used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
Ailsa
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
Ailsa's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
(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 As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It is strange how, in moments of stress and trial, even in times of tragedy, the most commonplace thoughts will intrude themselves and the mind separate itself from the immediate events.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading As the recollection of that time rose before her mental vision, the value of the phrase itself forced its worth upon her and, huddling back in the corner of the limousine, she clutched the frightened child to her and gave implicit obedience to Merode's command to make no effort to attract attention either by word or deed.
attractverbUS /əˈtrækt/
direct toward itself or oneself by means of some psychological power or physical attributes
From this reading As the recollection of that time rose before her mental vision, the value of the phrase itself forced its worth upon her and, huddling back in the corner of the limousine, she clutched the frightened child to her and gave implicit obedience to Merode's command to make no effort to attract attention either by word or deed.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
earlier than; in front of
From this reading As the recollection of that time rose before her mental vision, the value of the phrase itself forced its worth upon her and, huddling back in the corner of the limousine, she clutched the frightened child to her and gave implicit obedience to Merode's command to make no effort to attract attention either by word or deed.
(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 As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
blankadjectiveUS /blæŋk/
(of a surface) not written or printed on
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
people who have severe visual impairments, considered as a group
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
showing who or what does the action
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
a young person of either sex
From this reading As the recollection of that time rose before her mental vision, the value of the phrase itself forced its worth upon her and, huddling back in the corner of the limousine, she clutched the frightened child to her and gave implicit obedience to Merode's command to make no effort to attract attention either by word or deed.
clutchedverbUS /klʌtʃt/
past form of “clutch” — take hold of; grab
From this reading As the recollection of that time rose before her mental vision, the value of the phrase itself forced its worth upon her and, huddling back in the corner of the limousine, she clutched the frightened child to her and gave implicit obedience to Merode's command to make no effort to attract attention either by word or deed.
having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
an authoritative direction or instruction to do something
From this reading As the recollection of that time rose before her mental vision, the value of the phrase itself forced its worth upon her and, huddling back in the corner of the limousine, she clutched the frightened child to her and gave implicit obedience to Merode's command to make no effort to attract attention either by word or deed.
commonplaceadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmənpleɪs/
completely ordinary and unremarkable
From this reading It is strange how, in moments of stress and trial, even in times of tragedy, the most commonplace thoughts will intrude themselves and the mind separate itself from the immediate events.
copyingnounUS /ˈkɑːpiɪŋ/
an act of copying
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading As the recollection of that time rose before her mental vision, the value of the phrase itself forced its worth upon her and, huddling back in the corner of the limousine, she clutched the frightened child to her and gave implicit obedience to Merode's command to make no effort to attract attention either by word or deed.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
cowedverbUS /kaʊd/
past form of “cow” — subdue, restrain, or overcome by affecting with a feeling of awe; frighten (as with threats)
From this reading And he, fancying that he had thoroughly cowed her, withdrew the touch of the weapon from her temple, but held it ready for possible use in the grip of his thin, strong hand.
deafadjectiveUS /def/
lacking or deprived of the sense of hearing wholly or in part
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
a legal document signed and sealed and delivered to effect a transfer of property and to show the legal right to possess it
From this reading As the recollection of that time rose before her mental vision, the value of the phrase itself forced its worth upon her and, huddling back in the corner of the limousine, she clutched the frightened child to her and gave implicit obedience to Merode's command to make no effort to attract attention either by word or deed.
destinationnounUS /ˌdestəˈneɪʃən/
the place designated as the end (as of a race or journey)
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
DiscretionnounUS /dɪˈskreʃən/
freedom to act or judge on one's own
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
drearinessnounUS /ˈdriːrinəs/
extreme dullness; lacking spirit or interest
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
dweltverbUS /dwelt/
inflected form of “dwell” — think moodily or anxiously about something
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading As the recollection of that time rose before her mental vision, the value of the phrase itself forced its worth upon her and, huddling back in the corner of the limousine, she clutched the frightened child to her and gave implicit obedience to Merode's command to make no effort to attract attention either by word or deed.
