Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

not normal; not typical or usual or regular or conforming to a norm

From this reading "You would put Father Time himself to the blush with your abnormal promptness.

perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

replying

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading "My dear Cleek, what a model of punctuality you are," said the superintendent, as he came forward and shook hands with him.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading I've only just arrived.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

turn red, as if in embarrassment or shame

From this reading "You would put Father Time himself to the blush with your abnormal promptness.

a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading "My dear Cleek, what a model of punctuality you are," said the superintendent, as he came forward and shook hands with him.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)

From this reading Do make yourself comfortable for a moment or two while I go and order tea.

dearly loved

From this reading "My dear Cleek, what a model of punctuality you are," said the superintendent, as he came forward and shook hands with him.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Do make yourself comfortable for a moment or two while I go and order tea.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading "You would put Father Time himself to the blush with your abnormal promptness.

bowed stringed instrument that is the highest member of the violin family; this instrument has four strings and a hollow body and an unfretted fingerboard and is played with a bow

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Do make yourself comfortable for a moment or two while I go and order tea.

at or to or toward the front

From this reading "My dear Cleek, what a model of punctuality you are," said the superintendent, as he came forward and shook hands with him.

set up or found

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

plural of “glove” — the handwear used by fielders in playing baseball

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Do make yourself comfortable for a moment or two while I go and order tea.

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading "My dear Cleek, what a model of punctuality you are," said the superintendent, as he came forward and shook hands with him.

decoration that is hung (as a tapestry) on a wall or over a window

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading "My dear Cleek, what a model of punctuality you are," said the superintendent, as he came forward and shook hands with him.

(usually plural) the office that serves as the administrative center of an enterprise

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading "My dear Cleek, what a model of punctuality you are," said the superintendent, as he came forward and shook hands with him.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading "You would put Father Time himself to the blush with your abnormal promptness.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

game equipment consisting of an open ring of iron used in playing horseshoes

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading Do make yourself comfortable for a moment or two while I go and order tea.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I've only just arrived.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

and nothing more

From this reading I've only just arrived.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

possessive form of “lion” — large gregarious predatory feline of Africa and India having a tawny coat with a shaggy mane in the male

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

engage in

From this reading Do make yourself comfortable for a moment or two while I go and order tea.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

a hypothetical description of a complex entity or process

From this reading "My dear Cleek, what a model of punctuality you are," said the superintendent, as he came forward and shook hands with him.

a particular point in time

From this reading Do make yourself comfortable for a moment or two while I go and order tea.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "My dear Cleek, what a model of punctuality you are," said the superintendent, as he came forward and shook hands with him.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

and nothing more

From this reading I've only just arrived.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Do make yourself comfortable for a moment or two while I go and order tea.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading Do make yourself comfortable for a moment or two while I go and order tea.

logical or comprehensible arrangement of separate elements

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

suggesting or suitable for a picture; pretty as a picture

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

by chance

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

preceding and preparing for something

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

the characteristic of doing things without delay

From this reading "You would put Father Time himself to the blush with your abnormal promptness.

the quality or habit of adhering to an appointed time

From this reading "My dear Cleek, what a model of punctuality you are," said the superintendent, as he came forward and shook hands with him.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading "You would put Father Time himself to the blush with your abnormal promptness.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "My dear Cleek, what a model of punctuality you are," said the superintendent, as he came forward and shook hands with him.

possessive form of “shepherd” — a clergyman who watches over a group of people

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment

From this reading "My dear Cleek, what a model of punctuality you are," said the superintendent, as he came forward and shook hands with him.

change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

plural of “stand” — a support or foundation

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

(sports) the act of swinging or striking at a ball with a club or racket or bat or cue or hand

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

past form of “stroll” — walk leisurely and with no apparent aim

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

a person who directs and manages an organization

From this reading "My dear Cleek, what a model of punctuality you are," said the superintendent, as he came forward and shook hands with him.

a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading "You would put Father Time himself to the blush with your abnormal promptness.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Do make yourself comfortable for a moment or two while I go and order tea.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

compelling immediate action

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

precisely as stated

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "My dear Cleek, what a model of punctuality you are," said the superintendent, as he came forward and shook hands with him.

at the time that

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

during the time that

From this reading Do make yourself comfortable for a moment or two while I go and order tea.

in the company of; together with

From this reading "My dear Cleek, what a model of punctuality you are," said the superintendent, as he came forward and shook hands with him.

-ing form of “withdraw” — pull back or move away or backward

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading "You would put Father Time himself to the blush with your abnormal promptness.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading THE LION'S SMILE It was on the very stroke of five when Cleek, answering an urgent message from headquarters, strolled into the bar parlour of "The Fiddle and Horseshoe," which, as you may possibly know, stands near to the Green in a somewhat picturesque by-path between Shepherd's Bush and Acton, and found Narkom in the very act of hanging up his hat and withdrawing his gloves preparatory to ordering tea.

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "You would put Father Time himself to the blush with your abnormal promptness.

used when the person spoken to is also the object of the action

From this reading Do make yourself comfortable for a moment or two while I go and order tea.