used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading There was the threat of a serious gale in the air and sky and on the sea.
abortiveadjectiveUS /əˈbɔːrtɪv/
failing to accomplish an intended result
From this reading There had already been a scale of snow upon the ground, but rain had ensued and that promise of a white Christmas had proved abortive.
the performance of a part or role in a drama
From this reading Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
tending to become more severe or wider in scope
From this reading The Christmas entertainment committee, of which Miss Sue Ambrose was the very active chairman, had made most of its preparations for the celebration in spite of the unexplained defection of Eliphalet Truitt.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading There was the threat of a serious gale in the air and sky and on the sea.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading There had already been a scale of snow upon the ground, but rain had ensued and that promise of a white Christmas had proved abortive.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
AmbrosenounUS /ˈæmbroʊz/
(Roman Catholic Church) Roman priest who became bishop of Milan
From this reading The Christmas entertainment committee, of which Miss Sue Ambrose was the very active chairman, had made most of its preparations for the celebration in spite of the unexplained defection of Eliphalet Truitt.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading There was the threat of a serious gale in the air and sky and on the sea.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading There had already been a scale of snow upon the ground, but rain had ensued and that promise of a white Christmas had proved abortive.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading There had already been a scale of snow upon the ground, but rain had ensued and that promise of a white Christmas had proved abortive.
past form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity
From this reading Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
celebrationnounUS /ˌseləˈbreɪʃən/
a joyful occasion for special festivities to mark some happy event
From this reading The Christmas entertainment committee, of which Miss Sue Ambrose was the very active chairman, had made most of its preparations for the celebration in spite of the unexplained defection of Eliphalet Truitt.
chairmannounUS /ˈtʃermən/
the officer who presides at the meetings of an organization
From this reading The Christmas entertainment committee, of which Miss Sue Ambrose was the very active chairman, had made most of its preparations for the celebration in spite of the unexplained defection of Eliphalet Truitt.
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading THE CHRISTMAS GALE This was Christmas week.
committeenounUS /kəˈmɪti/
a special group delegated to consider some matter
From this reading The Christmas entertainment committee, of which Miss Sue Ambrose was the very active chairman, had made most of its preparations for the celebration in spite of the unexplained defection of Eliphalet Truitt.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
defectionnounUS /dɪˈfekʃən/
withdrawing support or help despite allegiance or responsibility
From this reading The Christmas entertainment committee, of which Miss Sue Ambrose was the very active chairman, had made most of its preparations for the celebration in spite of the unexplained defection of Eliphalet Truitt.
Eliphalet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Christmas entertainment committee, of which Miss Sue Ambrose was the very active chairman, had made most of its preparations for the celebration in spite of the unexplained defection of Eliphalet Truitt.
ensuedverbUS /ɪnˈsuːd/
past form of “ensue” — issue or terminate (in a specified way, state, etc.); end
From this reading There had already been a scale of snow upon the ground, but rain had ensued and that promise of a white Christmas had proved abortive.
entertainmentnounUS /ˌentərˈteɪnmənt/
an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention
From this reading The Christmas entertainment committee, of which Miss Sue Ambrose was the very active chairman, had made most of its preparations for the celebration in spite of the unexplained defection of Eliphalet Truitt.
ex-steward
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The Christmas entertainment committee, of which Miss Sue Ambrose was the very active chairman, had made most of its preparations for the celebration in spite of the unexplained defection of Eliphalet Truitt.
GALEnounUS /ɡeɪl/
a strong wind moving 45-90 knots; force 7 to 10 on Beaufort scale
From this reading THE CHRISTMAS GALE This was Christmas week.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading There had already been a scale of snow upon the ground, but rain had ensued and that promise of a white Christmas had proved abortive.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading There had already been a scale of snow upon the ground, but rain had ensued and that promise of a white Christmas had proved abortive.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There was the threat of a serious gale in the air and sky and on the sea.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The Christmas entertainment committee, of which Miss Sue Ambrose was the very active chairman, had made most of its preparations for the celebration in spite of the unexplained defection of Eliphalet Truitt.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
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 Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
held dear
From this reading Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading The Christmas entertainment committee, of which Miss Sue Ambrose was the very active chairman, had made most of its preparations for the celebration in spite of the unexplained defection of Eliphalet Truitt.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
past form of “mention” — make reference to
From this reading Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading The Christmas entertainment committee, of which Miss Sue Ambrose was the very active chairman, had made most of its preparations for the celebration in spite of the unexplained defection of Eliphalet Truitt.
