used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
AcacianounUS /əˈkeɪʃə/
any of various spiny trees or shrubs of the genus Acacia
From this reading The first time I saw Captain Knowlton, we were living in lodgings at Acacia Road, Saint John's Wood.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading As Jane rose from her knees, rubbing her red hands on her apron, I edged along the passage, keeping touch of the wall, and staring unabashed at the tall, well-dressed, distinguished-looking visitor.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
past form of “answer” — react verbally
From this reading 'Yes, sir,' answered Jane.
apronnounUS /ˈeɪprən/
a garment of cloth or leather or plastic that is tied about the waist and worn to protect your clothing
From this reading As Jane rose from her knees, rubbing her red hands on her apron, I edged along the passage, keeping touch of the wall, and staring unabashed at the tall, well-dressed, distinguished-looking visitor.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The first time I saw Captain Knowlton, we were living in lodgings at Acacia Road, Saint John's Wood.
the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
breakfasted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading The first time I saw Captain Knowlton, we were living in lodgings at Acacia Road, Saint John's Wood.
dippedadjectiveUS /dɪpt/
having abnormal sagging of the spine (especially in horses)
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
distinguished-looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As Jane rose from her knees, rubbing her red hands on her apron, I edged along the passage, keeping touch of the wall, and staring unabashed at the tall, well-dressed, distinguished-looking visitor.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
Doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading 'Does Miss Everard live here?' he inquired.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
downstairsadverbUS /ˈdaʊnˈsterz/
on a floor below
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
edgedadjectiveUS /edʒd/
having a specified kind of border or edge
From this reading As Jane rose from her knees, rubbing her red hands on her apron, I edged along the passage, keeping touch of the wall, and staring unabashed at the tall, well-dressed, distinguished-looking visitor.
Everard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'Does Miss Everard live here?' he inquired.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading The first time I saw Captain Knowlton, we were living in lodgings at Acacia Road, Saint John's Wood.
flannelnounUS /ˈflænəl/
a soft light woolen fabric; used for clothing
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading As Jane rose from her knees, rubbing her red hands on her apron, I edged along the passage, keeping touch of the wall, and staring unabashed at the tall, well-dressed, distinguished-looking visitor.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading As Jane rose from her knees, rubbing her red hands on her apron, I edged along the passage, keeping touch of the wall, and staring unabashed at the tall, well-dressed, distinguished-looking visitor.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading 'Does Miss Everard live here?' he inquired.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading 'Does Miss Everard live here?' he inquired.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading The first time I saw Captain Knowlton, we were living in lodgings at Acacia Road, Saint John's Wood.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The first time I saw Captain Knowlton, we were living in lodgings at Acacia Road, Saint John's Wood.
past form of “inquire” — address a question to and expect an answer from
From this reading 'Does Miss Everard live here?' he inquired.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
Jane
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
John'snounUS /dʒɑːnz/
possessive form of “john” — a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading The first time I saw Captain Knowlton, we were living in lodgings at Acacia Road, Saint John's Wood.
conformity or harmony
From this reading As Jane rose from her knees, rubbing her red hands on her apron, I edged along the passage, keeping touch of the wall, and staring unabashed at the tall, well-dressed, distinguished-looking visitor.
plural of “knee” — hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella
From this reading As Jane rose from her knees, rubbing her red hands on her apron, I edged along the passage, keeping touch of the wall, and staring unabashed at the tall, well-dressed, distinguished-looking visitor.
Knowlton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first time I saw Captain Knowlton, we were living in lodgings at Acacia Road, Saint John's Wood.
landladynounUS /ˈlændleɪdi/
a landlord who is a woman
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading 'Does Miss Everard live here?' he inquired.
the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities
From this reading The first time I saw Captain Knowlton, we were living in lodgings at Acacia Road, Saint John's Wood.
lodgingsnounUS /ˈlɑːdʒɪŋz/
temporary living quarters
From this reading The first time I saw Captain Knowlton, we were living in lodgings at Acacia Road, Saint John's Wood.
