Chapter XXVII · Chapter 27

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

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

plural of “activity” — any specific behavior

From this reading That Ferrara's device was aimed at his freedom, that his design was intended to lead to the detention of his enemy whilst he directed his activities in other directions, seemed plausible, if inadequate.

anew

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

past form of “aim” — point or cause to go (blows, weapons, or objects such as photographic equipment) towards

From this reading That Ferrara's device was aimed at his freedom, that his design was intended to lead to the detention of his enemy whilst he directed his activities in other directions, seemed plausible, if inadequate.

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

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

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

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

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

Roman general under Julius Caesar in the Gallic wars; repudiated his wife for the Egyptian queen Cleopatra; they were defeated by Octavian at Actium (83-30 BC)

From this reading The carefully planned incident at the Museum whereby the constable had become possessed of Cairn's card; the distinct possibility that a detective might knock upon his door at any moment--with the inevitable result of his detention pending inquiries--formed a chain which had seemed complete, save that Antony Ferrara, was the schemer.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading The carefully planned incident at the Museum whereby the constable had become possessed of Cairn's card; the distinct possibility that a detective might knock upon his door at any moment--with the inevitable result of his detention pending inquiries--formed a chain which had seemed complete, save that Antony Ferrara, was the schemer.

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

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading That Ferrara's device was aimed at his freedom, that his design was intended to lead to the detention of his enemy whilst he directed his activities in other directions, seemed plausible, if inadequate.

past form of “attack” — launch an attack or assault on; begin hostilities or start warfare with

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

a body of water that was created by a flood or tide or by being held or forced back by a dam

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading The carefully planned incident at the Museum whereby the constable had become possessed of Cairn's card; the distinct possibility that a detective might knock upon his door at any moment--with the inevitable result of his detention pending inquiries--formed a chain which had seemed complete, save that Antony Ferrara, was the schemer.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading There was something very terrifying in the quietude of the court--a quietude which to others might have spelt peace, but which, to Robert Cairn, spelled menace.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

a mound of stones piled up as a memorial or to mark a boundary or path

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

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

From this reading The carefully planned incident at the Museum whereby the constable had become possessed of Cairn's card; the distinct possibility that a detective might knock upon his door at any moment--with the inevitable result of his detention pending inquiries--formed a chain which had seemed complete, save that Antony Ferrara, was the schemer.

one of a set of small pieces of stiff paper marked in various ways and used for playing games or for telling fortunes

From this reading The carefully planned incident at the Museum whereby the constable had become possessed of Cairn's card; the distinct possibility that a detective might knock upon his door at any moment--with the inevitable result of his detention pending inquiries--formed a chain which had seemed complete, save that Antony Ferrara, was the schemer.

taking care or paying attention

From this reading The carefully planned incident at the Museum whereby the constable had become possessed of Cairn's card; the distinct possibility that a detective might knock upon his door at any moment--with the inevitable result of his detention pending inquiries--formed a chain which had seemed complete, save that Antony Ferrara, was the schemer.

a series of things depending on each other as if linked together

From this reading The carefully planned incident at the Museum whereby the constable had become possessed of Cairn's card; the distinct possibility that a detective might knock upon his door at any moment--with the inevitable result of his detention pending inquiries--formed a chain which had seemed complete, save that Antony Ferrara, was the schemer.

the state of being with someone

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

come or bring to a finish or an end

From this reading The carefully planned incident at the Museum whereby the constable had become possessed of Cairn's card; the distinct possibility that a detective might knock upon his door at any moment--with the inevitable result of his detention pending inquiries--formed a chain which had seemed complete, save that Antony Ferrara, was the schemer.

a lawman with less authority and jurisdiction than a sheriff

From this reading The carefully planned incident at the Museum whereby the constable had become possessed of Cairn's card; the distinct possibility that a detective might knock upon his door at any moment--with the inevitable result of his detention pending inquiries--formed a chain which had seemed complete, save that Antony Ferrara, was the schemer.

power to direct or determine

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

a line made of twisted fibers or threads

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business

From this reading There was something very terrifying in the quietude of the court--a quietude which to others might have spelt peace, but which, to Robert Cairn, spelled menace.

