used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Dictionary codes are familiar in the Secret Service as furnishing a cipher which, without the key, defies detection.
accomplicesnounUS /əˈkɑːmpləsəz/
plural of “accomplice” — a person who joins with another in carrying out some plan (especially an unethical or illegal plan)
From this reading He had no knowledge of the geography of the house or its location; he had no arms; he had no accomplices.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading By asking for a dictionary at random, without reference to the cipher before him, Desmond had hoped to gain a respite of several hours; for he had reckoned that the little-known and out-of-date work which he had requested would not easily be forthcoming.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Dictionary codes are familiar in the Secret Service as furnishing a cipher which, without the key, defies detection.
weapons considered collectively
From this reading He had no knowledge of the geography of the house or its location; he had no arms; he had no accomplices.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Dictionary codes are familiar in the Secret Service as furnishing a cipher which, without the key, defies detection.
the verbal act of requesting
From this reading By asking for a dictionary at random, without reference to the cipher before him, Desmond had hoped to gain a respite of several hours; for he had reckoned that the little-known and out-of-date work which he had requested would not easily be forthcoming.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading By asking for a dictionary at random, without reference to the cipher before him, Desmond had hoped to gain a respite of several hours; for he had reckoned that the little-known and out-of-date work which he had requested would not easily be forthcoming.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading By asking for a dictionary at random, without reference to the cipher before him, Desmond had hoped to gain a respite of several hours; for he had reckoned that the little-known and out-of-date work which he had requested would not easily be forthcoming.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading By asking for a dictionary at random, without reference to the cipher before him, Desmond had hoped to gain a respite of several hours; for he had reckoned that the little-known and out-of-date work which he had requested would not easily be forthcoming.
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading Clubfoot’s glib promise that the book would be on hand within the hour dashed his hopes considerably, and he reëntered his prison seriously revolving in his head his chances of escape.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading By asking for a dictionary at random, without reference to the cipher before him, Desmond had hoped to gain a respite of several hours; for he had reckoned that the little-known and out-of-date work which he had requested would not easily be forthcoming.
plural of “chance” — a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading Clubfoot’s glib promise that the book would be on hand within the hour dashed his hopes considerably, and he reëntered his prison seriously revolving in his head his chances of escape.
ciphernounUS /ˈsaɪ.fər/
A secret or disguised way of writing; a code used to conceal ancient secrets.
From this reading Dictionary codes are familiar in the Secret Service as furnishing a cipher which, without the key, defies detection.
Clubfoot's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Clubfoot’s glib promise that the book would be on hand within the hour dashed his hopes considerably, and he reëntered his prison seriously revolving in his head his chances of escape.
codesnounUS /koʊdz/
plural of “code” — a set of rules or principles or laws (especially written ones)
From this reading Dictionary codes are familiar in the Secret Service as furnishing a cipher which, without the key, defies detection.
considerablyadverbUS /kənˈsɪdərəbli/
to a great extent or degree
From this reading Clubfoot’s glib promise that the book would be on hand within the hour dashed his hopes considerably, and he reëntered his prison seriously revolving in his head his chances of escape.
having gaps or spaces
From this reading Clubfoot’s glib promise that the book would be on hand within the hour dashed his hopes considerably, and he reëntered his prison seriously revolving in his head his chances of escape.
defiesverbUS /dɪˈfaɪz/
third-person singular of “defy” — resist or confront with resistance
From this reading Dictionary codes are familiar in the Secret Service as furnishing a cipher which, without the key, defies detection.
Desmond
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By asking for a dictionary at random, without reference to the cipher before him, Desmond had hoped to gain a respite of several hours; for he had reckoned that the little-known and out-of-date work which he had requested would not easily be forthcoming.
detectionnounUS /dɪˈtekʃən/
the perception that something has occurred or some state exists
From this reading Dictionary codes are familiar in the Secret Service as furnishing a cipher which, without the key, defies detection.
DictionarynounUS /ˈdɪkʃəneri/
a reference book containing an alphabetical list of words with information about them
From this reading Dictionary codes are familiar in the Secret Service as furnishing a cipher which, without the key, defies detection.
