used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The great granite building standing on the top of the hill above the West Dart, ugly, ominous, a blot on nature, man’s menace to mankind, had never interested him or caused him to think for a moment of the unfortunate beings who were incarcerated there.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading The great granite building standing on the top of the hill above the West Dart, ugly, ominous, a blot on nature, man’s menace to mankind, had never interested him or caused him to think for a moment of the unfortunate beings who were incarcerated there.
(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 Perhaps because he had lived under the shadow of the prisons all his life, the idea of visiting them (as strangers and tourists from the cities often did) never occurred to him.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Before leaving London, Rupert, at Despard’s suggestion, had applied for an order to go over the convict prisons at Princetown.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Perhaps because he had lived under the shadow of the prisons all his life, the idea of visiting them (as strangers and tourists from the cities often did) never occurred to him.
appliedadjectiveUS /əˈplaɪd/
concerned with concrete problems or data rather than with fundamental principles
From this reading Before leaving London, Rupert, at Despard’s suggestion, had applied for an order to go over the convict prisons at Princetown.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading It arrived the morning following the interview with Sir Reginald Crichton.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Perhaps because he had lived under the shadow of the prisons all his life, the idea of visiting them (as strangers and tourists from the cities often did) never occurred to him.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Before leaving London, Rupert, at Despard’s suggestion, had applied for an order to go over the convict prisons at Princetown.
for the reason that
From this reading Perhaps because he had lived under the shadow of the prisons all his life, the idea of visiting them (as strangers and tourists from the cities often did) never occurred to him.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Before leaving London, Rupert, at Despard’s suggestion, had applied for an order to go over the convict prisons at Princetown.
beingsnounUS /ˈbiːɪŋz/
plural of “being” — the state or fact of existing
From this reading The great granite building standing on the top of the hill above the West Dart, ugly, ominous, a blot on nature, man’s menace to mankind, had never interested him or caused him to think for a moment of the unfortunate beings who were incarcerated there.
blotnounUS /blɑːt/
a blemish made by dirt
From this reading The great granite building standing on the top of the hill above the West Dart, ugly, ominous, a blot on nature, man’s menace to mankind, had never interested him or caused him to think for a moment of the unfortunate beings who were incarcerated there.
a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
From this reading The great granite building standing on the top of the hill above the West Dart, ugly, ominous, a blot on nature, man’s menace to mankind, had never interested him or caused him to think for a moment of the unfortunate beings who were incarcerated there.
past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
From this reading The great granite building standing on the top of the hill above the West Dart, ugly, ominous, a blot on nature, man’s menace to mankind, had never interested him or caused him to think for a moment of the unfortunate beings who were incarcerated there.
citiesnounUS /ˈsɪtiz/
plural of “city” — a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading Perhaps because he had lived under the shadow of the prisons all his life, the idea of visiting them (as strangers and tourists from the cities often did) never occurred to him.
convictnounUS /ˈkɑːnvɪkt/
a person serving a sentence in a jail or prison
From this reading Before leaving London, Rupert, at Despard’s suggestion, had applied for an order to go over the convict prisons at Princetown.
CrichtonnounUS /ˈkrɪtʃtən/
Scottish man of letters and adventurer (1560-1582)
From this reading It arrived the morning following the interview with Sir Reginald Crichton.
DartverbUS /dɑːrt/
move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart
From this reading The great granite building standing on the top of the hill above the West Dart, ugly, ominous, a blot on nature, man’s menace to mankind, had never interested him or caused him to think for a moment of the unfortunate beings who were incarcerated there.
Despard's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Before leaving London, Rupert, at Despard’s suggestion, had applied for an order to go over the convict prisons at Princetown.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Perhaps because he had lived under the shadow of the prisons all his life, the idea of visiting them (as strangers and tourists from the cities often did) never occurred to him.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading It arrived the morning following the interview with Sir Reginald Crichton.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Before leaving London, Rupert, at Despard’s suggestion, had applied for an order to go over the convict prisons at Princetown.
FORGERYnounUS /ˈfɔːrdʒəri/
a copy that is represented as the original
From this reading FORGERY.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Perhaps because he had lived under the shadow of the prisons all his life, the idea of visiting them (as strangers and tourists from the cities often did) never occurred to him.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Before leaving London, Rupert, at Despard’s suggestion, had applied for an order to go over the convict prisons at Princetown.
granitenounUS /ˈɡrænət/
plutonic igneous rock having visibly crystalline texture; generally composed of feldspar and mica and quartz
From this reading The great granite building standing on the top of the hill above the West Dart, ugly, ominous, a blot on nature, man’s menace to mankind, had never interested him or caused him to think for a moment of the unfortunate beings who were incarcerated there.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading The great granite building standing on the top of the hill above the West Dart, ugly, ominous, a blot on nature, man’s menace to mankind, had never interested him or caused him to think for a moment of the unfortunate beings who were incarcerated there.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Before leaving London, Rupert, at Despard’s suggestion, had applied for an order to go over the convict prisons at Princetown.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Perhaps because he had lived under the shadow of the prisons all his life, the idea of visiting them (as strangers and tourists from the cities often did) never occurred to him.
