unlatched the gate and approached the house, and not a ray of light shone out into the darkness from window or door, though it was yet early evening.

in the direction of

From this reading SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Just at dusk one cold, rainy night late in August, a shabby, weary, wet, old man plodded through the dripping woods, across the stone bridge, and up the road toward Parker.

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

From this reading Not even old Towzer came to challenge him as he unlatched the gate and approached the house, and not a ray of light shone out into the darkness from window or door, though it was yet early evening.

not firmly fastened or secured

From this reading Not even old Towzer came to challenge him as he unlatched the gate and approached the house, and not a ray of light shone out into the darkness from window or door, though it was yet early evening.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Just at dusk one cold, rainy night late in August, a shabby, weary, wet, old man plodded through the dripping woods, across the stone bridge, and up the road toward Parker.

precisely as stated

From this reading He had come a long way through mud and moisture, and was very tired, yet the first three farmhouses he passed by with scarcely a glance.

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

From this reading But as he neared the fourth one, he eagerly scanned the place as if familiar with its surroundings, and listened intently for the sound of voices, seeming disappointed at the result, for apparently not a creature was stirring indoors or out.

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

From this reading He had come a long way through mud and moisture, and was very tired, yet the first three farmhouses he passed by with scarcely a glance.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading He had come a long way through mud and moisture, and was very tired, yet the first three farmhouses he passed by with scarcely a glance.

exhaust or get tired through overuse or great strain or stress

From this reading SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Just at dusk one cold, rainy night late in August, a shabby, weary, wet, old man plodded through the dripping woods, across the stone bridge, and up the road toward Parker.

covered or soaked with a liquid such as water

From this reading SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Just at dusk one cold, rainy night late in August, a shabby, weary, wet, old man plodded through the dripping woods, across the stone bridge, and up the road toward Parker.

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 Not even old Towzer came to challenge him as he unlatched the gate and approached the house, and not a ray of light shone out into the darkness from window or door, though it was yet early evening.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He had come a long way through mud and moisture, and was very tired, yet the first three farmhouses he passed by with scarcely a glance.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading SACKCLOTH AND ASHES Just at dusk one cold, rainy night late in August, a shabby, weary, wet, old man plodded through the dripping woods, across the stone bridge, and up the road toward Parker.

but in spite of that

From this reading He had come a long way through mud and moisture, and was very tired, yet the first three farmhouses he passed by with scarcely a glance.