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading By asking for a dictionary at random, without reference to the cipher before him, Desmond had hoped to gain a respite of several hours; for he had reckoned that the little-known and out-of-date work which he had requested would not easily be forthcoming.
the act of escaping physically
From this reading Clubfoot’s glib promise that the book would be on hand within the hour dashed his hopes considerably, and he reëntered his prison seriously revolving in his head his chances of escape.
well known or easily recognized
From this reading Dictionary codes are familiar in the Secret Service as furnishing a cipher which, without the key, defies detection.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading By asking for a dictionary at random, without reference to the cipher before him, Desmond had hoped to gain a respite of several hours; for he had reckoned that the little-known and out-of-date work which he had requested would not easily be forthcoming.
forthcomingadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrθˈkʌmɪŋ/
at ease in talking to others
From this reading By asking for a dictionary at random, without reference to the cipher before him, Desmond had hoped to gain a respite of several hours; for he had reckoned that the little-known and out-of-date work which he had requested would not easily be forthcoming.
furnishingnounUS /ˈfɜːrnɪʃɪŋ/
(usually plural) accessory wearing apparel
From this reading Dictionary codes are familiar in the Secret Service as furnishing a cipher which, without the key, defies detection.
obtain
From this reading By asking for a dictionary at random, without reference to the cipher before him, Desmond had hoped to gain a respite of several hours; for he had reckoned that the little-known and out-of-date work which he had requested would not easily be forthcoming.
geographynounUS /dʒiˈɑːɡrəfi/
study of the earth's surface; includes people's responses to topography and climate and soil and vegetation
From this reading He had no knowledge of the geography of the house or its location; he had no arms; he had no accomplices.
glibadjectiveUS /ɡlɪb/
marked by lack of intellectual depth
From this reading Clubfoot’s glib promise that the book would be on hand within the hour dashed his hopes considerably, and he reëntered his prison seriously revolving in his head his chances of escape.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading By asking for a dictionary at random, without reference to the cipher before him, Desmond had hoped to gain a respite of several hours; for he had reckoned that the little-known and out-of-date work which he had requested would not easily be forthcoming.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Clubfoot’s glib promise that the book would be on hand within the hour dashed his hopes considerably, and he reëntered his prison seriously revolving in his head his chances of escape.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading By asking for a dictionary at random, without reference to the cipher before him, Desmond had hoped to gain a respite of several hours; for he had reckoned that the little-known and out-of-date work which he had requested would not easily be forthcoming.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading Clubfoot’s glib promise that the book would be on hand within the hour dashed his hopes considerably, and he reëntered his prison seriously revolving in his head his chances of escape.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading By asking for a dictionary at random, without reference to the cipher before him, Desmond had hoped to gain a respite of several hours; for he had reckoned that the little-known and out-of-date work which he had requested would not easily be forthcoming.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Clubfoot’s glib promise that the book would be on hand within the hour dashed his hopes considerably, and he reëntered his prison seriously revolving in his head his chances of escape.
past form of “hope” — expect and wish
From this reading By asking for a dictionary at random, without reference to the cipher before him, Desmond had hoped to gain a respite of several hours; for he had reckoned that the little-known and out-of-date work which he had requested would not easily be forthcoming.
plural of “hope” — a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading Clubfoot’s glib promise that the book would be on hand within the hour dashed his hopes considerably, and he reëntered his prison seriously revolving in his head his chances of escape.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading Clubfoot’s glib promise that the book would be on hand within the hour dashed his hopes considerably, and he reëntered his prison seriously revolving in his head his chances of escape.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading By asking for a dictionary at random, without reference to the cipher before him, Desmond had hoped to gain a respite of several hours; for he had reckoned that the little-known and out-of-date work which he had requested would not easily be forthcoming.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading He had no knowledge of the geography of the house or its location; he had no arms; he had no accomplices.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Dictionary codes are familiar in the Secret Service as furnishing a cipher which, without the key, defies detection.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading He had no knowledge of the geography of the house or its location; he had no arms; he had no accomplices.
metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated
From this reading Dictionary codes are familiar in the Secret Service as furnishing a cipher which, without the key, defies detection.
the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
From this reading He had no knowledge of the geography of the house or its location; he had no arms; he had no accomplices.
little-knownadjective
unknown to most people
From this reading By asking for a dictionary at random, without reference to the cipher before him, Desmond had hoped to gain a respite of several hours; for he had reckoned that the little-known and out-of-date work which he had requested would not easily be forthcoming.
locationnounUS /loʊˈkeɪʃən/
a point or extent in space
From this reading He had no knowledge of the geography of the house or its location; he had no arms; he had no accomplices.
not any; not one
From this reading He had no knowledge of the geography of the house or its location; he had no arms; he had no accomplices.
not one, and not any
From this reading Of chances, properly speaking, he had none.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading By asking for a dictionary at random, without reference to the cipher before him, Desmond had hoped to gain a respite of several hours; for he had reckoned that the little-known and out-of-date work which he had requested would not easily be forthcoming.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading By asking for a dictionary at random, without reference to the cipher before him, Desmond had hoped to gain a respite of several hours; for he had reckoned that the little-known and out-of-date work which he had requested would not easily be forthcoming.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Clubfoot’s glib promise that the book would be on hand within the hour dashed his hopes considerably, and he reëntered his prison seriously revolving in his head his chances of escape.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading He had no knowledge of the geography of the house or its location; he had no arms; he had no accomplices.