one or the other of two
From this reading As the recollection of that time rose before her mental vision, the value of the phrase itself forced its worth upon her and, huddling back in the corner of the limousine, she clutched the frightened child to her and gave implicit obedience to Merode's command to make no effort to attract attention either by word or deed.
divisible by two
From this reading It is strange how, in moments of stress and trial, even in times of tragedy, the most commonplace thoughts will intrude themselves and the mind separate itself from the immediate events.
plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading It is strange how, in moments of stress and trial, even in times of tragedy, the most commonplace thoughts will intrude themselves and the mind separate itself from the immediate events.
fancying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And he, fancying that he had thoroughly cowed her, withdrew the touch of the weapon from her temple, but held it ready for possible use in the grip of his thin, strong hand.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading And he, fancying that he had thoroughly cowed her, withdrew the touch of the weapon from her temple, but held it ready for possible use in the grip of his thin, strong hand.
produced by or subjected to forcing
From this reading As the recollection of that time rose before her mental vision, the value of the phrase itself forced its worth upon her and, huddling back in the corner of the limousine, she clutched the frightened child to her and gave implicit obedience to Merode's command to make no effort to attract attention either by word or deed.
made afraid
From this reading As the recollection of that time rose before her mental vision, the value of the phrase itself forced its worth upon her and, huddling back in the corner of the limousine, she clutched the frightened child to her and gave implicit obedience to Merode's command to make no effort to attract attention either by word or deed.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It is strange how, in moments of stress and trial, even in times of tragedy, the most commonplace thoughts will intrude themselves and the mind separate itself from the immediate events.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading As the recollection of that time rose before her mental vision, the value of the phrase itself forced its worth upon her and, huddling back in the corner of the limousine, she clutched the frightened child to her and gave implicit obedience to Merode's command to make no effort to attract attention either by word or deed.
gleamverbUS /ɡliːm/
be shiny, as if wet
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
gripnounUS /ɡrɪp/
the act of grasping
From this reading And he, fancying that he had thoroughly cowed her, withdrew the touch of the weapon from her temple, but held it ready for possible use in the grip of his thin, strong hand.
past form of “guess” — expect, believe, or suppose
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading And he, fancying that he had thoroughly cowed her, withdrew the touch of the weapon from her temple, but held it ready for possible use in the grip of his thin, strong hand.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading And he, fancying that he had thoroughly cowed her, withdrew the touch of the weapon from her temple, but held it ready for possible use in the grip of his thin, strong hand.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading And he, fancying that he had thoroughly cowed her, withdrew the touch of the weapon from her temple, but held it ready for possible use in the grip of his thin, strong hand.
headlongadverbUS /ˈhedlɔːŋ/
with the head foremost
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading And he, fancying that he had thoroughly cowed her, withdrew the touch of the weapon from her temple, but held it ready for possible use in the grip of his thin, strong hand.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading And he, fancying that he had thoroughly cowed her, withdrew the touch of the weapon from her temple, but held it ready for possible use in the grip of his thin, strong hand.
intense and profound fear
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is strange how, in moments of stress and trial, even in times of tragedy, the most commonplace thoughts will intrude themselves and the mind separate itself from the immediate events.
huddlingverbUS /ˈhʌdəlɪŋ/
-ing form of “huddle” — crowd or draw together
From this reading As the recollection of that time rose before her mental vision, the value of the phrase itself forced its worth upon her and, huddling back in the corner of the limousine, she clutched the frightened child to her and gave implicit obedience to Merode's command to make no effort to attract attention either by word or deed.
ten 10s
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
of the present time and place
From this reading It is strange how, in moments of stress and trial, even in times of tragedy, the most commonplace thoughts will intrude themselves and the mind separate itself from the immediate events.
implicitadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈplɪsət/
implied though not directly expressed; inherent in the nature of something
From this reading As the recollection of that time rose before her mental vision, the value of the phrase itself forced its worth upon her and, huddling back in the corner of the limousine, she clutched the frightened child to her and gave implicit obedience to Merode's command to make no effort to attract attention either by word or deed.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It is strange how, in moments of stress and trial, even in times of tragedy, the most commonplace thoughts will intrude themselves and the mind separate itself from the immediate events.
intrudeverbUS /ˌɪnˈtruːd/
enter uninvited
From this reading It is strange how, in moments of stress and trial, even in times of tragedy, the most commonplace thoughts will intrude themselves and the mind separate itself from the immediate events.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is strange how, in moments of stress and trial, even in times of tragedy, the most commonplace thoughts will intrude themselves and the mind separate itself from the immediate events.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is strange how, in moments of stress and trial, even in times of tragedy, the most commonplace thoughts will intrude themselves and the mind separate itself from the immediate events.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading As the recollection of that time rose before her mental vision, the value of the phrase itself forced its worth upon her and, huddling back in the corner of the limousine, she clutched the frightened child to her and gave implicit obedience to Merode's command to make no effort to attract attention either by word or deed.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading It is strange how, in moments of stress and trial, even in times of tragedy, the most commonplace thoughts will intrude themselves and the mind separate itself from the immediate events.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
lapsesnounUS /ˈlæpsɪz/
plural of “lapse” — a mistake resulting from inattention
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
limousinenounUS /ˈlɪməziːn/
large luxurious car; usually driven by a chauffeur
From this reading As the recollection of that time rose before her mental vision, the value of the phrase itself forced its worth upon her and, huddling back in the corner of the limousine, she clutched the frightened child to her and gave implicit obedience to Merode's command to make no effort to attract attention either by word or deed.
a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
engage in
From this reading As the recollection of that time rose before her mental vision, the value of the phrase itself forced its worth upon her and, huddling back in the corner of the limousine, she clutched the frightened child to her and gave implicit obedience to Merode's command to make no effort to attract attention either by word or deed.
involving the mind or an intellectual process
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
Merode
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
Merode's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the recollection of that time rose before her mental vision, the value of the phrase itself forced its worth upon her and, huddling back in the corner of the limousine, she clutched the frightened child to her and gave implicit obedience to Merode's command to make no effort to attract attention either by word or deed.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading It is strange how, in moments of stress and trial, even in times of tragedy, the most commonplace thoughts will intrude themselves and the mind separate itself from the immediate events.
plural of “moment” — a particular point in time
From this reading It is strange how, in moments of stress and trial, even in times of tragedy, the most commonplace thoughts will intrude themselves and the mind separate itself from the immediate events.
the light of the Moon
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
used to form the superlative
From this reading It is strange how, in moments of stress and trial, even in times of tragedy, the most commonplace thoughts will intrude themselves and the mind separate itself from the immediate events.
motornounUS /ˈmoʊtər/
machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
muzzlenounUS /ˈmʌzəl/
the open circular discharging end of a gun
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
nearingverbUS /ˈnɪrɪŋ/
-ing form of “near” — move towards
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
not any; not one
From this reading As the recollection of that time rose before her mental vision, the value of the phrase itself forced its worth upon her and, huddling back in the corner of the limousine, she clutched the frightened child to her and gave implicit obedience to Merode's command to make no effort to attract attention either by word or deed.
obediencenounUS /oʊˈbiːdiəns/
the act of obeying; dutiful or submissive behavior with respect to another person
From this reading As the recollection of that time rose before her mental vision, the value of the phrase itself forced its worth upon her and, huddling back in the corner of the limousine, she clutched the frightened child to her and gave implicit obedience to Merode's command to make no effort to attract attention either by word or deed.
