Chapter VII

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

From this reading His eyes having at last chanced to fall upon this letter addressed to him in a handwriting he did not recognise, Louis broke the seal mechanically.

the state of being absent

From this reading * * * * * "M. LOUIS:--I take advantage of your absence to write you what I should not dare to tell you,--what, in fact, I have put off confessing for more than two months for fear of causing you pain.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

(of mail) marked with a destination

From this reading His eyes having at last chanced to fall upon this letter addressed to him in a handwriting he did not recognise, Louis broke the seal mechanically.

the quality of having a superior or more favorable position

From this reading * * * * * "M. LOUIS:--I take advantage of your absence to write you what I should not dare to tell you,--what, in fact, I have put off confessing for more than two months for fear of causing you pain.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

a mental state of extreme emotional disturbance

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

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

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

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

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading His eyes having at last chanced to fall upon this letter addressed to him in a handwriting he did not recognise, Louis broke the seal mechanically.

lacking funds

From this reading His eyes having at last chanced to fall upon this letter addressed to him in a handwriting he did not recognise, Louis broke the seal mechanically.

the act of causing something to happen

From this reading * * * * * "M. LOUIS:--I take advantage of your absence to write you what I should not dare to tell you,--what, in fact, I have put off confessing for more than two months for fear of causing you pain.

past form of “chance” — be the case by chance

From this reading His eyes having at last chanced to fall upon this letter addressed to him in a handwriting he did not recognise, Louis broke the seal mechanically.

-ing form of “confess” — confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure

From this reading * * * * * "M. LOUIS:--I take advantage of your absence to write you what I should not dare to tell you,--what, in fact, I have put off confessing for more than two months for fear of causing you pain.

approval

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission

From this reading * * * * * "M. LOUIS:--I take advantage of your absence to write you what I should not dare to tell you,--what, in fact, I have put off confessing for more than two months for fear of causing you pain.

(psychology) an erroneous belief that is held in the face of evidence to the contrary

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading This letter, which Father Richard had written in a disguised hand that morning, ostensibly from Mariette's dictation, far from expressing that young girl's real sentiments, read as follows:

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading His eyes having at last chanced to fall upon this letter addressed to him in a handwriting he did not recognise, Louis broke the seal mechanically.

having its true character concealed with the intent of misleading

From this reading This letter, which Father Richard had written in a disguised hand that morning, ostensibly from Mariette's dictation, far from expressing that young girl's real sentiments, read as follows:

-ing form of “express” — give expression to

From this reading This letter, which Father Richard had written in a disguised hand that morning, ostensibly from Mariette's dictation, far from expressing that young girl's real sentiments, read as follows:

opinion or judgment

From this reading His eyes having at last chanced to fall upon this letter addressed to him in a handwriting he did not recognise, Louis broke the seal mechanically.

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

From this reading * * * * * "M. LOUIS:--I take advantage of your absence to write you what I should not dare to tell you,--what, in fact, I have put off confessing for more than two months for fear of causing you pain.

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading His eyes having at last chanced to fall upon this letter addressed to him in a handwriting he did not recognise, Louis broke the seal mechanically.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading This letter, which Father Richard had written in a disguised hand that morning, ostensibly from Mariette's dictation, far from expressing that young girl's real sentiments, read as follows:

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading This letter, which Father Richard had written in a disguised hand that morning, ostensibly from Mariette's dictation, far from expressing that young girl's real sentiments, read as follows:

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading * * * * * "M. LOUIS:--I take advantage of your absence to write you what I should not dare to tell you,--what, in fact, I have put off confessing for more than two months for fear of causing you pain.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

third-person singular of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading This letter, which Father Richard had written in a disguised hand that morning, ostensibly from Mariette's dictation, far from expressing that young girl's real sentiments, read as follows:

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading * * * * * "M. LOUIS:--I take advantage of your absence to write you what I should not dare to tell you,--what, in fact, I have put off confessing for more than two months for fear of causing you pain.