a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading The great granite building standing on the top of the hill above the West Dart, ugly, ominous, a blot on nature, man’s menace to mankind, had never interested him or caused him to think for a moment of the unfortunate beings who were incarcerated there.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Perhaps because he had lived under the shadow of the prisons all his life, the idea of visiting them (as strangers and tourists from the cities often did) never occurred to him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Perhaps because he had lived under the shadow of the prisons all his life, the idea of visiting them (as strangers and tourists from the cities often did) never occurred to him.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Perhaps because he had lived under the shadow of the prisons all his life, the idea of visiting them (as strangers and tourists from the cities often did) never occurred to him.
incarceratedverbUS /ˌɪnˈkɑːrsəreɪtɪd/
past form of “incarcerate” — lock up or confine, in or as in a jail
From this reading The great granite building standing on the top of the hill above the West Dart, ugly, ominous, a blot on nature, man’s menace to mankind, had never interested him or caused him to think for a moment of the unfortunate beings who were incarcerated there.
having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern
From this reading The great granite building standing on the top of the hill above the West Dart, ugly, ominous, a blot on nature, man’s menace to mankind, had never interested him or caused him to think for a moment of the unfortunate beings who were incarcerated there.
conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting
From this reading It arrived the morning following the interview with Sir Reginald Crichton.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It arrived the morning following the interview with Sir Reginald Crichton.
the act of departing
From this reading Before leaving London, Rupert, at Despard’s suggestion, had applied for an order to go over the convict prisons at Princetown.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Perhaps because he had lived under the shadow of the prisons all his life, the idea of visiting them (as strangers and tourists from the cities often did) never occurred to him.
past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading Perhaps because he had lived under the shadow of the prisons all his life, the idea of visiting them (as strangers and tourists from the cities often did) never occurred to him.
the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center
From this reading Before leaving London, Rupert, at Despard’s suggestion, had applied for an order to go over the convict prisons at Princetown.
man'snounUS /mænz/
possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading The great granite building standing on the top of the hill above the West Dart, ugly, ominous, a blot on nature, man’s menace to mankind, had never interested him or caused him to think for a moment of the unfortunate beings who were incarcerated there.
mankindnounUS /ˈmænˈkaɪnd/
all of the living human inhabitants of the earth
From this reading The great granite building standing on the top of the hill above the West Dart, ugly, ominous, a blot on nature, man’s menace to mankind, had never interested him or caused him to think for a moment of the unfortunate beings who were incarcerated there.
menaceverbUS /ˈmenəs/
pose a threat to; present a danger to
From this reading The great granite building standing on the top of the hill above the West Dart, ugly, ominous, a blot on nature, man’s menace to mankind, had never interested him or caused him to think for a moment of the unfortunate beings who were incarcerated there.
a particular point in time
From this reading The great granite building standing on the top of the hill above the West Dart, ugly, ominous, a blot on nature, man’s menace to mankind, had never interested him or caused him to think for a moment of the unfortunate beings who were incarcerated there.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading It arrived the morning following the interview with Sir Reginald Crichton.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading The great granite building standing on the top of the hill above the West Dart, ugly, ominous, a blot on nature, man’s menace to mankind, had never interested him or caused him to think for a moment of the unfortunate beings who were incarcerated there.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Perhaps because he had lived under the shadow of the prisons all his life, the idea of visiting them (as strangers and tourists from the cities often did) never occurred to him.
inflected form of “occur” — come to pass
From this reading Perhaps because he had lived under the shadow of the prisons all his life, the idea of visiting them (as strangers and tourists from the cities often did) never occurred to him.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Perhaps because he had lived under the shadow of the prisons all his life, the idea of visiting them (as strangers and tourists from the cities often did) never occurred to him.
many times at short intervals
From this reading Perhaps because he had lived under the shadow of the prisons all his life, the idea of visiting them (as strangers and tourists from the cities often did) never occurred to him.
ominousadjectiveUS /ˈɑːmənəs/
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
From this reading The great granite building standing on the top of the hill above the West Dart, ugly, ominous, a blot on nature, man’s menace to mankind, had never interested him or caused him to think for a moment of the unfortunate beings who were incarcerated there.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The great granite building standing on the top of the hill above the West Dart, ugly, ominous, a blot on nature, man’s menace to mankind, had never interested him or caused him to think for a moment of the unfortunate beings who were incarcerated there.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The great granite building standing on the top of the hill above the West Dart, ugly, ominous, a blot on nature, man’s menace to mankind, had never interested him or caused him to think for a moment of the unfortunate beings who were incarcerated there.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading Before leaving London, Rupert, at Despard’s suggestion, had applied for an order to go over the convict prisons at Princetown.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Before leaving London, Rupert, at Despard’s suggestion, had applied for an order to go over the convict prisons at Princetown.
by chance
From this reading Perhaps because he had lived under the shadow of the prisons all his life, the idea of visiting them (as strangers and tourists from the cities often did) never occurred to him.
