used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading From the moment of her landing on the wharf, Barbara was in a state of high exhilaration.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Affairs of state, it seemed to her, were the more mysterious and important the less she knew about them; and it pleased her to feel that the fate of commonwealths, perchance, was carried secretly within the ruffled cambric of her debonair and brown-eyed uncle.
matters of personal concern
From this reading Affairs of state, it seemed to her, were the more mysterious and important the less she knew about them; and it pleased her to feel that the fate of commonwealths, perchance, was carried secretly within the ruffled cambric of her debonair and brown-eyed uncle.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading Arrived in New York, they went straight into lodgings which Glenowen had already engaged, in an old, high-stooped Dutch house on State Street.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Arrived in New York, they went straight into lodgings which Glenowen had already engaged, in an old, high-stooped Dutch house on State Street.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading Arrived in New York, they went straight into lodgings which Glenowen had already engaged, in an old, high-stooped Dutch house on State Street.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
Barbara
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
brown-eyed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Affairs of state, it seemed to her, were the more mysterious and important the less she knew about them; and it pleased her to feel that the fate of commonwealths, perchance, was carried secretly within the ruffled cambric of her debonair and brown-eyed uncle.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading From Second Westings they journeyed by coach to New Haven, and from that city voyaged by packet down the Sound to New York.
cambricnoun
a finely woven white linen
From this reading Affairs of state, it seemed to her, were the more mysterious and important the less she knew about them; and it pleased her to feel that the fate of commonwealths, perchance, was carried secretly within the ruffled cambric of her debonair and brown-eyed uncle.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading Affairs of state, it seemed to her, were the more mysterious and important the less she knew about them; and it pleased her to feel that the fate of commonwealths, perchance, was carried secretly within the ruffled cambric of her debonair and brown-eyed uncle.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading From Second Westings they journeyed by coach to New Haven, and from that city voyaged by packet down the Sound to New York.
teach and supervise (someone); act as a trainer or coach (to), as in sports
From this reading From Second Westings they journeyed by coach to New Haven, and from that city voyaged by packet down the Sound to New York.
commonwealths
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Affairs of state, it seemed to her, were the more mysterious and important the less she knew about them; and it pleased her to feel that the fate of commonwealths, perchance, was carried secretly within the ruffled cambric of her debonair and brown-eyed uncle.
having come or been brought to a conclusion
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
debonairadjectiveUS /ˌdebəˈner/
having a sophisticated charm
From this reading Affairs of state, it seemed to her, were the more mysterious and important the less she knew about them; and it pleased her to feel that the fate of commonwealths, perchance, was carried secretly within the ruffled cambric of her debonair and brown-eyed uncle.
discretionnounUS /dɪˈskreʃən/
freedom to act or judge on one's own
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading From Second Westings they journeyed by coach to New Haven, and from that city voyaged by packet down the Sound to New York.
DutchadjectiveUS /dʌtʃ/
of or relating to the Netherlands or its people or culture
From this reading Arrived in New York, they went straight into lodgings which Glenowen had already engaged, in an old, high-stooped Dutch house on State Street.
plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
having ones attention or mind or energy engaged
From this reading Arrived in New York, they went straight into lodgings which Glenowen had already engaged, in an old, high-stooped Dutch house on State Street.
exhilarationnounUS /ɪɡˌzɪlərˈeɪʃən/
the feeling of lively and cheerful joy
From this reading From the moment of her landing on the wharf, Barbara was in a state of high exhilaration.
an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
From this reading Affairs of state, it seemed to her, were the more mysterious and important the less she knew about them; and it pleased her to feel that the fate of commonwealths, perchance, was carried secretly within the ruffled cambric of her debonair and brown-eyed uncle.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading Affairs of state, it seemed to her, were the more mysterious and important the less she knew about them; and it pleased her to feel that the fate of commonwealths, perchance, was carried secretly within the ruffled cambric of her debonair and brown-eyed uncle.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading From Second Westings they journeyed by coach to New Haven, and from that city voyaged by packet down the Sound to New York.
