used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He fumbled in his waistcoat pocket, drew out a sort of a pass-key, opened the door, entered, closed it again carefully, and ascended the staircase, still carrying Cosette.
anew
From this reading He fumbled in his waistcoat pocket, drew out a sort of a pass-key, opened the door, entered, closed it again carefully, and ascended the staircase, still carrying Cosette.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He fumbled in his waistcoat pocket, drew out a sort of a pass-key, opened the door, entered, closed it again carefully, and ascended the staircase, still carrying Cosette.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading At the top of the stairs he drew from his pocket another key, with which he opened another door.
ascendedverbUS /əˈsendɪd/
past form of “ascend” — travel up
From this reading He fumbled in his waistcoat pocket, drew out a sort of a pass-key, opened the door, entered, closed it again carefully, and ascended the staircase, still carrying Cosette.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At the top of the stairs he drew from his pocket another key, with which he opened another door.
atticnounUS /ˈætɪk/
floor consisting of open space at the top of a house just below roof; often used for storage
From this reading The chamber which he entered, and which he closed again instantly, was a kind of moderately spacious attic, furnished with a mattress laid on the floor, a table, and several chairs; a stove in which a fire was burning, and whose embers were visible, stood in one corner.
plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
From this reading Like wild birds, he had chosen this desert place to construct his nest.
the act of burning something
From this reading The chamber which he entered, and which he closed again instantly, was a kind of moderately spacious attic, furnished with a mattress laid on the floor, a table, and several chairs; a stove in which a fire was burning, and whose embers were visible, stood in one corner.
taking care or paying attention
From this reading He fumbled in his waistcoat pocket, drew out a sort of a pass-key, opened the door, entered, closed it again carefully, and ascended the staircase, still carrying Cosette.
-ing form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading He fumbled in his waistcoat pocket, drew out a sort of a pass-key, opened the door, entered, closed it again carefully, and ascended the staircase, still carrying Cosette.
plural of “chair” — a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading The chamber which he entered, and which he closed again instantly, was a kind of moderately spacious attic, furnished with a mattress laid on the floor, a table, and several chairs; a stove in which a fire was burning, and whose embers were visible, stood in one corner.
a natural or artificial enclosed space
From this reading The chamber which he entered, and which he closed again instantly, was a kind of moderately spacious attic, furnished with a mattress laid on the floor, a table, and several chairs; a stove in which a fire was burning, and whose embers were visible, stood in one corner.
one who is the object of choice; who is given preference
From this reading Like wild birds, he had chosen this desert place to construct his nest.
not open or affording passage or access
From this reading He fumbled in his waistcoat pocket, drew out a sort of a pass-key, opened the door, entered, closed it again carefully, and ascended the staircase, still carrying Cosette.
constructverbUS /kənˈstrʌkt/
make by combining materials and parts
From this reading Like wild birds, he had chosen this desert place to construct his nest.
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading The chamber which he entered, and which he closed again instantly, was a kind of moderately spacious attic, furnished with a mattress laid on the floor, a table, and several chairs; a stove in which a fire was burning, and whose embers were visible, stood in one corner.
Cosette
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He fumbled in his waistcoat pocket, drew out a sort of a pass-key, opened the door, entered, closed it again carefully, and ascended the staircase, still carrying Cosette.
leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch
From this reading Like wild birds, he had chosen this desert place to construct his nest.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading He fumbled in his waistcoat pocket, drew out a sort of a pass-key, opened the door, entered, closed it again carefully, and ascended the staircase, still carrying Cosette.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading He fumbled in his waistcoat pocket, drew out a sort of a pass-key, opened the door, entered, closed it again carefully, and ascended the staircase, still carrying Cosette.
embersnounUS /ˈembərz/
plural of “ember” — a hot fragment of wood or coal that is left from a fire and is glowing or smoldering
From this reading The chamber which he entered, and which he closed again instantly, was a kind of moderately spacious attic, furnished with a mattress laid on the floor, a table, and several chairs; a stove in which a fire was burning, and whose embers were visible, stood in one corner.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading He fumbled in his waistcoat pocket, drew out a sort of a pass-key, opened the door, entered, closed it again carefully, and ascended the staircase, still carrying Cosette.
