used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading SIR MARMADUKE A woman’s wits are usually quick to detect intrigue, and are sharpened all the more keenly when she suspects danger to the one she loves.
abhorredverbUS /əbˈhɔːrd/
inflected form of “abhor” — find repugnant
From this reading It seemed clear enough now, that the shrewd, dark-clothed gentleman upstairs, and his friend from the Hill, were involved in a treasonable plot, of which her abhorred suitor with the bay mare was a paid instrument.
affordedverbUS /əˈfɔːrdəd/
past form of “afford” — be able to spare or give up
From this reading The threats Captain Bold had been so indiscreet as to utter afforded an explanation of much that had hitherto puzzled Alice in the habits and demeanour of her aunt’s guests.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading From the hints dropped by the last, it looked that some signal vengeance was contemplated against Sir George Hamilton, and worse still, against her own beloved Slap-Jack.
Alice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The threats Captain Bold had been so indiscreet as to utter afforded an explanation of much that had hitherto puzzled Alice in the habits and demeanour of her aunt’s guests.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading SIR MARMADUKE A woman’s wits are usually quick to detect intrigue, and are sharpened all the more keenly when she suspects danger to the one she loves.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The threats Captain Bold had been so indiscreet as to utter afforded an explanation of much that had hitherto puzzled Alice in the habits and demeanour of her aunt’s guests.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading SIR MARMADUKE A woman’s wits are usually quick to detect intrigue, and are sharpened all the more keenly when she suspects danger to the one she loves.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading SIR MARMADUKE A woman’s wits are usually quick to detect intrigue, and are sharpened all the more keenly when she suspects danger to the one she loves.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The threats Captain Bold had been so indiscreet as to utter afforded an explanation of much that had hitherto puzzled Alice in the habits and demeanour of her aunt’s guests.
aunt'snounUS /ænts/
possessive form of “aunt” — the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading The threats Captain Bold had been so indiscreet as to utter afforded an explanation of much that had hitherto puzzled Alice in the habits and demeanour of her aunt’s guests.
an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf
From this reading It seemed clear enough now, that the shrewd, dark-clothed gentleman upstairs, and his friend from the Hill, were involved in a treasonable plot, of which her abhorred suitor with the bay mare was a paid instrument.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The threats Captain Bold had been so indiscreet as to utter afforded an explanation of much that had hitherto puzzled Alice in the habits and demeanour of her aunt’s guests.
dearly loved
From this reading From the hints dropped by the last, it looked that some signal vengeance was contemplated against Sir George Hamilton, and worse still, against her own beloved Slap-Jack.
bemoanverbUS /bɪˈmoʊn/
regret strongly
From this reading Alice was not the girl to sit still with folded hands and bemoan herself in such a predicament.
fearless and daring
From this reading The threats Captain Bold had been so indiscreet as to utter afforded an explanation of much that had hitherto puzzled Alice in the habits and demeanour of her aunt’s guests.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading From the hints dropped by the last, it looked that some signal vengeance was contemplated against Sir George Hamilton, and worse still, against her own beloved Slap-Jack.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading The threats Captain Bold had been so indiscreet as to utter afforded an explanation of much that had hitherto puzzled Alice in the habits and demeanour of her aunt’s guests.
rid of obstructions
From this reading It seemed clear enough now, that the shrewd, dark-clothed gentleman upstairs, and his friend from the Hill, were involved in a treasonable plot, of which her abhorred suitor with the bay mare was a paid instrument.
contemplatedverbUS /ˈkɑːntəmpleɪtɪd/
past form of “contemplate” — look at thoughtfully; observe deep in thought
From this reading From the hints dropped by the last, it looked that some signal vengeance was contemplated against Sir George Hamilton, and worse still, against her own beloved Slap-Jack.
the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury
From this reading SIR MARMADUKE A woman’s wits are usually quick to detect intrigue, and are sharpened all the more keenly when she suspects danger to the one she loves.
dark-clothed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seemed clear enough now, that the shrewd, dark-clothed gentleman upstairs, and his friend from the Hill, were involved in a treasonable plot, of which her abhorred suitor with the bay mare was a paid instrument.
demeanournounUS /dɪˈmiːnər/
(behavioral attributes) the way a person behaves toward other people
From this reading The threats Captain Bold had been so indiscreet as to utter afforded an explanation of much that had hitherto puzzled Alice in the habits and demeanour of her aunt’s guests.
detectverbUS /dɪˈtekt/
discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading SIR MARMADUKE A woman’s wits are usually quick to detect intrigue, and are sharpened all the more keenly when she suspects danger to the one she loves.
inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground
From this reading From the hints dropped by the last, it looked that some signal vengeance was contemplated against Sir George Hamilton, and worse still, against her own beloved Slap-Jack.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading It seemed clear enough now, that the shrewd, dark-clothed gentleman upstairs, and his friend from the Hill, were involved in a treasonable plot, of which her abhorred suitor with the bay mare was a paid instrument.
a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading The threats Captain Bold had been so indiscreet as to utter afforded an explanation of much that had hitherto puzzled Alice in the habits and demeanour of her aunt’s guests.
past form of “fold” — bend or lay so that one part covers the other
From this reading Alice was not the girl to sit still with folded hands and bemoan herself in such a predicament.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading It seemed clear enough now, that the shrewd, dark-clothed gentleman upstairs, and his friend from the Hill, were involved in a treasonable plot, of which her abhorred suitor with the bay mare was a paid instrument.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It seemed clear enough now, that the shrewd, dark-clothed gentleman upstairs, and his friend from the Hill, were involved in a treasonable plot, of which her abhorred suitor with the bay mare was a paid instrument.
a man of refinement
From this reading It seemed clear enough now, that the shrewd, dark-clothed gentleman upstairs, and his friend from the Hill, were involved in a treasonable plot, of which her abhorred suitor with the bay mare was a paid instrument.
Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)
From this reading From the hints dropped by the last, it looked that some signal vengeance was contemplated against Sir George Hamilton, and worse still, against her own beloved Slap-Jack.
a young female
From this reading Alice was not the girl to sit still with folded hands and bemoan herself in such a predicament.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading The threats Captain Bold had been so indiscreet as to utter afforded an explanation of much that had hitherto puzzled Alice in the habits and demeanour of her aunt’s guests.
plural of “habit” — an established custom
From this reading The threats Captain Bold had been so indiscreet as to utter afforded an explanation of much that had hitherto puzzled Alice in the habits and demeanour of her aunt’s guests.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The threats Captain Bold had been so indiscreet as to utter afforded an explanation of much that had hitherto puzzled Alice in the habits and demeanour of her aunt’s guests.
HamiltonnounUS /ˈhæməltən/
Irish mathematician (1806-1865)
From this reading From the hints dropped by the last, it looked that some signal vengeance was contemplated against Sir George Hamilton, and worse still, against her own beloved Slap-Jack.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading Alice was not the girl to sit still with folded hands and bemoan herself in such a predicament.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The threats Captain Bold had been so indiscreet as to utter afforded an explanation of much that had hitherto puzzled Alice in the habits and demeanour of her aunt’s guests.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading Alice was not the girl to sit still with folded hands and bemoan herself in such a predicament.
a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading It seemed clear enough now, that the shrewd, dark-clothed gentleman upstairs, and his friend from the Hill, were involved in a treasonable plot, of which her abhorred suitor with the bay mare was a paid instrument.
hintsnounUS /hɪnts/
plural of “hint” — an indirect suggestion
From this reading From the hints dropped by the last, it looked that some signal vengeance was contemplated against Sir George Hamilton, and worse still, against her own beloved Slap-Jack.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It seemed clear enough now, that the shrewd, dark-clothed gentleman upstairs, and his friend from the Hill, were involved in a treasonable plot, of which her abhorred suitor with the bay mare was a paid instrument.
used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time
From this reading The threats Captain Bold had been so indiscreet as to utter afforded an explanation of much that had hitherto puzzled Alice in the habits and demeanour of her aunt’s guests.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The threats Captain Bold had been so indiscreet as to utter afforded an explanation of much that had hitherto puzzled Alice in the habits and demeanour of her aunt’s guests.
indiscreetadjectiveUS /ˌɪndɪˈskriːt/
lacking discretion; injudicious
From this reading The threats Captain Bold had been so indiscreet as to utter afforded an explanation of much that had hitherto puzzled Alice in the habits and demeanour of her aunt’s guests.
instrumentnounUS /ˈɪnstrəmənt/
a device that requires skill for proper use
From this reading It seemed clear enough now, that the shrewd, dark-clothed gentleman upstairs, and his friend from the Hill, were involved in a treasonable plot, of which her abhorred suitor with the bay mare was a paid instrument.
intriguenounUS /ˌɪnˈtriːɡ/
a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends
From this reading SIR MARMADUKE A woman’s wits are usually quick to detect intrigue, and are sharpened all the more keenly when she suspects danger to the one she loves.
involvedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈvɑːlvd/
connected by participation or association or use
From this reading It seemed clear enough now, that the shrewd, dark-clothed gentleman upstairs, and his friend from the Hill, were involved in a treasonable plot, of which her abhorred suitor with the bay mare was a paid instrument.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It seemed clear enough now, that the shrewd, dark-clothed gentleman upstairs, and his friend from the Hill, were involved in a treasonable plot, of which her abhorred suitor with the bay mare was a paid instrument.