Glenowen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
overly eager speed (and possible carelessness)
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
HavennounUS /ˈheɪvən/
a shelter serving as a place of safety or sanctuary
From this reading From Second Westings they journeyed by coach to New Haven, and from that city voyaged by packet down the Sound to New York.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Affairs of state, it seemed to her, were the more mysterious and important the less she knew about them; and it pleased her to feel that the fate of commonwealths, perchance, was carried secretly within the ruffled cambric of her debonair and brown-eyed uncle.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading From the moment of her landing on the wharf, Barbara was in a state of high exhilaration.
high-stooped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Arrived in New York, they went straight into lodgings which Glenowen had already engaged, in an old, high-stooped Dutch house on State Street.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Arrived in New York, they went straight into lodgings which Glenowen had already engaged, in an old, high-stooped Dutch house on State Street.
of great significance or value
From this reading Affairs of state, it seemed to her, were the more mysterious and important the less she knew about them; and it pleased her to feel that the fate of commonwealths, perchance, was carried secretly within the ruffled cambric of her debonair and brown-eyed uncle.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Arrived in New York, they went straight into lodgings which Glenowen had already engaged, in an old, high-stooped Dutch house on State Street.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Affairs of state, it seemed to her, were the more mysterious and important the less she knew about them; and it pleased her to feel that the fate of commonwealths, perchance, was carried secretly within the ruffled cambric of her debonair and brown-eyed uncle.
journeyedverbUS /ˈdʒɜːrnid/
past form of “journey” — undertake a journey or trip
From this reading From Second Westings they journeyed by coach to New Haven, and from that city voyaged by packet down the Sound to New York.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Affairs of state, it seemed to her, were the more mysterious and important the less she knew about them; and it pleased her to feel that the fate of commonwealths, perchance, was carried secretly within the ruffled cambric of her debonair and brown-eyed uncle.
an intermediate platform in a staircase
From this reading From the moment of her landing on the wharf, Barbara was in a state of high exhilaration.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading Affairs of state, it seemed to her, were the more mysterious and important the less she knew about them; and it pleased her to feel that the fate of commonwealths, perchance, was carried secretly within the ruffled cambric of her debonair and brown-eyed uncle.
lodgingsnounUS /ˈlɑːdʒɪŋz/
temporary living quarters
From this reading Arrived in New York, they went straight into lodgings which Glenowen had already engaged, in an old, high-stooped Dutch house on State Street.
a particular point in time
From this reading From the moment of her landing on the wharf, Barbara was in a state of high exhilaration.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Affairs of state, it seemed to her, were the more mysterious and important the less she knew about them; and it pleased her to feel that the fate of commonwealths, perchance, was carried secretly within the ruffled cambric of her debonair and brown-eyed uncle.
of an obscure nature
From this reading Affairs of state, it seemed to her, were the more mysterious and important the less she knew about them; and it pleased her to feel that the fate of commonwealths, perchance, was carried secretly within the ruffled cambric of her debonair and brown-eyed uncle.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
not any; not one
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Arrived in New York, they went straight into lodgings which Glenowen had already engaged, in an old, high-stooped Dutch house on State Street.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Arrived in New York, they went straight into lodgings which Glenowen had already engaged, in an old, high-stooped Dutch house on State Street.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
packetnounUS /ˈpækət/
a collection of things wrapped or boxed together
From this reading From Second Westings they journeyed by coach to New Haven, and from that city voyaged by packet down the Sound to New York.
perchanceadverbUS /pərˈtʃæns/
through chance
From this reading Affairs of state, it seemed to her, were the more mysterious and important the less she knew about them; and it pleased her to feel that the fate of commonwealths, perchance, was carried secretly within the ruffled cambric of her debonair and brown-eyed uncle.
experiencing or manifesting pleasure
From this reading Affairs of state, it seemed to her, were the more mysterious and important the less she knew about them; and it pleased her to feel that the fate of commonwealths, perchance, was carried secretly within the ruffled cambric of her debonair and brown-eyed uncle.