Princetown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Before leaving London, Rupert, at Despard’s suggestion, had applied for an order to go over the convict prisons at Princetown.
prisonsnounUS /ˈprɪzənz/
plural of “prison” — a correctional institution where persons are confined while on trial or for punishment
From this reading Before leaving London, Rupert, at Despard’s suggestion, had applied for an order to go over the convict prisons at Princetown.
Reginald
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It arrived the morning following the interview with Sir Reginald Crichton.
RupertnounUS /ˈruːpərt/
English leader (born in Germany) of the Royalist forces during the English Civil War (1619-1682)
From this reading Before leaving London, Rupert, at Despard’s suggestion, had applied for an order to go over the convict prisons at Princetown.
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading Perhaps because he had lived under the shadow of the prisons all his life, the idea of visiting them (as strangers and tourists from the cities often did) never occurred to him.
term of address for a man
From this reading It arrived the morning following the interview with Sir Reginald Crichton.
having a supporting base
From this reading The great granite building standing on the top of the hill above the West Dart, ugly, ominous, a blot on nature, man’s menace to mankind, had never interested him or caused him to think for a moment of the unfortunate beings who were incarcerated there.
plural of “stranger” — anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading Perhaps because he had lived under the shadow of the prisons all his life, the idea of visiting them (as strangers and tourists from the cities often did) never occurred to him.
an idea that is suggested
From this reading Before leaving London, Rupert, at Despard’s suggestion, had applied for an order to go over the convict prisons at Princetown.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Before leaving London, Rupert, at Despard’s suggestion, had applied for an order to go over the convict prisons at Princetown.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Perhaps because he had lived under the shadow of the prisons all his life, the idea of visiting them (as strangers and tourists from the cities often did) never occurred to him.
in or at that place or location
From this reading The great granite building standing on the top of the hill above the West Dart, ugly, ominous, a blot on nature, man’s menace to mankind, had never interested him or caused him to think for a moment of the unfortunate beings who were incarcerated there.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading The great granite building standing on the top of the hill above the West Dart, ugly, ominous, a blot on nature, man’s menace to mankind, had never interested him or caused him to think for a moment of the unfortunate beings who were incarcerated there.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Before leaving London, Rupert, at Despard’s suggestion, had applied for an order to go over the convict prisons at Princetown.
the upper part of anything
From this reading The great granite building standing on the top of the hill above the West Dart, ugly, ominous, a blot on nature, man’s menace to mankind, had never interested him or caused him to think for a moment of the unfortunate beings who were incarcerated there.
touristsnounUS /ˈtʊrəsts/
plural of “tourist” — someone who travels for pleasure
From this reading Perhaps because he had lived under the shadow of the prisons all his life, the idea of visiting them (as strangers and tourists from the cities often did) never occurred to him.
displeasing to the senses
From this reading The great granite building standing on the top of the hill above the West Dart, ugly, ominous, a blot on nature, man’s menace to mankind, had never interested him or caused him to think for a moment of the unfortunate beings who were incarcerated there.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Perhaps because he had lived under the shadow of the prisons all his life, the idea of visiting them (as strangers and tourists from the cities often did) never occurred to him.
not favored by fortune; marked or accompanied by or resulting in ill fortune
From this reading The great granite building standing on the top of the hill above the West Dart, ugly, ominous, a blot on nature, man’s menace to mankind, had never interested him or caused him to think for a moment of the unfortunate beings who were incarcerated there.
visitingnounUS /ˈvɪzɪtɪŋ/
the activity of making visits
From this reading Perhaps because he had lived under the shadow of the prisons all his life, the idea of visiting them (as strangers and tourists from the cities often did) never occurred to him.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The great granite building standing on the top of the hill above the West Dart, ugly, ominous, a blot on nature, man’s menace to mankind, had never interested him or caused him to think for a moment of the unfortunate beings who were incarcerated there.
the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America
From this reading The great granite building standing on the top of the hill above the West Dart, ugly, ominous, a blot on nature, man’s menace to mankind, had never interested him or caused him to think for a moment of the unfortunate beings who were incarcerated there.
which person or people
From this reading The great granite building standing on the top of the hill above the West Dart, ugly, ominous, a blot on nature, man’s menace to mankind, had never interested him or caused him to think for a moment of the unfortunate beings who were incarcerated there.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It arrived the morning following the interview with Sir Reginald Crichton.