a situation in which people or things are crowded together

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

a show or display; the act of presenting something to sight or view

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)

From this reading That Ferrara's device was aimed at his freedom, that his design was intended to lead to the detention of his enemy whilst he directed his activities in other directions, seemed plausible, if inadequate.

a police officer who investigates crimes

From this reading The carefully planned incident at the Museum whereby the constable had become possessed of Cairn's card; the distinct possibility that a detective might knock upon his door at any moment--with the inevitable result of his detention pending inquiries--formed a chain which had seemed complete, save that Antony Ferrara, was the schemer.

a state of being confined (usually for a short time)

From this reading That Ferrara's device was aimed at his freedom, that his design was intended to lead to the detention of his enemy whilst he directed his activities in other directions, seemed plausible, if inadequate.

an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose

From this reading That Ferrara's device was aimed at his freedom, that his design was intended to lead to the detention of his enemy whilst he directed his activities in other directions, seemed plausible, if inadequate.

(often used in combination) having a specified direction

From this reading That Ferrara's device was aimed at his freedom, that his design was intended to lead to the detention of his enemy whilst he directed his activities in other directions, seemed plausible, if inadequate.

plural of “direction” — a line leading to a place or point

From this reading That Ferrara's device was aimed at his freedom, that his design was intended to lead to the detention of his enemy whilst he directed his activities in other directions, seemed plausible, if inadequate.

(often followed by “from”) not alike; different in nature or quality

From this reading The carefully planned incident at the Museum whereby the constable had become possessed of Cairn's card; the distinct possibility that a detective might knock upon his door at any moment--with the inevitable result of his detention pending inquiries--formed a chain which had seemed complete, save that Antony Ferrara, was the schemer.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading The carefully planned incident at the Museum whereby the constable had become possessed of Cairn's card; the distinct possibility that a detective might knock upon his door at any moment--with the inevitable result of his detention pending inquiries--formed a chain which had seemed complete, save that Antony Ferrara, was the schemer.

provided or supplied or equipped with (especially as by inheritance or nature)

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

an opposing military force

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

a city in northern Italy

From this reading The carefully planned incident at the Museum whereby the constable had become possessed of Cairn's card; the distinct possibility that a detective might knock upon his door at any moment--with the inevitable result of his detention pending inquiries--formed a chain which had seemed complete, save that Antony Ferrara, was the schemer.

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

From this reading That Ferrara's device was aimed at his freedom, that his design was intended to lead to the detention of his enemy whilst he directed his activities in other directions, seemed plausible, if inadequate.

inflected form of “flee” — run away quickly

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

having or given a form or shape

From this reading The carefully planned incident at the Museum whereby the constable had become possessed of Cairn's card; the distinct possibility that a detective might knock upon his door at any moment--with the inevitable result of his detention pending inquiries--formed a chain which had seemed complete, save that Antony Ferrara, was the schemer.

set up or found

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

the condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints

From this reading That Ferrara's device was aimed at his freedom, that his design was intended to lead to the detention of his enemy whilst he directed his activities in other directions, seemed plausible, if inadequate.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

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

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading There was something very terrifying in the quietude of the court--a quietude which to others might have spelt peace, but which, to Robert Cairn, spelled menace.

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

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

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

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

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

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

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

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

plural of “horror” — intense and profound fear

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

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

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading That Ferrara's device was aimed at his freedom, that his design was intended to lead to the detention of his enemy whilst he directed his activities in other directions, seemed plausible, if inadequate.