inflected form of “occur” — come to pass
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It is strange how, in moments of stress and trial, even in times of tragedy, the most commonplace thoughts will intrude themselves and the mind separate itself from the immediate events.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading As the recollection of that time rose before her mental vision, the value of the phrase itself forced its worth upon her and, huddling back in the corner of the limousine, she clutched the frightened child to her and gave implicit obedience to Merode's command to make no effort to attract attention either by word or deed.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
used with “to” to say what is right or advisable
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
phrasenounUS /freɪz/
an expression consisting of one or more words forming a grammatical constituent of a sentence
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
capable of happening or existing
From this reading And he, fancying that he had thoroughly cowed her, withdrew the touch of the weapon from her temple, but held it ready for possible use in the grip of his thin, strong hand.
preceptress
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
in the near future
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
the act of punishing
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading And he, fancying that he had thoroughly cowed her, withdrew the touch of the weapon from her temple, but held it ready for possible use in the grip of his thin, strong hand.
recollectionnounUS /ˌrekəˈlekʃən/
the ability to recall past occurrences
From this reading As the recollection of that time rose before her mental vision, the value of the phrase itself forced its worth upon her and, huddling back in the corner of the limousine, she clutched the frightened child to her and gave implicit obedience to Merode's command to make no effort to attract attention either by word or deed.
revolvernounUS /rɪˈvɑːlvər/
a pistol with a revolving cylinder (usually having six chambers for bullets)
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading As the recollection of that time rose before her mental vision, the value of the phrase itself forced its worth upon her and, huddling back in the corner of the limousine, she clutched the frightened child to her and gave implicit obedience to Merode's command to make no effort to attract attention either by word or deed.
schooldaysnoun
the time of life when you are going to school
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
act as a barrier between; stand between
From this reading It is strange how, in moments of stress and trial, even in times of tragedy, the most commonplace thoughts will intrude themselves and the mind separate itself from the immediate events.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
a soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal; occurs in argentite and in free form; used in coins and jewelry and tableware and photography
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
slowingnounUS /ˈsloʊɪŋ/
a decrease in rate of change
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
distribute or disperse widely
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
successive (without a break)
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading It is strange how, in moments of stress and trial, even in times of tragedy, the most commonplace thoughts will intrude themselves and the mind separate itself from the immediate events.
stressnounUS /stres/
the relative prominence of a syllable or musical note (especially with regard to stress or pitch)
From this reading It is strange how, in moments of stress and trial, even in times of tragedy, the most commonplace thoughts will intrude themselves and the mind separate itself from the immediate events.
stretchverbUS /stretʃ/
occupy a large, elongated area
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading And he, fancying that he had thoroughly cowed her, withdrew the touch of the weapon from her temple, but held it ready for possible use in the grip of his thin, strong hand.
(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
required or under orders
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
swervedverbUS /swɜːrvd/
past form of “swerve” — turn sharply; change direction abruptly
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
place of worship consisting of an edifice for the worship of a deity
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading As the recollection of that time rose before her mental vision, the value of the phrase itself forced its worth upon her and, huddling back in the corner of the limousine, she clutched the frightened child to her and gave implicit obedience to Merode's command to make no effort to attract attention either by word or deed.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It is strange how, in moments of stress and trial, even in times of tragedy, the most commonplace thoughts will intrude themselves and the mind separate itself from the immediate events.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading It is strange how, in moments of stress and trial, even in times of tragedy, the most commonplace thoughts will intrude themselves and the mind separate itself from the immediate events.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
Having little thickness or extent.
From this reading And he, fancying that he had thoroughly cowed her, withdrew the touch of the weapon from her temple, but held it ready for possible use in the grip of his thin, strong hand.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
in an exhaustive manner
From this reading And he, fancying that he had thoroughly cowed her, withdrew the touch of the weapon from her temple, but held it ready for possible use in the grip of his thin, strong hand.