keenlyadverbUS /ˈkiːnli/
in a keen or penetrating way
From this reading SIR MARMADUKE A woman’s wits are usually quick to detect intrigue, and are sharpened all the more keenly when she suspects danger to the one she loves.
immediately past
From this reading From the hints dropped by the last, it looked that some signal vengeance was contemplated against Sir George Hamilton, and worse still, against her own beloved Slap-Jack.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading From the hints dropped by the last, it looked that some signal vengeance was contemplated against Sir George Hamilton, and worse still, against her own beloved Slap-Jack.
plural of “love” — a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading SIR MARMADUKE A woman’s wits are usually quick to detect intrigue, and are sharpened all the more keenly when she suspects danger to the one she loves.
marenounUS /mer/
female equine animal
From this reading It seemed clear enough now, that the shrewd, dark-clothed gentleman upstairs, and his friend from the Hill, were involved in a treasonable plot, of which her abhorred suitor with the bay mare was a paid instrument.
MARMADUKE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SIR MARMADUKE A woman’s wits are usually quick to detect intrigue, and are sharpened all the more keenly when she suspects danger to the one she loves.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading SIR MARMADUKE A woman’s wits are usually quick to detect intrigue, and are sharpened all the more keenly when she suspects danger to the one she loves.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading The threats Captain Bold had been so indiscreet as to utter afforded an explanation of much that had hitherto puzzled Alice in the habits and demeanour of her aunt’s guests.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Alice was not the girl to sit still with folded hands and bemoan herself in such a predicament.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading It seemed clear enough now, that the shrewd, dark-clothed gentleman upstairs, and his friend from the Hill, were involved in a treasonable plot, of which her abhorred suitor with the bay mare was a paid instrument.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The threats Captain Bold had been so indiscreet as to utter afforded an explanation of much that had hitherto puzzled Alice in the habits and demeanour of her aunt’s guests.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading SIR MARMADUKE A woman’s wits are usually quick to detect intrigue, and are sharpened all the more keenly when she suspects danger to the one she loves.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading From the hints dropped by the last, it looked that some signal vengeance was contemplated against Sir George Hamilton, and worse still, against her own beloved Slap-Jack.
marked by the reception of pay
From this reading It seemed clear enough now, that the shrewd, dark-clothed gentleman upstairs, and his friend from the Hill, were involved in a treasonable plot, of which her abhorred suitor with the bay mare was a paid instrument.
plotnounUS /plɑːt/
a secret scheme to do something (especially something underhand or illegal)
From this reading It seemed clear enough now, that the shrewd, dark-clothed gentleman upstairs, and his friend from the Hill, were involved in a treasonable plot, of which her abhorred suitor with the bay mare was a paid instrument.
predicamentnounUS /prɪˈdɪkəmənt/
a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one
From this reading Alice was not the girl to sit still with folded hands and bemoan herself in such a predicament.
filled with bewilderment
From this reading The threats Captain Bold had been so indiscreet as to utter afforded an explanation of much that had hitherto puzzled Alice in the habits and demeanour of her aunt’s guests.
accomplished rapidly and without delay
From this reading SIR MARMADUKE A woman’s wits are usually quick to detect intrigue, and are sharpened all the more keenly when she suspects danger to the one she loves.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading It seemed clear enough now, that the shrewd, dark-clothed gentleman upstairs, and his friend from the Hill, were involved in a treasonable plot, of which her abhorred suitor with the bay mare was a paid instrument.
sharpenedadjectiveUS /ˈʃɑːrpənd/
having the point made sharp
From this reading SIR MARMADUKE A woman’s wits are usually quick to detect intrigue, and are sharpened all the more keenly when she suspects danger to the one she loves.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading SIR MARMADUKE A woman’s wits are usually quick to detect intrigue, and are sharpened all the more keenly when she suspects danger to the one she loves.
shrewdadjectiveUS /ʃruːd/
marked by practical hardheaded intelligence
From this reading It seemed clear enough now, that the shrewd, dark-clothed gentleman upstairs, and his friend from the Hill, were involved in a treasonable plot, of which her abhorred suitor with the bay mare was a paid instrument.
any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message
From this reading From the hints dropped by the last, it looked that some signal vengeance was contemplated against Sir George Hamilton, and worse still, against her own beloved Slap-Jack.
term of address for a man
From this reading SIR MARMADUKE A woman’s wits are usually quick to detect intrigue, and are sharpened all the more keenly when she suspects danger to the one she loves.
be seated
From this reading Alice was not the girl to sit still with folded hands and bemoan herself in such a predicament.