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

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

lacking the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task

From this reading That Ferrara's device was aimed at his freedom, that his design was intended to lead to the detention of his enemy whilst he directed his activities in other directions, seemed plausible, if inadequate.

a single distinct event

From this reading The carefully planned incident at the Museum whereby the constable had become possessed of Cairn's card; the distinct possibility that a detective might knock upon his door at any moment--with the inevitable result of his detention pending inquiries--formed a chain which had seemed complete, save that Antony Ferrara, was the schemer.

incapable of being avoided or prevented

From this reading The carefully planned incident at the Museum whereby the constable had become possessed of Cairn's card; the distinct possibility that a detective might knock upon his door at any moment--with the inevitable result of his detention pending inquiries--formed a chain which had seemed complete, save that Antony Ferrara, was the schemer.

plural of “inquiry” — a search for knowledge

From this reading The carefully planned incident at the Museum whereby the constable had become possessed of Cairn's card; the distinct possibility that a detective might knock upon his door at any moment--with the inevitable result of his detention pending inquiries--formed a chain which had seemed complete, save that Antony Ferrara, was the schemer.

resulting from one's intentions

From this reading That Ferrara's device was aimed at his freedom, that his design was intended to lead to the detention of his enemy whilst he directed his activities in other directions, seemed plausible, if inadequate.

deliver a sharp blow or push

From this reading The carefully planned incident at the Museum whereby the constable had become possessed of Cairn's card; the distinct possibility that a detective might knock upon his door at any moment--with the inevitable result of his detention pending inquiries--formed a chain which had seemed complete, save that Antony Ferrara, was the schemer.

take somebody somewhere

From this reading That Ferrara's device was aimed at his freedom, that his design was intended to lead to the detention of his enemy whilst he directed his activities in other directions, seemed plausible, if inadequate.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

most important element

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

past form of “mass” — join together into a mass or collect or form a mass

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

pose a threat to; present a danger to

From this reading There was something very terrifying in the quietude of the court--a quietude which to others might have spelt peace, but which, to Robert Cairn, spelled menace.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading There was something very terrifying in the quietude of the court--a quietude which to others might have spelt peace, but which, to Robert Cairn, spelled menace.

a particular point in time

From this reading The carefully planned incident at the Museum whereby the constable had become possessed of Cairn's card; the distinct possibility that a detective might knock upon his door at any moment--with the inevitable result of his detention pending inquiries--formed a chain which had seemed complete, save that Antony Ferrara, was the schemer.

a depository for collecting and displaying objects having scientific or historical or artistic value

From this reading The carefully planned incident at the Museum whereby the constable had become possessed of Cairn's card; the distinct possibility that a detective might knock upon his door at any moment--with the inevitable result of his detention pending inquiries--formed a chain which had seemed complete, save that Antony Ferrara, was the schemer.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

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

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

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

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading That Ferrara's device was aimed at his freedom, that his design was intended to lead to the detention of his enemy whilst he directed his activities in other directions, seemed plausible, if inadequate.

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

From this reading There was something very terrifying in the quietude of the court--a quietude which to others might have spelt peace, but which, to Robert Cairn, spelled menace.

being on the outside or further from a center

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

the state prevailing during the absence of war

From this reading There was something very terrifying in the quietude of the court--a quietude which to others might have spelt peace, but which, to Robert Cairn, spelled menace.

awaiting conclusion or confirmation

From this reading The carefully planned incident at the Museum whereby the constable had become possessed of Cairn's card; the distinct possibility that a detective might knock upon his door at any moment--with the inevitable result of his detention pending inquiries--formed a chain which had seemed complete, save that Antony Ferrara, was the schemer.

designed or carried out according to a plan

From this reading The carefully planned incident at the Museum whereby the constable had become possessed of Cairn's card; the distinct possibility that a detective might knock upon his door at any moment--with the inevitable result of his detention pending inquiries--formed a chain which had seemed complete, save that Antony Ferrara, was the schemer.

apparently reasonable and credible, and therefore convincing

From this reading That Ferrara's device was aimed at his freedom, that his design was intended to lead to the detention of his enemy whilst he directed his activities in other directions, seemed plausible, if inadequate.

influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion

From this reading The carefully planned incident at the Museum whereby the constable had become possessed of Cairn's card; the distinct possibility that a detective might knock upon his door at any moment--with the inevitable result of his detention pending inquiries--formed a chain which had seemed complete, save that Antony Ferrara, was the schemer.

a future prospect or potential

From this reading The carefully planned incident at the Museum whereby the constable had become possessed of Cairn's card; the distinct possibility that a detective might knock upon his door at any moment--with the inevitable result of his detention pending inquiries--formed a chain which had seemed complete, save that Antony Ferrara, was the schemer.

past form of “prevail” — be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

a state of peace and quiet

From this reading There was something very terrifying in the quietude of the court--a quietude which to others might have spelt peace, but which, to Robert Cairn, spelled menace.

