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 "Possibly in a detective story the main object is to thrill.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading Although vividly told, the literary style is excellent and the story by no means sensational, a fact that raises it above the level of the old-time detective story,"--_Brooklyn Daily Eagle_ AUTHOR OF "THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR," ETC.

perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

with adroitness; in an adroit manner

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading If so, 'That Mainwaring Affair' is all right.

engaged in or accustomed to close observation

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading If so, 'That Mainwaring Affair' is all right.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Although vividly told, the literary style is excellent and the story by no means sensational, a fact that raises it above the level of the old-time detective story,"--_Brooklyn Daily Eagle_ AUTHOR OF "THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR," ETC.

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

From this reading The thrill is there, full measure, pressed down and running over."--_Life_, New York "The book that reminds one of Anna Katherine Green in her palmiest days....

a former copper coin of Pakistan and India

From this reading The thrill is there, full measure, pressed down and running over."--_Life_, New York "The book that reminds one of Anna Katherine Green in her palmiest days....

a demonstration of approval by clapping the hands together

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading Although vividly told, the literary style is excellent and the story by no means sensational, a fact that raises it above the level of the old-time detective story,"--_Brooklyn Daily Eagle_ AUTHOR OF "THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR," ETC.

at or to or toward the back or rear

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading The thrill is there, full measure, pressed down and running over."--_Life_, New York "The book that reminds one of Anna Katherine Green in her palmiest days....

a borough of New York City

From this reading Although vividly told, the literary style is excellent and the story by no means sensational, a fact that raises it above the level of the old-time detective story,"--_Brooklyn Daily Eagle_ AUTHOR OF "THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR," ETC.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Although vividly told, the literary style is excellent and the story by no means sensational, a fact that raises it above the level of the old-time detective story,"--_Brooklyn Daily Eagle_ AUTHOR OF "THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR," ETC.

an occurrence of something

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

make right or correct

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

every day; without missing a day

From this reading Although vividly told, the literary style is excellent and the story by no means sensational, a fact that raises it above the level of the old-time detective story,"--_Brooklyn Daily Eagle_ AUTHOR OF "THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR," ETC.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading The thrill is there, full measure, pressed down and running over."--_Life_, New York "The book that reminds one of Anna Katherine Green in her palmiest days....

third-person singular of “defy” — resist or confront with resistance

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

third-person singular of “deserve” — be worthy or deserving

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

a police officer who investigates crimes

From this reading "Possibly in a detective story the main object is to thrill.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The thrill is there, full measure, pressed down and running over."--_Life_, New York "The book that reminds one of Anna Katherine Green in her palmiest days....

any of various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight

From this reading Although vividly told, the literary style is excellent and the story by no means sensational, a fact that raises it above the level of the old-time detective story,"--_Brooklyn Daily Eagle_ AUTHOR OF "THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR," ETC.

plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

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

From this reading Although vividly told, the literary style is excellent and the story by no means sensational, a fact that raises it above the level of the old-time detective story,"--_Brooklyn Daily Eagle_ AUTHOR OF "THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR," ETC.

very good; of the highest quality

From this reading Although vividly told, the literary style is excellent and the story by no means sensational, a fact that raises it above the level of the old-time detective story,"--_Brooklyn Daily Eagle_ AUTHOR OF "THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR," ETC.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading Although vividly told, the literary style is excellent and the story by no means sensational, a fact that raises it above the level of the old-time detective story,"--_Brooklyn Daily Eagle_ AUTHOR OF "THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR," ETC.

occurring at or forming an end or termination

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

realize beforehand

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading The thrill is there, full measure, pressed down and running over."--_Life_, New York "The book that reminds one of Anna Katherine Green in her palmiest days....

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading The thrill is there, full measure, pressed down and running over."--_Life_, New York "The book that reminds one of Anna Katherine Green in her palmiest days....

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

From this reading The thrill is there, full measure, pressed down and running over."--_Life_, New York "The book that reminds one of Anna Katherine Green in her palmiest days....

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If so, 'That Mainwaring Affair' is all right.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

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

From this reading "Possibly in a detective story the main object is to thrill.

plural of “intricacy” — marked by elaborately complex detail

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

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

From this reading "Possibly in a detective story the main object is to thrill.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

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

From this reading The thrill is there, full measure, pressed down and running over."--_Life_, New York "The book that reminds one of Anna Katherine Green in her palmiest days....

plural of “keep” — the financial means whereby one lives

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading Although vividly told, the literary style is excellent and the story by no means sensational, a fact that raises it above the level of the old-time detective story,"--_Brooklyn Daily Eagle_ AUTHOR OF "THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR," ETC.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading The thrill is there, full measure, pressed down and running over."--_Life_, New York "The book that reminds one of Anna Katherine Green in her palmiest days....