out-of-dateadjective
old; no longer valid or fashionable
From this reading By asking for a dictionary at random, without reference to the cipher before him, Desmond had hoped to gain a respite of several hours; for he had reckoned that the little-known and out-of-date work which he had requested would not easily be forthcoming.
a correctional institution where persons are confined while on trial or for punishment
From this reading Clubfoot’s glib promise that the book would be on hand within the hour dashed his hopes considerably, and he reëntered his prison seriously revolving in his head his chances of escape.
make a promise or commitment
From this reading Clubfoot’s glib promise that the book would be on hand within the hour dashed his hopes considerably, and he reëntered his prison seriously revolving in his head his chances of escape.
in the right manner; correctly; suitably
From this reading Of chances, properly speaking, he had none.
randomadjectiveUS /ˈrændəm/
lacking any definite plan or order or purpose; governed by or depending on chance
From this reading By asking for a dictionary at random, without reference to the cipher before him, Desmond had hoped to gain a respite of several hours; for he had reckoned that the little-known and out-of-date work which he had requested would not easily be forthcoming.
reckonedverbUS /ˈrekənd/
past form of “reckon” — expect, believe, or suppose
From this reading By asking for a dictionary at random, without reference to the cipher before him, Desmond had hoped to gain a respite of several hours; for he had reckoned that the little-known and out-of-date work which he had requested would not easily be forthcoming.
referencenounUS /ˈrefərəns/
a remark that calls attention to something or someone
From this reading By asking for a dictionary at random, without reference to the cipher before him, Desmond had hoped to gain a respite of several hours; for he had reckoned that the little-known and out-of-date work which he had requested would not easily be forthcoming.
requestedadjectiveUS /rɪˈkwestɪd/
asked for
From this reading By asking for a dictionary at random, without reference to the cipher before him, Desmond had hoped to gain a respite of several hours; for he had reckoned that the little-known and out-of-date work which he had requested would not easily be forthcoming.
respitenounUS /ˈrespɪt/
a (temporary) relief from harm or discomfort
From this reading By asking for a dictionary at random, without reference to the cipher before him, Desmond had hoped to gain a respite of several hours; for he had reckoned that the little-known and out-of-date work which he had requested would not easily be forthcoming.
revolvingverbUS /riˈvɑːlvɪŋ/
-ing form of “revolve” — turn on or around an axis or a center
From this reading Clubfoot’s glib promise that the book would be on hand within the hour dashed his hopes considerably, and he reëntered his prison seriously revolving in his head his chances of escape.
reëntered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Clubfoot’s glib promise that the book would be on hand within the hour dashed his hopes considerably, and he reëntered his prison seriously revolving in his head his chances of escape.
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading Dictionary codes are familiar in the Secret Service as furnishing a cipher which, without the key, defies detection.
in a serious manner
From this reading Clubfoot’s glib promise that the book would be on hand within the hour dashed his hopes considerably, and he reëntered his prison seriously revolving in his head his chances of escape.
work done by one person or group that benefits another
From this reading Dictionary codes are familiar in the Secret Service as furnishing a cipher which, without the key, defies detection.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading By asking for a dictionary at random, without reference to the cipher before him, Desmond had hoped to gain a respite of several hours; for he had reckoned that the little-known and out-of-date work which he had requested would not easily be forthcoming.
the utterance of intelligible speech
From this reading Of chances, properly speaking, he had none.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading By asking for a dictionary at random, without reference to the cipher before him, Desmond had hoped to gain a respite of several hours; for he had reckoned that the little-known and out-of-date work which he had requested would not easily be forthcoming.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Dictionary codes are familiar in the Secret Service as furnishing a cipher which, without the key, defies detection.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading By asking for a dictionary at random, without reference to the cipher before him, Desmond had hoped to gain a respite of several hours; for he had reckoned that the little-known and out-of-date work which he had requested would not easily be forthcoming.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Dictionary codes are familiar in the Secret Service as furnishing a cipher which, without the key, defies detection.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Clubfoot’s glib promise that the book would be on hand within the hour dashed his hopes considerably, and he reëntered his prison seriously revolving in his head his chances of escape.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Dictionary codes are familiar in the Secret Service as furnishing a cipher which, without the key, defies detection.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading By asking for a dictionary at random, without reference to the cipher before him, Desmond had hoped to gain a respite of several hours; for he had reckoned that the little-known and out-of-date work which he had requested would not easily be forthcoming.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading By asking for a dictionary at random, without reference to the cipher before him, Desmond had hoped to gain a respite of several hours; for he had reckoned that the little-known and out-of-date work which he had requested would not easily be forthcoming.