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 Above the breathing of the three children sleeping near her in the big room, the buzz of a moth-beetle against the ceiling, and the far-off howling of jackals, she could hear something out in the garden sighing with faint, whistling sighs.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading Above the breathing of the three children sleeping near her in the big room, the buzz of a moth-beetle against the ceiling, and the far-off howling of jackals, she could hear something out in the garden sighing with faint, whistling sighs.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Above the breathing of the three children sleeping near her in the big room, the buzz of a moth-beetle against the ceiling, and the far-off howling of jackals, she could hear something out in the garden sighing with faint, whistling sighs.

(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 G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

a purgative made from the leaves of aloe

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

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

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

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

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Christine Chaine, wakeful and nervous, listening to the night sounds, found them far more distracting than any the day could produce.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

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

From this reading Author of "Poppy," "Wild Honey," etc.

preventing entry or exit or a course of action

From this reading More disquieting still was a gentle, intermittent tapping on the closed and heavily barred shutters, inside which the windows stood open, inviting coolness.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

plural of “being” — the state or fact of existing

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Above the breathing of the three children sleeping near her in the big room, the buzz of a moth-beetle against the ceiling, and the far-off howling of jackals, she could hear something out in the garden sighing with faint, whistling sighs.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

the bodily process of inhalation and exhalation; the process of taking in oxygen from inhaled air and releasing carbon dioxide by exhalation

From this reading Above the breathing of the three children sleeping near her in the big room, the buzz of a moth-beetle against the ceiling, and the far-off howling of jackals, she could hear something out in the garden sighing with faint, whistling sighs.

sitting on eggs so as to hatch them by the warmth of the body

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

make a buzzing sound

From this reading Above the breathing of the three children sleeping near her in the big room, the buzz of a moth-beetle against the ceiling, and the far-off howling of jackals, she could hear something out in the garden sighing with faint, whistling sighs.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

the overhead upper surface of a covered space

From this reading Above the breathing of the three children sleeping near her in the big room, the buzz of a moth-beetle against the ceiling, and the far-off howling of jackals, she could hear something out in the garden sighing with faint, whistling sighs.

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

From this reading Christine Chaine, wakeful and nervous, listening to the night sounds, found them far more distracting than any the day could produce.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading Above the breathing of the three children sleeping near her in the big room, the buzz of a moth-beetle against the ceiling, and the far-off howling of jackals, she could hear something out in the garden sighing with faint, whistling sighs.

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

From this reading Christine Chaine, wakeful and nervous, listening to the night sounds, found them far more distracting than any the day could produce.

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading More disquieting still was a gentle, intermittent tapping on the closed and heavily barred shutters, inside which the windows stood open, inviting coolness.

calm and unruffled self-assurance

From this reading More disquieting still was a gentle, intermittent tapping on the closed and heavily barred shutters, inside which the windows stood open, inviting coolness.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Christine Chaine, wakeful and nervous, listening to the night sounds, found them far more distracting than any the day could produce.

utter a sudden loud cry

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

causing mental discomfort

From this reading More disquieting still was a gentle, intermittent tapping on the closed and heavily barred shutters, inside which the windows stood open, inviting coolness.

-ing form of “distract” — draw someone's attention away from something

From this reading Christine Chaine, wakeful and nervous, listening to the night sounds, found them far more distracting than any the day could produce.

giving or marked by complete attention to

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

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

From this reading Author of "Poppy," "Wild Honey," etc.

deficient in magnitude; barely perceptible; lacking clarity or brightness or loudness etc

From this reading Above the breathing of the three children sleeping near her in the big room, the buzz of a moth-beetle against the ceiling, and the far-off howling of jackals, she could hear something out in the garden sighing with faint, whistling sighs.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Christine Chaine, wakeful and nervous, listening to the night sounds, found them far more distracting than any the day could produce.

very far away in space or time

From this reading Above the breathing of the three children sleeping near her in the big room, the buzz of a moth-beetle against the ceiling, and the far-off howling of jackals, she could hear something out in the garden sighing with faint, whistling sighs.

be a farmer; work as a farmer

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

Not allowed; banned or prohibited by rule or law.