a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
From this reading Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
used to form the superlative
From this reading The Christmas entertainment committee, of which Miss Sue Ambrose was the very active chairman, had made most of its preparations for the celebration in spite of the unexplained defection of Eliphalet Truitt.
neighborsnounUS /ˈneɪbərz/
plural of “neighbor” — a person who lives (or is located) near another
From this reading Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
not any; not one
From this reading Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading There was the threat of a serious gale in the air and sky and on the sea.
offishadjective
lacking cordiality; unfriendly
From this reading Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading There was the threat of a serious gale in the air and sky and on the sea.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
preparationsnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading The Christmas entertainment committee, of which Miss Sue Ambrose was the very active chairman, had made most of its preparations for the celebration in spite of the unexplained defection of Eliphalet Truitt.
make a promise or commitment
From this reading There had already been a scale of snow upon the ground, but rain had ensued and that promise of a white Christmas had proved abortive.
established beyond doubt
From this reading There had already been a scale of snow upon the ground, but rain had ensued and that promise of a white Christmas had proved abortive.
water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
From this reading There had already been a scale of snow upon the ground, but rain had ensued and that promise of a white Christmas had proved abortive.
except for; apart from
From this reading Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
scalenounUS /skeɪl/
an ordered reference standard
From this reading There had already been a scale of snow upon the ground, but rain had ensued and that promise of a white Christmas had proved abortive.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading There was the threat of a serious gale in the air and sky and on the sea.
concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities
From this reading There was the threat of a serious gale in the air and sky and on the sea.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading There was the threat of a serious gale in the air and sky and on the sea.
smilesnounUS /smaɪlz/
plural of “smile” — a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
From this reading There had already been a scale of snow upon the ground, but rain had ensued and that promise of a white Christmas had proved abortive.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
feeling a need to see others suffer
From this reading The Christmas entertainment committee, of which Miss Sue Ambrose was the very active chairman, had made most of its preparations for the celebration in spite of the unexplained defection of Eliphalet Truitt.
SueverbUS /suː/
institute legal proceedings against; file a suit against
From this reading The Christmas entertainment committee, of which Miss Sue Ambrose was the very active chairman, had made most of its preparations for the celebration in spite of the unexplained defection of Eliphalet Truitt.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading There had already been a scale of snow upon the ground, but rain had ensued and that promise of a white Christmas had proved abortive.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE CHRISTMAS GALE This was Christmas week.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There was the threat of a serious gale in the air and sky and on the sea.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading THE CHRISTMAS GALE This was Christmas week.
threatnounUS /θret/
something that is a source of danger
From this reading There was the threat of a serious gale in the air and sky and on the sea.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
topicnounUS /ˈtɑːpɪk/
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
Truitt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Christmas entertainment committee, of which Miss Sue Ambrose was the very active chairman, had made most of its preparations for the celebration in spite of the unexplained defection of Eliphalet Truitt.
unexplainedadjectiveUS /ˌʌnɪkˈspleɪnd/
not explained
From this reading The Christmas entertainment committee, of which Miss Sue Ambrose was the very active chairman, had made most of its preparations for the celebration in spite of the unexplained defection of Eliphalet Truitt.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading There had already been a scale of snow upon the ground, but rain had ensued and that promise of a white Christmas had proved abortive.
precisely as stated
From this reading The Christmas entertainment committee, of which Miss Sue Ambrose was the very active chairman, had made most of its preparations for the celebration in spite of the unexplained defection of Eliphalet Truitt.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE CHRISTMAS GALE This was Christmas week.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading THE CHRISTMAS GALE This was Christmas week.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
at the time that
From this reading Indeed, the ex-steward had been "acting offish" for so long that he ceased to be a general topic of conversation save on one particular point which, when mentioned, always brought smiles to the faces of his neighbors--for they loved Life Truitt, no matter what his mood.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The Christmas entertainment committee, of which Miss Sue Ambrose was the very active chairman, had made most of its preparations for the celebration in spite of the unexplained defection of Eliphalet Truitt.
a Caucasian
From this reading There had already been a scale of snow upon the ground, but rain had ensued and that promise of a white Christmas had proved abortive.