Slap-Jack
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From the hints dropped by the last, it looked that some signal vengeance was contemplated against Sir George Hamilton, and worse still, against her own beloved Slap-Jack.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The threats Captain Bold had been so indiscreet as to utter afforded an explanation of much that had hitherto puzzled Alice in the habits and demeanour of her aunt’s guests.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading From the hints dropped by the last, it looked that some signal vengeance was contemplated against Sir George Hamilton, and worse still, against her own beloved Slap-Jack.
not in physical motion
From this reading From the hints dropped by the last, it looked that some signal vengeance was contemplated against Sir George Hamilton, and worse still, against her own beloved Slap-Jack.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Alice was not the girl to sit still with folded hands and bemoan herself in such a predicament.
suitornounUS /ˈsuːtər/
a man who courts a woman
From this reading It seemed clear enough now, that the shrewd, dark-clothed gentleman upstairs, and his friend from the Hill, were involved in a treasonable plot, of which her abhorred suitor with the bay mare was a paid instrument.
suspectsnounUS /səˈspekts/
plural of “suspect” — someone who is under suspicion
From this reading SIR MARMADUKE A woman’s wits are usually quick to detect intrigue, and are sharpened all the more keenly when she suspects danger to the one she loves.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The threats Captain Bold had been so indiscreet as to utter afforded an explanation of much that had hitherto puzzled Alice in the habits and demeanour of her aunt’s guests.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading SIR MARMADUKE A woman’s wits are usually quick to detect intrigue, and are sharpened all the more keenly when she suspects danger to the one she loves.
threatsnounUS /θrets/
plural of “threat” — something that is a source of danger
From this reading The threats Captain Bold had been so indiscreet as to utter afforded an explanation of much that had hitherto puzzled Alice in the habits and demeanour of her aunt’s guests.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading SIR MARMADUKE A woman’s wits are usually quick to detect intrigue, and are sharpened all the more keenly when she suspects danger to the one she loves.
treasonableadjective
having the character of, or characteristic of, a traitor
From this reading It seemed clear enough now, that the shrewd, dark-clothed gentleman upstairs, and his friend from the Hill, were involved in a treasonable plot, of which her abhorred suitor with the bay mare was a paid instrument.
on a floor above
From this reading It seemed clear enough now, that the shrewd, dark-clothed gentleman upstairs, and his friend from the Hill, were involved in a treasonable plot, of which her abhorred suitor with the bay mare was a paid instrument.
under normal conditions
From this reading SIR MARMADUKE A woman’s wits are usually quick to detect intrigue, and are sharpened all the more keenly when she suspects danger to the one she loves.
articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise
From this reading The threats Captain Bold had been so indiscreet as to utter afforded an explanation of much that had hitherto puzzled Alice in the habits and demeanour of her aunt’s guests.
vengeancenounUS /ˈvendʒəns/
the act of taking revenge (harming someone in retaliation for something harmful that they have done) especially in the next life
From this reading From the hints dropped by the last, it looked that some signal vengeance was contemplated against Sir George Hamilton, and worse still, against her own beloved Slap-Jack.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It seemed clear enough now, that the shrewd, dark-clothed gentleman upstairs, and his friend from the Hill, were involved in a treasonable plot, of which her abhorred suitor with the bay mare was a paid instrument.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It seemed clear enough now, that the shrewd, dark-clothed gentleman upstairs, and his friend from the Hill, were involved in a treasonable plot, of which her abhorred suitor with the bay mare was a paid instrument.
at the time that
From this reading SIR MARMADUKE A woman’s wits are usually quick to detect intrigue, and are sharpened all the more keenly when she suspects danger to the one she loves.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It seemed clear enough now, that the shrewd, dark-clothed gentleman upstairs, and his friend from the Hill, were involved in a treasonable plot, of which her abhorred suitor with the bay mare was a paid instrument.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It seemed clear enough now, that the shrewd, dark-clothed gentleman upstairs, and his friend from the Hill, were involved in a treasonable plot, of which her abhorred suitor with the bay mare was a paid instrument.
witsnounUS /wɪts/
the basic human power of intelligent thought and perception
From this reading SIR MARMADUKE A woman’s wits are usually quick to detect intrigue, and are sharpened all the more keenly when she suspects danger to the one she loves.
woman'snounUS /ˈwʊmənz/
possessive form of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading SIR MARMADUKE A woman’s wits are usually quick to detect intrigue, and are sharpened all the more keenly when she suspects danger to the one she loves.
(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability
From this reading From the hints dropped by the last, it looked that some signal vengeance was contemplated against Sir George Hamilton, and worse still, against her own beloved Slap-Jack.