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

set up or found

From this reading Christine Chaine, wakeful and nervous, listening to the night sounds, found them far more distracting than any the day could produce.

a metric unit of weight equal to one thousandth of a kilogram

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading Above the breathing of the three children sleeping near her in the big room, the buzz of a moth-beetle against the ceiling, and the far-off howling of jackals, she could hear something out in the garden sighing with faint, whistling sighs.

soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe

From this reading More disquieting still was a gentle, intermittent tapping on the closed and heavily barred shutters, inside which the windows stood open, inviting coolness.

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

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

perceive (sound) via the auditory sense

From this reading Above the breathing of the three children sleeping near her in the big room, the buzz of a moth-beetle against the ceiling, and the far-off howling of jackals, she could hear something out in the garden sighing with faint, whistling sighs.

to a considerable degree

From this reading More disquieting still was a gentle, intermittent tapping on the closed and heavily barred shutters, inside which the windows stood open, inviting coolness.

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

From this reading Above the breathing of the three children sleeping near her in the big room, the buzz of a moth-beetle against the ceiling, and the far-off howling of jackals, she could hear something out in the garden sighing with faint, whistling sighs.

a sweet yellow liquid produced by bees

From this reading Author of "Poppy," "Wild Honey," etc.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

a long loud emotional utterance

From this reading Above the breathing of the three children sleeping near her in the big room, the buzz of a moth-beetle against the ceiling, and the far-off howling of jackals, she could hear something out in the garden sighing with faint, whistling sighs.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

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

From this reading Above the breathing of the three children sleeping near her in the big room, the buzz of a moth-beetle against the ceiling, and the far-off howling of jackals, she could hear something out in the garden sighing with faint, whistling sighs.

plural of “inmate” — one of several resident of a dwelling (especially someone confined to a prison or hospital)

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space

From this reading More disquieting still was a gentle, intermittent tapping on the closed and heavily barred shutters, inside which the windows stood open, inviting coolness.

stopping and starting at irregular intervals

From this reading More disquieting still was a gentle, intermittent tapping on the closed and heavily barred shutters, inside which the windows stood open, inviting coolness.

attractive and tempting

From this reading More disquieting still was a gentle, intermittent tapping on the closed and heavily barred shutters, inside which the windows stood open, inviting coolness.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

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

From this reading Above the breathing of the three children sleeping near her in the big room, the buzz of a moth-beetle against the ceiling, and the far-off howling of jackals, she could hear something out in the garden sighing with faint, whistling sighs.

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

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

the act of hearing attentively

From this reading Christine Chaine, wakeful and nervous, listening to the night sounds, found them far more distracting than any the day could produce.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

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

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

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

From this reading Christine Chaine, wakeful and nervous, listening to the night sounds, found them far more distracting than any the day could produce.

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

From this reading Above the breathing of the three children sleeping near her in the big room, the buzz of a moth-beetle against the ceiling, and the far-off howling of jackals, she could hear something out in the garden sighing with faint, whistling sighs.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading Above the breathing of the three children sleeping near her in the big room, the buzz of a moth-beetle against the ceiling, and the far-off howling of jackals, she could hear something out in the garden sighing with faint, whistling sighs.

easily agitated

From this reading Christine Chaine, wakeful and nervous, listening to the night sounds, found them far more distracting than any the day could produce.

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

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

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

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Author of "Poppy," "Wild Honey," etc.

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

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading More disquieting still was a gentle, intermittent tapping on the closed and heavily barred shutters, inside which the windows stood open, inviting coolness.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading More disquieting still was a gentle, intermittent tapping on the closed and heavily barred shutters, inside which the windows stood open, inviting coolness.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Above the breathing of the three children sleeping near her in the big room, the buzz of a moth-beetle against the ceiling, and the far-off howling of jackals, she could hear something out in the garden sighing with faint, whistling sighs.

a multivalent nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family that occurs commonly in inorganic phosphate rocks and as organic phosphates in all living cells; is highly reactive and occurs in several allotropic forms

