used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
alarmingadjectiveUS /əˈlɑːrmɪŋ/
frightening because of an awareness of danger
From this reading UNRAVELING THE SNARLS How late the McGregors sat up talking that night it would have been alarming to confess.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was so late that the streets became silent and deserted and conversation had to be conducted in whispers lest it arouse the O'Dowds, Sullivans, and Murphys.
arouseverbUS /ərˈaʊz/
call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)
From this reading It was so late that the streets became silent and deserted and conversation had to be conducted in whispers lest it arouse the O'Dowds, Sullivans, and Murphys.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It was so late that the streets became silent and deserted and conversation had to be conducted in whispers lest it arouse the O'Dowds, Sullivans, and Murphys.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading It was so late that the streets became silent and deserted and conversation had to be conducted in whispers lest it arouse the O'Dowds, Sullivans, and Murphys.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading UNRAVELING THE SNARLS How late the McGregors sat up talking that night it would have been alarming to confess.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
bonnetnounUS /ˈbɑːnət/
a hat tied under the chin
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
conductedverbUS /kənˈdʌktəd/
past form of “conduct” — direct the course of; manage or control
From this reading It was so late that the streets became silent and deserted and conversation had to be conducted in whispers lest it arouse the O'Dowds, Sullivans, and Murphys.
confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure
From this reading UNRAVELING THE SNARLS How late the McGregors sat up talking that night it would have been alarming to confess.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading It was so late that the streets became silent and deserted and conversation had to be conducted in whispers lest it arouse the O'Dowds, Sullivans, and Murphys.
forsaken by owner or inhabitants
From this reading It was so late that the streets became silent and deserted and conversation had to be conducted in whispers lest it arouse the O'Dowds, Sullivans, and Murphys.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
put on clothes
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
eageradjectiveUS /ˈiːɡər/
having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy
From this reading And what tense, eager whispers they were!
the boundary of a surface
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
engrossedadjectiveUS /ɪnˈɡroʊst/
giving or marked by complete attention to
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
(of persons) excessively affected by emotion
From this reading She was far too excited for that.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading She was far too excited for that.
come or bring to a finish or an end
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading She was far too excited for that.
glovesnounUS /ɡlʌvz/
plural of “glove” — the handwear used by fielders in playing baseball
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was so late that the streets became silent and deserted and conversation had to be conducted in whispers lest it arouse the O'Dowds, Sullivans, and Murphys.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading UNRAVELING THE SNARLS How late the McGregors sat up talking that night it would have been alarming to confess.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
How
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading UNRAVELING THE SNARLS How late the McGregors sat up talking that night it would have been alarming to confess.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was so late that the streets became silent and deserted and conversation had to be conducted in whispers lest it arouse the O'Dowds, Sullivans, and Murphys.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading UNRAVELING THE SNARLS How late the McGregors sat up talking that night it would have been alarming to confess.
lapverbUS /læp/
lie partly over or alongside of something or of one another
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading UNRAVELING THE SNARLS How late the McGregors sat up talking that night it would have been alarming to confess.
in order that something should not happen
From this reading It was so late that the streets became silent and deserted and conversation had to be conducted in whispers lest it arouse the O'Dowds, Sullivans, and Murphys.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
McGregor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
McGregors
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading UNRAVELING THE SNARLS How late the McGregors sat up talking that night it would have been alarming to confess.
methodicaladjectiveUS /məˈθɑːdəkəl/
characterized by method and orderliness
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
MurphysnounUS /ˈmɜːrfiz/
plural of “murphy” — an edible tuber native to South America; a staple food of Ireland
From this reading It was so late that the streets became silent and deserted and conversation had to be conducted in whispers lest it arouse the O'Dowds, Sullivans, and Murphys.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading UNRAVELING THE SNARLS How late the McGregors sat up talking that night it would have been alarming to confess.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
O'Dowds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was so late that the streets became silent and deserted and conversation had to be conducted in whispers lest it arouse the O'Dowds, Sullivans, and Murphys.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
a light shade of red
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
plannedadjectiveUS /plænd/
designed or carried out according to a plan
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading UNRAVELING THE SNARLS How late the McGregors sat up talking that night it would have been alarming to confess.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
a particular situation
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
shrimpnounUS /ʃrɪmp/
disparaging terms for small people
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading It was so late that the streets became silent and deserted and conversation had to be conducted in whispers lest it arouse the O'Dowds, Sullivans, and Murphys.
skirtnounUS /skɜːrt/
cloth covering that forms the part of a garment below the waist
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
move stealthily
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
SNARLSnounUS /snɑːrlz/
plural of “snarl” — a vicious angry growl
From this reading UNRAVELING THE SNARLS How late the McGregors sat up talking that night it would have been alarming to confess.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It was so late that the streets became silent and deserted and conversation had to be conducted in whispers lest it arouse the O'Dowds, Sullivans, and Murphys.
not in physical motion
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading It was so late that the streets became silent and deserted and conversation had to be conducted in whispers lest it arouse the O'Dowds, Sullivans, and Murphys.
SullivansnounUS /ˈsʌlɪvənz/
plural of “sullivan” — United States architect known for his steel framed skyscrapers and for coining the phrase “form follows function” (1856-1924)
From this reading It was so late that the streets became silent and deserted and conversation had to be conducted in whispers lest it arouse the O'Dowds, Sullivans, and Murphys.
carry out
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
an exchange of ideas via conversation
From this reading UNRAVELING THE SNARLS How late the McGregors sat up talking that night it would have been alarming to confess.
tensenounUS /tens/
a grammatical category of verbs used to express distinctions of time
From this reading And what tense, eager whispers they were!
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading UNRAVELING THE SNARLS How late the McGregors sat up talking that night it would have been alarming to confess.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading UNRAVELING THE SNARLS How late the McGregors sat up talking that night it would have been alarming to confess.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading And what tense, eager whispers they were!
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading UNRAVELING THE SNARLS How late the McGregors sat up talking that night it would have been alarming to confess.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
tullenoun
a fine (often starched) net used for veils or tutus or gowns
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
UNRAVELINGverbUS /ənˈrævəlɪŋ/
-ing form of “unravel” — become or cause to become undone by separating the fibers or threads of
From this reading UNRAVELING THE SNARLS How late the McGregors sat up talking that night it would have been alarming to confess.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading UNRAVELING THE SNARLS How late the McGregors sat up talking that night it would have been alarming to confess.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was so late that the streets became silent and deserted and conversation had to be conducted in whispers lest it arouse the O'Dowds, Sullivans, and Murphys.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Mrs. McGregor, her bonnet still in her lap, sat on the edge of a chair too engrossed to so much as think of the shrimp pink tulle dress she had planned to finish before she went to bed that night; nor did she, in her usual methodical manner, take time to slip out of her best skirt or put away her company shoes and gloves.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading And what tense, eager whispers they were!
used to ask for information about something
From this reading And what tense, eager whispers they were!
whispersnounUS /ˈwɪspərz/
plural of “whisper” — speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cords
From this reading It was so late that the streets became silent and deserted and conversation had to be conducted in whispers lest it arouse the O'Dowds, Sullivans, and Murphys.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading UNRAVELING THE SNARLS How late the McGregors sat up talking that night it would have been alarming to confess.