characterized by or producing sound of great volume or intensity
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
Marion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading 'Does Miss Everard live here?' he inquired.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
noisilyadverbUS /ˈnɔɪzəli/
with much noise or loud and unpleasant sound
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
oilclothnoun
cloth treated on one side with a drying oil or synthetic resin
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
pailnounUS /peɪl/
a roughly cylindrical vessel that is open at the top
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
the act of passing from one state or place to the next
From this reading As Jane rose from her knees, rubbing her red hands on her apron, I edged along the passage, keeping touch of the wall, and staring unabashed at the tall, well-dressed, distinguished-looking visitor.
a separate part of a whole
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading As Jane rose from her knees, rubbing her red hands on her apron, I edged along the passage, keeping touch of the wall, and staring unabashed at the tall, well-dressed, distinguished-looking visitor.
ringingnounUS /ˈrɪŋɪŋ/
the sound of a bell ringing
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
From this reading The first time I saw Captain Knowlton, we were living in lodgings at Acacia Road, Saint John's Wood.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading As Jane rose from her knees, rubbing her red hands on her apron, I edged along the passage, keeping touch of the wall, and staring unabashed at the tall, well-dressed, distinguished-looking visitor.
rubbingnounUS /ˈrʌbɪŋ/
the resistance encountered when one body is moved in contact with another
From this reading As Jane rose from her knees, rubbing her red hands on her apron, I edged along the passage, keeping touch of the wall, and staring unabashed at the tall, well-dressed, distinguished-looking visitor.
a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization
From this reading The first time I saw Captain Knowlton, we were living in lodgings at Acacia Road, Saint John's Wood.
cut with a saw
From this reading The first time I saw Captain Knowlton, we were living in lodgings at Acacia Road, Saint John's Wood.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
term of address for a man
From this reading 'Yes, sir,' answered Jane.
smackedverbUS /smækt/
past form of “smack” — deliver a hard blow to
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
(used of eyes) open and fixed as if in fear or wonder
From this reading As Jane rose from her knees, rubbing her red hands on her apron, I edged along the passage, keeping touch of the wall, and staring unabashed at the tall, well-dressed, distinguished-looking visitor.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
street-door
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
great in vertical dimension; high in stature
From this reading As Jane rose from her knees, rubbing her red hands on her apron, I edged along the passage, keeping touch of the wall, and staring unabashed at the tall, well-dressed, distinguished-looking visitor.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The first time I saw Captain Knowlton, we were living in lodgings at Acacia Road, Saint John's Wood.
in or at that place or location
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading The first time I saw Captain Knowlton, we were living in lodgings at Acacia Road, Saint John's Wood.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
make physical contact with, come in contact with
From this reading As Jane rose from her knees, rubbing her red hands on her apron, I edged along the passage, keeping touch of the wall, and staring unabashed at the tall, well-dressed, distinguished-looking visitor.
unabashedadjectiveUS /ˌʌnəˈbæʃt/
not embarrassed
From this reading As Jane rose from her knees, rubbing her red hands on her apron, I edged along the passage, keeping touch of the wall, and staring unabashed at the tall, well-dressed, distinguished-looking visitor.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
someone who visits
From this reading As Jane rose from her knees, rubbing her red hands on her apron, I edged along the passage, keeping touch of the wall, and staring unabashed at the tall, well-dressed, distinguished-looking visitor.
an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading As Jane rose from her knees, rubbing her red hands on her apron, I edged along the passage, keeping touch of the wall, and staring unabashed at the tall, well-dressed, distinguished-looking visitor.
past form of “wander” — move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
the act of observing; taking a patient look
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading The first time I saw Captain Knowlton, we were living in lodgings at Acacia Road, Saint John's Wood.
well-dressedadjective
having tasteful clothing and being scrupulously neat
From this reading As Jane rose from her knees, rubbing her red hands on her apron, I edged along the passage, keeping touch of the wall, and staring unabashed at the tall, well-dressed, distinguished-looking visitor.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The first time I saw Captain Knowlton, we were living in lodgings at Acacia Road, Saint John's Wood.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
in or at the place that
From this reading My Aunt Marion had breakfasted in bed, and I, having nothing better to do, wandered downstairs to what our landlady called the 'hall,' where I stood watching Jane as she dipped a piece of flannel into her pail, and smacked it down noisily on to the oilcloth, until there was a loud ringing of the street-door bell.
the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees
From this reading The first time I saw Captain Knowlton, we were living in lodgings at Acacia Road, Saint John's Wood.
an affirmative
From this reading 'Yes, sir,' answered Jane.