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

the state prevailing during the absence of war

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

annual or biennial or perennial herbs having showy flowers

From this reading Author of "Poppy," "Wild Honey," etc.

bring forth or yield

From this reading Christine Chaine, wakeful and nervous, listening to the night sounds, found them far more distracting than any the day could produce.

move about in or as if in a predatory manner

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

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

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

not tired; refreshed as by sleeping or relaxing

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading Above the breathing of the three children sleeping near her in the big room, the buzz of a moth-beetle against the ceiling, and the far-off howling of jackals, she could hear something out in the garden sighing with faint, whistling sighs.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Above the breathing of the three children sleeping near her in the big room, the buzz of a moth-beetle against the ceiling, and the far-off howling of jackals, she could hear something out in the garden sighing with faint, whistling sighs.

plural of “shutter” — a mechanical device on a camera that opens and closes to control the time of a photographic exposure

From this reading More disquieting still was a gentle, intermittent tapping on the closed and heavily barred shutters, inside which the windows stood open, inviting coolness.

-ing form of “sigh” — heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily

From this reading Above the breathing of the three children sleeping near her in the big room, the buzz of a moth-beetle against the ceiling, and the far-off howling of jackals, she could hear something out in the garden sighing with faint, whistling sighs.

plural of “sigh” — an utterance made by exhaling audibly

From this reading Above the breathing of the three children sleeping near her in the big room, the buzz of a moth-beetle against the ceiling, and the far-off howling of jackals, she could hear something out in the garden sighing with faint, whistling sighs.

threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

the state of being asleep

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading Above the breathing of the three children sleeping near her in the big room, the buzz of a moth-beetle against the ceiling, and the far-off howling of jackals, she could hear something out in the garden sighing with faint, whistling sighs.

plural of “son” — a male human offspring

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading Christine Chaine, wakeful and nervous, listening to the night sounds, found them far more distracting than any the day could produce.

marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

not in physical motion

From this reading More disquieting still was a gentle, intermittent tapping on the closed and heavily barred shutters, inside which the windows stood open, inviting coolness.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading More disquieting still was a gentle, intermittent tapping on the closed and heavily barred shutters, inside which the windows stood open, inviting coolness.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

the sound of light blow or knock

From this reading More disquieting still was a gentle, intermittent tapping on the closed and heavily barred shutters, inside which the windows stood open, inviting coolness.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Christine Chaine, wakeful and nervous, listening to the night sounds, found them far more distracting than any the day could produce.

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

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Christine Chaine, wakeful and nervous, listening to the night sounds, found them far more distracting than any the day could produce.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

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

From this reading Above the breathing of the three children sleeping near her in the big room, the buzz of a moth-beetle against the ceiling, and the far-off howling of jackals, she could hear something out in the garden sighing with faint, whistling sighs.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

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

From this reading Christine Chaine, wakeful and nervous, listening to the night sounds, found them far more distracting than any the day could produce.

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

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

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

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

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

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

carefully observant or attentive; on the lookout for possible danger

From this reading Christine Chaine, wakeful and nervous, listening to the night sounds, found them far more distracting than any the day could produce.

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

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

at the time that

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

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

From this reading More disquieting still was a gentle, intermittent tapping on the closed and heavily barred shutters, inside which the windows stood open, inviting coolness.

the sound made by something moving rapidly or by steam coming out of a small aperture

From this reading Above the breathing of the three children sleeping near her in the big room, the buzz of a moth-beetle against the ceiling, and the far-off howling of jackals, she could hear something out in the garden sighing with faint, whistling sighs.

which person or people

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading Author of "Poppy," "Wild Honey," etc.

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading More disquieting still was a gentle, intermittent tapping on the closed and heavily barred shutters, inside which the windows stood open, inviting coolness.

in the company of; together with

From this reading G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.

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 G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London Night, with the sinister, brooding peace of the desert, enwrapped the land, and the inmates of the old Karoo farm had long been at rest; but it was an hour when strange tree-creatures cry with the voices of human beings, and stealthy velvet-footed things prowl through places forbidden by day, and not all who rested at Blue Aloes were sleeping.