start firing a weapon
From this reading The chamber which he entered, and which he closed again instantly, was a kind of moderately spacious attic, furnished with a mattress laid on the floor, a table, and several chairs; a stove in which a fire was burning, and whose embers were visible, stood in one corner.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading The chamber which he entered, and which he closed again instantly, was a kind of moderately spacious attic, furnished with a mattress laid on the floor, a table, and several chairs; a stove in which a fire was burning, and whose embers were visible, stood in one corner.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading At the top of the stairs he drew from his pocket another key, with which he opened another door.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading It was in front of this Gorbeau house that Jean Valjean halted.
fumbledverbUS /ˈfʌmbəld/
past form of “fumble” — feel about uncertainly or blindly
From this reading He fumbled in his waistcoat pocket, drew out a sort of a pass-key, opened the door, entered, closed it again carefully, and ascended the staircase, still carrying Cosette.
provided with whatever is necessary for a purpose (as furniture or equipment or authority)
From this reading The chamber which he entered, and which he closed again instantly, was a kind of moderately spacious attic, furnished with a mattress laid on the floor, a table, and several chairs; a stove in which a fire was burning, and whose embers were visible, stood in one corner.
Gorbeau
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was in front of this Gorbeau house that Jean Valjean halted.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Like wild birds, he had chosen this desert place to construct his nest.
past form of “halt” — cause to stop
From this reading It was in front of this Gorbeau house that Jean Valjean halted.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Like wild birds, he had chosen this desert place to construct his nest.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Like wild birds, he had chosen this desert place to construct his nest.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading It was in front of this Gorbeau house that Jean Valjean halted.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was in front of this Gorbeau house that Jean Valjean halted.
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading The chamber which he entered, and which he closed again instantly, was a kind of moderately spacious attic, furnished with a mattress laid on the floor, a table, and several chairs; a stove in which a fire was burning, and whose embers were visible, stood in one corner.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was in front of this Gorbeau house that Jean Valjean halted.
a coarse durable twill-weave cotton fabric
From this reading It was in front of this Gorbeau house that Jean Valjean halted.
metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated
From this reading At the top of the stairs he drew from his pocket another key, with which he opened another door.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading The chamber which he entered, and which he closed again instantly, was a kind of moderately spacious attic, furnished with a mattress laid on the floor, a table, and several chairs; a stove in which a fire was burning, and whose embers were visible, stood in one corner.
set down according to a plan
From this reading The chamber which he entered, and which he closed again instantly, was a kind of moderately spacious attic, furnished with a mattress laid on the floor, a table, and several chairs; a stove in which a fire was burning, and whose embers were visible, stood in one corner.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Like wild birds, he had chosen this desert place to construct his nest.
mattressnounUS /ˈmætrəs/
a large thick pad filled with resilient material and often incorporating coiled springs, used as a bed or part of a bed
From this reading The chamber which he entered, and which he closed again instantly, was a kind of moderately spacious attic, furnished with a mattress laid on the floor, a table, and several chairs; a stove in which a fire was burning, and whose embers were visible, stood in one corner.
moderatelyadverbUS /ˈmɑːdərətli/
to certain extent or degree
From this reading The chamber which he entered, and which he closed again instantly, was a kind of moderately spacious attic, furnished with a mattress laid on the floor, a table, and several chairs; a stove in which a fire was burning, and whose embers were visible, stood in one corner.
a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young
From this reading Like wild birds, he had chosen this desert place to construct his nest.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was in front of this Gorbeau house that Jean Valjean halted.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The chamber which he entered, and which he closed again instantly, was a kind of moderately spacious attic, furnished with a mattress laid on the floor, a table, and several chairs; a stove in which a fire was burning, and whose embers were visible, stood in one corner.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The chamber which he entered, and which he closed again instantly, was a kind of moderately spacious attic, furnished with a mattress laid on the floor, a table, and several chairs; a stove in which a fire was burning, and whose embers were visible, stood in one corner.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading He fumbled in his waistcoat pocket, drew out a sort of a pass-key, opened the door, entered, closed it again carefully, and ascended the staircase, still carrying Cosette.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading He fumbled in his waistcoat pocket, drew out a sort of a pass-key, opened the door, entered, closed it again carefully, and ascended the staircase, still carrying Cosette.