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

of or relating to or characteristic of literature

From this reading Although vividly told, the literary style is excellent and the story by no means sensational, a fact that raises it above the level of the old-time detective story,"--_Brooklyn Daily Eagle_ AUTHOR OF "THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR," ETC.

most important element

From this reading "Possibly in a detective story the main object is to thrill.

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

From this reading If so, 'That Mainwaring Affair' is all right.

past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

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

From this reading Although vividly told, the literary style is excellent and the story by no means sensational, a fact that raises it above the level of the old-time detective story,"--_Brooklyn Daily Eagle_ AUTHOR OF "THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR," ETC.

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading The thrill is there, full measure, pressed down and running over."--_Life_, New York "The book that reminds one of Anna Katherine Green in her palmiest days....

of an obscure nature

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading The thrill is there, full measure, pressed down and running over."--_Life_, New York "The book that reminds one of Anna Katherine Green in her palmiest days....

not any; not one

From this reading Although vividly told, the literary style is excellent and the story by no means sensational, a fact that raises it above the level of the old-time detective story,"--_Brooklyn Daily Eagle_ AUTHOR OF "THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR," ETC.

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

From this reading "Possibly in a detective story the main object is to thrill.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The thrill is there, full measure, pressed down and running over."--_Life_, New York "The book that reminds one of Anna Katherine Green in her palmiest days....

attractively old-fashioned (but not necessarily authentic)

From this reading Although vividly told, the literary style is excellent and the story by no means sensational, a fact that raises it above the level of the old-time detective story,"--_Brooklyn Daily Eagle_ AUTHOR OF "THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR," ETC.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The thrill is there, full measure, pressed down and running over."--_Life_, New York "The book that reminds one of Anna Katherine Green in her palmiest days....

above and across; more than

From this reading The thrill is there, full measure, pressed down and running over."--_Life_, New York "The book that reminds one of Anna Katherine Green in her palmiest days....

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

From this reading The thrill is there, full measure, pressed down and running over."--_Life_, New York "The book that reminds one of Anna Katherine Green in her palmiest days....

a secret scheme to do something (especially something underhand or illegal)

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

by chance

From this reading "Possibly in a detective story the main object is to thrill.

compacted by ironing

From this reading The thrill is there, full measure, pressed down and running over."--_Life_, New York "The book that reminds one of Anna Katherine Green in her palmiest days....

plural of “raise” — the amount a salary is increased

From this reading Although vividly told, the literary style is excellent and the story by no means sensational, a fact that raises it above the level of the old-time detective story,"--_Brooklyn Daily Eagle_ AUTHOR OF "THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR," ETC.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

a person who enjoys reading

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

third-person singular of “remind” — put in the mind of someone

From this reading The thrill is there, full measure, pressed down and running over."--_Life_, New York "The book that reminds one of Anna Katherine Green in her palmiest days....

precisely, exactly

From this reading If so, 'That Mainwaring Affair' is all right.

(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream

From this reading The thrill is there, full measure, pressed down and running over."--_Life_, New York "The book that reminds one of Anna Katherine Green in her palmiest days....

causing intense interest, curiosity, or emotion

From this reading Although vividly told, the literary style is excellent and the story by no means sensational, a fact that raises it above the level of the old-time detective story,"--_Brooklyn Daily Eagle_ AUTHOR OF "THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR," ETC.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading If so, 'That Mainwaring Affair' is all right.

a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances; frequently (but not necessarily) a liquid solution

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading "Possibly in a detective story the main object is to thrill.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Although vividly told, the literary style is excellent and the story by no means sensational, a fact that raises it above the level of the old-time detective story,"--_Brooklyn Daily Eagle_ AUTHOR OF "THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR," ETC.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading If so, 'That Mainwaring Affair' is all right.

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

From this reading "Possibly in a detective story the main object is to thrill.

in or at that place or location

From this reading The thrill is there, full measure, pressed down and running over."--_Life_, New York "The book that reminds one of Anna Katherine Green in her palmiest days....

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

the swift release of a store of affective force

From this reading "Possibly in a detective story the main object is to thrill.

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

From this reading "Possibly in a detective story the main object is to thrill.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

plural of “topic” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

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

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

an event resulting in great loss and misfortune

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

up to a particular time

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

in a vivid manner

From this reading Although vividly told, the literary style is excellent and the story by no means sensational, a fact that raises it above the level of the old-time detective story,"--_Brooklyn Daily Eagle_ AUTHOR OF "THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR," ETC.

(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 Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

which person or people

From this reading Keeps the reader on the alert, defies the efforts of those who read backward, deserves the applause of all who like mystery."--_Town Topics_, New York "The tale is well told, and the intricacies of the plot so adroitly managed that it is impossible to foresee the correct solution of the mysterious case until the final act of the tragedy....

the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose

From this reading The thrill is there, full measure, pressed down and running over."--_Life_, New York "The book that reminds one of Anna Katherine Green in her palmiest days....