the part of the face above the eyes

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

reproduced fraudulently

From this reading THE FORGED LETTER.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading This letter, which Father Richard had written in a disguised hand that morning, ostensibly from Mariette's dictation, far from expressing that young girl's real sentiments, read as follows:

possessive form of “girl” — a young female

From this reading This letter, which Father Richard had written in a disguised hand that morning, ostensibly from Mariette's dictation, far from expressing that young girl's real sentiments, read as follows:

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

From this reading This letter, which Father Richard had written in a disguised hand that morning, ostensibly from Mariette's dictation, far from expressing that young girl's real sentiments, read as follows:

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

something written by hand

From this reading His eyes having at last chanced to fall upon this letter addressed to him in a handwriting he did not recognise, Louis broke the seal mechanically.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading * * * * * "M. LOUIS:--I take advantage of your absence to write you what I should not dare to tell you,--what, in fact, I have put off confessing for more than two months for fear of causing you pain.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading His eyes having at last chanced to fall upon this letter addressed to him in a handwriting he did not recognise, Louis broke the seal mechanically.

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

From this reading His eyes having at last chanced to fall upon this letter addressed to him in a handwriting he did not recognise, Louis broke the seal mechanically.

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

From this reading His eyes having at last chanced to fall upon this letter addressed to him in a handwriting he did not recognise, Louis broke the seal mechanically.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

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

From this reading His eyes having at last chanced to fall upon this letter addressed to him in a handwriting he did not recognise, Louis broke the seal mechanically.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading * * * * * "M. LOUIS:--I take advantage of your absence to write you what I should not dare to tell you,--what, in fact, I have put off confessing for more than two months for fear of causing you pain.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

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

From this reading His eyes having at last chanced to fall upon this letter addressed to him in a handwriting he did not recognise, Louis broke the seal mechanically.

becoming greater or larger

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

immediately past

From this reading His eyes having at last chanced to fall upon this letter addressed to him in a handwriting he did not recognise, Louis broke the seal mechanically.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading THE FORGED LETTER.

United States prizefighter who was world heavyweight champion for 12 years (1914-1981)

From this reading His eyes having at last chanced to fall upon this letter addressed to him in a handwriting he did not recognise, Louis broke the seal mechanically.

the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)

From this reading * * * * * "M. LOUIS:--I take advantage of your absence to write you what I should not dare to tell you,--what, in fact, I have put off confessing for more than two months for fear of causing you pain.

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

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

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

From this reading This letter, which Father Richard had written in a disguised hand that morning, ostensibly from Mariette's dictation, far from expressing that young girl's real sentiments, read as follows:

in a mechanical manner; by a mechanism

From this reading His eyes having at last chanced to fall upon this letter addressed to him in a handwriting he did not recognise, Louis broke the seal mechanically.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

a particular point in time

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading * * * * * "M. LOUIS:--I take advantage of your absence to write you what I should not dare to tell you,--what, in fact, I have put off confessing for more than two months for fear of causing you pain.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading * * * * * "M. LOUIS:--I take advantage of your absence to write you what I should not dare to tell you,--what, in fact, I have put off confessing for more than two months for fear of causing you pain.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading This letter, which Father Richard had written in a disguised hand that morning, ostensibly from Mariette's dictation, far from expressing that young girl's real sentiments, read as follows:

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading His eyes having at last chanced to fall upon this letter addressed to him in a handwriting he did not recognise, Louis broke the seal mechanically.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading * * * * * "M. LOUIS:--I take advantage of your absence to write you what I should not dare to tell you,--what, in fact, I have put off confessing for more than two months for fear of causing you pain.

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

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

of or relating to or involving light or optics

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

from appearances alone

From this reading This letter, which Father Richard had written in a disguised hand that morning, ostensibly from Mariette's dictation, far from expressing that young girl's real sentiments, read as follows:

(music) the speed at which a composition is to be played

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

a symptom of some physical hurt or disorder

From this reading * * * * * "M. LOUIS:--I take advantage of your absence to write you what I should not dare to tell you,--what, in fact, I have put off confessing for more than two months for fear of causing you pain.

very light colored; highly diluted with white

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

go across or through

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading * * * * * "M. LOUIS:--I take advantage of your absence to write you what I should not dare to tell you,--what, in fact, I have put off confessing for more than two months for fear of causing you pain.