plural of “question” — an instance of questioning
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
recordsnounUS /rəˈkɔːrdz/
plural of “record” — anything (such as a document or a phonograph record or a photograph) providing permanent evidence of or information about past events
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
ruffledadjectiveUS /ˈrʌfəld/
shaken into waves or undulations as by wind
From this reading Affairs of state, it seemed to her, were the more mysterious and important the less she knew about them; and it pleased her to feel that the fate of commonwealths, perchance, was carried secretly within the ruffled cambric of her debonair and brown-eyed uncle.
diligent and thorough in inquiry or investigation
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
secretlyadverbUS /ˈsiːkrɪtli/
in secrecy; not openly
From this reading Affairs of state, it seemed to her, were the more mysterious and important the less she knew about them; and it pleased her to feel that the fate of commonwealths, perchance, was carried secretly within the ruffled cambric of her debonair and brown-eyed uncle.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Affairs of state, it seemed to her, were the more mysterious and important the less she knew about them; and it pleased her to feel that the fate of commonwealths, perchance, was carried secretly within the ruffled cambric of her debonair and brown-eyed uncle.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading From Second Westings they journeyed by coach to New Haven, and from that city voyaged by packet down the Sound to New York.
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading Affairs of state, it seemed to her, were the more mysterious and important the less she knew about them; and it pleased her to feel that the fate of commonwealths, perchance, was carried secretly within the ruffled cambric of her debonair and brown-eyed uncle.
successive (without a break)
From this reading Arrived in New York, they went straight into lodgings which Glenowen had already engaged, in an old, high-stooped Dutch house on State Street.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading Arrived in New York, they went straight into lodgings which Glenowen had already engaged, in an old, high-stooped Dutch house on State Street.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Affairs of state, it seemed to her, were the more mysterious and important the less she knew about them; and it pleased her to feel that the fate of commonwealths, perchance, was carried secretly within the ruffled cambric of her debonair and brown-eyed uncle.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading From Second Westings they journeyed by coach to New Haven, and from that city voyaged by packet down the Sound to New York.
titlesnounUS /ˈtaɪtəlz/
plural of “title” — a heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading Affairs of state, it seemed to her, were the more mysterious and important the less she knew about them; and it pleased her to feel that the fate of commonwealths, perchance, was carried secretly within the ruffled cambric of her debonair and brown-eyed uncle.
unwontedadjective
unaccustomed or unusual
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
verificationnounUS /ˌverəfəˈkeɪʃən/
additional proof that something that was believed (some fact or hypothesis or theory) is correct
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
voyagedverbUS /ˈvɔɪədʒd/
past form of “voyage” — travel on water propelled by wind or by other means
From this reading From Second Westings they journeyed by coach to New Haven, and from that city voyaged by packet down the Sound to New York.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Arrived in New York, they went straight into lodgings which Glenowen had already engaged, in an old, high-stooped Dutch house on State Street.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Affairs of state, it seemed to her, were the more mysterious and important the less she knew about them; and it pleased her to feel that the fate of commonwealths, perchance, was carried secretly within the ruffled cambric of her debonair and brown-eyed uncle.
Westings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
wharfnounUS /wɔːrf/
a platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats
From this reading From the moment of her landing on the wharf, Barbara was in a state of high exhilaration.
at the time that
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Arrived in New York, they went straight into lodgings which Glenowen had already engaged, in an old, high-stooped Dutch house on State Street.
in the company of; together with
From this reading When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Affairs of state, it seemed to her, were the more mysterious and important the less she knew about them; and it pleased her to feel that the fate of commonwealths, perchance, was carried secretly within the ruffled cambric of her debonair and brown-eyed uncle.
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 When Glenowen came to Second Westings he was in such haste that Barbara concluded he had other duties in New York than the searching of records and verification of titles; but with unwonted discretion she asked no questions.