pass-key
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He fumbled in his waistcoat pocket, drew out a sort of a pass-key, opened the door, entered, closed it again carefully, and ascended the staircase, still carrying Cosette.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Like wild birds, he had chosen this desert place to construct his nest.
a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles
From this reading He fumbled in his waistcoat pocket, drew out a sort of a pass-key, opened the door, entered, closed it again carefully, and ascended the staircase, still carrying Cosette.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading The chamber which he entered, and which he closed again instantly, was a kind of moderately spacious attic, furnished with a mattress laid on the floor, a table, and several chairs; a stove in which a fire was burning, and whose embers were visible, stood in one corner.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading He fumbled in his waistcoat pocket, drew out a sort of a pass-key, opened the door, entered, closed it again carefully, and ascended the staircase, still carrying Cosette.
spaciousadjectiveUS /ˈspeɪʃəs/
very large in expanse or scope
From this reading The chamber which he entered, and which he closed again instantly, was a kind of moderately spacious attic, furnished with a mattress laid on the floor, a table, and several chairs; a stove in which a fire was burning, and whose embers were visible, stood in one corner.
staircasenounUS /ˈsterkeɪs/
a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps
From this reading He fumbled in his waistcoat pocket, drew out a sort of a pass-key, opened the door, entered, closed it again carefully, and ascended the staircase, still carrying Cosette.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading At the top of the stairs he drew from his pocket another key, with which he opened another door.
not in physical motion
From this reading He fumbled in his waistcoat pocket, drew out a sort of a pass-key, opened the door, entered, closed it again carefully, and ascended the staircase, still carrying Cosette.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading The chamber which he entered, and which he closed again instantly, was a kind of moderately spacious attic, furnished with a mattress laid on the floor, a table, and several chairs; a stove in which a fire was burning, and whose embers were visible, stood in one corner.
stovenounUS /stoʊv/
a kitchen appliance used for cooking food
From this reading The chamber which he entered, and which he closed again instantly, was a kind of moderately spacious attic, furnished with a mattress laid on the floor, a table, and several chairs; a stove in which a fire was burning, and whose embers were visible, stood in one corner.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading The chamber which he entered, and which he closed again instantly, was a kind of moderately spacious attic, furnished with a mattress laid on the floor, a table, and several chairs; a stove in which a fire was burning, and whose embers were visible, stood in one corner.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was in front of this Gorbeau house that Jean Valjean halted.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading He fumbled in his waistcoat pocket, drew out a sort of a pass-key, opened the door, entered, closed it again carefully, and ascended the staircase, still carrying Cosette.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading It was in front of this Gorbeau house that Jean Valjean halted.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Like wild birds, he had chosen this desert place to construct his nest.
the upper part of anything
From this reading At the top of the stairs he drew from his pocket another key, with which he opened another door.
Valjean
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was in front of this Gorbeau house that Jean Valjean halted.
capable of being seen; or open to easy view
From this reading The chamber which he entered, and which he closed again instantly, was a kind of moderately spacious attic, furnished with a mattress laid on the floor, a table, and several chairs; a stove in which a fire was burning, and whose embers were visible, stood in one corner.
waistcoatnoun
a man's sleeveless garment worn underneath a coat
From this reading He fumbled in his waistcoat pocket, drew out a sort of a pass-key, opened the door, entered, closed it again carefully, and ascended the staircase, still carrying Cosette.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was in front of this Gorbeau house that Jean Valjean halted.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The chamber which he entered, and which he closed again instantly, was a kind of moderately spacious attic, furnished with a mattress laid on the floor, a table, and several chairs; a stove in which a fire was burning, and whose embers were visible, stood in one corner.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading At the top of the stairs he drew from his pocket another key, with which he opened another door.
belonging to which person
From this reading The chamber which he entered, and which he closed again instantly, was a kind of moderately spacious attic, furnished with a mattress laid on the floor, a table, and several chairs; a stove in which a fire was burning, and whose embers were visible, stood in one corner.
marked by extreme lack of restraint or control
From this reading Like wild birds, he had chosen this desert place to construct his nest.
in the company of; together with
From this reading At the top of the stairs he drew from his pocket another key, with which he opened another door.