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

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading This letter, which Father Richard had written in a disguised hand that morning, ostensibly from Mariette's dictation, far from expressing that young girl's real sentiments, read as follows:

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading This letter, which Father Richard had written in a disguised hand that morning, ostensibly from Mariette's dictation, far from expressing that young girl's real sentiments, read as follows:

show approval or appreciation of

From this reading His eyes having at last chanced to fall upon this letter addressed to him in a handwriting he did not recognise, Louis broke the seal mechanically.

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

From this reading This letter, which Father Richard had written in a disguised hand that morning, ostensibly from Mariette's dictation, far from expressing that young girl's real sentiments, read as follows:

meet the requirements or expectations of

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

cut with a saw

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

make tight; secure against leakage

From this reading His eyes having at last chanced to fall upon this letter addressed to him in a handwriting he did not recognise, Louis broke the seal mechanically.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

plural of “sentiment” — tender, romantic, or nostalgic feeling or emotion

From this reading This letter, which Father Richard had written in a disguised hand that morning, ostensibly from Mariette's dictation, far from expressing that young girl's real sentiments, read as follows:

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading * * * * * "M. LOUIS:--I take advantage of your absence to write you what I should not dare to tell you,--what, in fact, I have put off confessing for more than two months for fear of causing you pain.

without speaking

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

a male human offspring

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

not in physical motion

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

carry out

From this reading * * * * * "M. LOUIS:--I take advantage of your absence to write you what I should not dare to tell you,--what, in fact, I have put off confessing for more than two months for fear of causing you pain.

express in words

From this reading * * * * * "M. LOUIS:--I take advantage of your absence to write you what I should not dare to tell you,--what, in fact, I have put off confessing for more than two months for fear of causing you pain.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading * * * * * "M. LOUIS:--I take advantage of your absence to write you what I should not dare to tell you,--what, in fact, I have put off confessing for more than two months for fear of causing you pain.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

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

From this reading THE FORGED LETTER.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading His eyes having at last chanced to fall upon this letter addressed to him in a handwriting he did not recognise, Louis broke the seal mechanically.

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

From this reading His eyes having at last chanced to fall upon this letter addressed to him in a handwriting he did not recognise, Louis broke the seal mechanically.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading * * * * * "M. LOUIS:--I take advantage of your absence to write you what I should not dare to tell you,--what, in fact, I have put off confessing for more than two months for fear of causing you pain.

(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading His eyes having at last chanced to fall upon this letter addressed to him in a handwriting he did not recognise, Louis broke the seal mechanically.

an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

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

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading * * * * * "M. LOUIS:--I take advantage of your absence to write you what I should not dare to tell you,--what, in fact, I have put off confessing for more than two months for fear of causing you pain.

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

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

which person or people

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

in the company of; together with

From this reading A moment afterward, the old man, who was still silently pacing the floor, saw his son suddenly turn pale and pass his hand across his forehead as if to satisfy himself that he was not the victim of an optical delusion, then re-read with increasing agitation a missive which he seemed unable to credit.

produce a literary work

From this reading * * * * * "M. LOUIS:--I take advantage of your absence to write you what I should not dare to tell you,--what, in fact, I have put off confessing for more than two months for fear of causing you pain.

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading This letter, which Father Richard had written in a disguised hand that morning, ostensibly from Mariette's dictation, far from expressing that young girl's real sentiments, read as follows:

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading * * * * * "M. LOUIS:--I take advantage of your absence to write you what I should not dare to tell you,--what, in fact, I have put off confessing for more than two months for fear of causing you pain.

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

From this reading This letter, which Father Richard had written in a disguised hand that morning, ostensibly from Mariette's dictation, far from expressing that young girl's real sentiments, read as follows:

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading * * * * * "M. LOUIS:--I take advantage of your absence to write you what I should not dare to tell you,--what, in fact, I have put off confessing for more than two months for fear of causing you pain.