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

past form of “recall” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

set that receives radio or tv signals

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading The carefully planned incident at the Museum whereby the constable had become possessed of Cairn's card; the distinct possibility that a detective might knock upon his door at any moment--with the inevitable result of his detention pending inquiries--formed a chain which had seemed complete, save that Antony Ferrara, was the schemer.

United States parliamentary authority and author (in 1876) of Robert's Rules of Order (1837-1923)

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

normal or sound powers of mind

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

except for; apart from

From this reading The carefully planned incident at the Museum whereby the constable had become possessed of Cairn's card; the distinct possibility that a detective might knock upon his door at any moment--with the inevitable result of his detention pending inquiries--formed a chain which had seemed complete, save that Antony Ferrara, was the schemer.

a planner who draws up a personal scheme of action

From this reading The carefully planned incident at the Museum whereby the constable had become possessed of Cairn's card; the distinct possibility that a detective might knock upon his door at any moment--with the inevitable result of his detention pending inquiries--formed a chain which had seemed complete, save that Antony Ferrara, was the schemer.

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

From this reading That Ferrara's device was aimed at his freedom, that his design was intended to lead to the detention of his enemy whilst he directed his activities in other directions, seemed plausible, if inadequate.

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading There was something very terrifying in the quietude of the court--a quietude which to others might have spelt peace, but which, to Robert Cairn, spelled menace.

past form of “spell” — orally recite the letters of or give the spelling of

From this reading There was something very terrifying in the quietude of the court--a quietude which to others might have spelt peace, but which, to Robert Cairn, spelled menace.

hardy wheat grown mostly in Europe for livestock feed

From this reading There was something very terrifying in the quietude of the court--a quietude which to others might have spelt peace, but which, to Robert Cairn, spelled menace.

a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

in a supernatural manner

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

causing extreme terror

From this reading There was something very terrifying in the quietude of the court--a quietude which to others might have spelt peace, but which, to Robert Cairn, spelled menace.

an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading That Ferrara's device was aimed at his freedom, that his design was intended to lead to the detention of his enemy whilst he directed his activities in other directions, seemed plausible, if inadequate.

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

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was something very terrifying in the quietude of the court--a quietude which to others might have spelt peace, but which, to Robert Cairn, spelled menace.

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

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

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

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

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

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

suggesting the operation of supernatural influences

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The carefully planned incident at the Museum whereby the constable had become possessed of Cairn's card; the distinct possibility that a detective might knock upon his door at any moment--with the inevitable result of his detention pending inquiries--formed a chain which had seemed complete, save that Antony Ferrara, was the schemer.

precisely as stated

From this reading There was something very terrifying in the quietude of the court--a quietude which to others might have spelt peace, but which, to Robert Cairn, spelled menace.

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

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

at the time that

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

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

From this reading The carefully planned incident at the Museum whereby the constable had become possessed of Cairn's card; the distinct possibility that a detective might knock upon his door at any moment--with the inevitable result of his detention pending inquiries--formed a chain which had seemed complete, save that Antony Ferrara, was the schemer.

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

From this reading He recalled a night when, amid such a silence as this which now prevailed about him, he had been made the subject of an uncanny demonstration; how his sanity, his life, had been attacked; how he had fled from the crowding horrors which had been massed against him by his supernaturally endowed enemy.

an old and formal word for “while”

From this reading That Ferrara's device was aimed at his freedom, that his design was intended to lead to the detention of his enemy whilst he directed his activities in other directions, seemed plausible, if inadequate.

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.

but in spite of that

From this reading THE THUG'S CORD As Robert Cairn hung up the receiver and found himself cut off again from the outer world, he realised, with terror beyond his control, how in this quiet backwater, so near to the main stream, he yet was far from human companionship.