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading It is strange how, in moments of stress and trial, even in times of tragedy, the most commonplace thoughts will intrude themselves and the mind separate itself from the immediate events.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading As the recollection of that time rose before her mental vision, the value of the phrase itself forced its worth upon her and, huddling back in the corner of the limousine, she clutched the frightened child to her and gave implicit obedience to Merode's command to make no effort to attract attention either by word or deed.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading It is strange how, in moments of stress and trial, even in times of tragedy, the most commonplace thoughts will intrude themselves and the mind separate itself from the immediate events.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
make physical contact with, come in contact with
From this reading And he, fancying that he had thoroughly cowed her, withdrew the touch of the weapon from her temple, but held it ready for possible use in the grip of his thin, strong hand.
tragedynounUS /ˈtrædʒədi/
an event resulting in great loss and misfortune
From this reading It is strange how, in moments of stress and trial, even in times of tragedy, the most commonplace thoughts will intrude themselves and the mind separate itself from the immediate events.
the act of going from one place to another
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
the act of testing something
From this reading It is strange how, in moments of stress and trial, even in times of tragedy, the most commonplace thoughts will intrude themselves and the mind separate itself from the immediate events.
unbrokenadjectiveUS /ənˈbroʊkən/
marked by continuous or uninterrupted extension in space or time or sequence
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading As the recollection of that time rose before her mental vision, the value of the phrase itself forced its worth upon her and, huddling back in the corner of the limousine, she clutched the frightened child to her and gave implicit obedience to Merode's command to make no effort to attract attention either by word or deed.
the act of using
From this reading And he, fancying that he had thoroughly cowed her, withdrew the touch of the weapon from her temple, but held it ready for possible use in the grip of his thin, strong hand.
valournoun
the qualities of a hero or heroine; exceptional or heroic courage when facing danger (especially in battle)
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed
From this reading As the recollection of that time rose before her mental vision, the value of the phrase itself forced its worth upon her and, huddling back in the corner of the limousine, she clutched the frightened child to her and gave implicit obedience to Merode's command to make no effort to attract attention either by word or deed.
a vivid mental image
From this reading As the recollection of that time rose before her mental vision, the value of the phrase itself forced its worth upon her and, huddling back in the corner of the limousine, she clutched the frightened child to her and gave implicit obedience to Merode's command to make no effort to attract attention either by word or deed.
any materials unused and rejected as worthless or unwanted
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting
From this reading And he, fancying that he had thoroughly cowed her, withdrew the touch of the weapon from her temple, but held it ready for possible use in the grip of his thin, strong hand.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading It is strange how, in moments of stress and trial, even in times of tragedy, the most commonplace thoughts will intrude themselves and the mind separate itself from the immediate events.
in the company of; together with
From this reading For a time the limousine kept straight on in its headlong course, then, of a sudden, it swerved to the left, the gleam of a river--all silver with moonlight--struck up through a line of trees on one side of the car, the blank unbroken dreariness of a stretch of waste land spread out upon the other; and presently, by the slowing down of the motor, Ailsa guessed that they were nearing their destination.
withdrewverbUS /wɪθˈdruː/
inflected form of “withdraw” — pull back or move away or backward
From this reading And he, fancying that he had thoroughly cowed her, withdrew the touch of the weapon from her temple, but held it ready for possible use in the grip of his thin, strong hand.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading As the recollection of that time rose before her mental vision, the value of the phrase itself forced its worth upon her and, huddling back in the corner of the limousine, she clutched the frightened child to her and gave implicit obedience to Merode's command to make no effort to attract attention either by word or deed.
an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value
From this reading As the recollection of that time rose before her mental vision, the value of the phrase itself forced its worth upon her and, huddling back in the corner of the limousine, she clutched the frightened child to her and gave implicit obedience to Merode's command to make no effort to attract attention either by word or deed.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
a late time of life
From this reading As Merode put the cold muzzle of the revolver to Ailsa's temple and she ought, one would have supposed, to have been deaf and blind to all things but the horror of her position, one of these strange mental lapses occurred, and her mind, travelling back over the years of her early schooldays, dwelt on a punishment task set her by her preceptress--the task of copying three hundred times the phrase "Discretion is the better part of valour."
