used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading _In Which Porter Plants an Evil Seed Which Grows and Flourishes; and in Which Ghosts Rise and Confront Mary._ As has been said, Porter Bigelow was not a snob, and he was a gentleman.
actsnounUS /ækts/
a New Testament book describing the development of the early church from Christ's Ascension to Paul's sojourn at Rome
From this reading But even a gentleman can, when swayed by primal emotions, convince himself that high motives rule, even while performing acts of doubtful honor.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Mary must be guarded against the tragedy of marriage with a man who was not worthy.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading _In Which Porter Plants an Evil Seed Which Grows and Flourishes; and in Which Ghosts Rise and Confront Mary._ As has been said, Porter Bigelow was not a snob, and he was a gentleman.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _In Which Porter Plants an Evil Seed Which Grows and Flourishes; and in Which Ghosts Rise and Confront Mary._ As has been said, Porter Bigelow was not a snob, and he was a gentleman.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading _In Which Porter Plants an Evil Seed Which Grows and Flourishes; and in Which Ghosts Rise and Confront Mary._ As has been said, Porter Bigelow was not a snob, and he was a gentleman.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Mary must not throw herself away.
Ballard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was thus that Porter proved to himself that his interest in Roger Poole's past was purely that of the protector and friend of Mary Ballard.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Mary must be guarded against the tragedy of marriage with a man who was not worthy.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading _In Which Porter Plants an Evil Seed Which Grows and Flourishes; and in Which Ghosts Rise and Confront Mary._ As has been said, Porter Bigelow was not a snob, and he was a gentleman.
Bigelow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _In Which Porter Plants an Evil Seed Which Grows and Flourishes; and in Which Ghosts Rise and Confront Mary._ As has been said, Porter Bigelow was not a snob, and he was a gentleman.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But even a gentleman can, when swayed by primal emotions, convince himself that high motives rule, even while performing acts of doubtful honor.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading But even a gentleman can, when swayed by primal emotions, convince himself that high motives rule, even while performing acts of doubtful honor.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading But even a gentleman can, when swayed by primal emotions, convince himself that high motives rule, even while performing acts of doubtful honor.
ConfrontverbUS /kənˈfrʌnt/
oppose, as in hostility or a competition
From this reading _In Which Porter Plants an Evil Seed Which Grows and Flourishes; and in Which Ghosts Rise and Confront Mary._ As has been said, Porter Bigelow was not a snob, and he was a gentleman.
convinceverbUS /kənˈvɪns/
make (someone) agree, understand, or realize the truth or validity of something
From this reading But even a gentleman can, when swayed by primal emotions, convince himself that high motives rule, even while performing acts of doubtful honor.
doubtfuladjectiveUS /ˈdaʊtfəl/
open to doubt or suspicion
From this reading But even a gentleman can, when swayed by primal emotions, convince himself that high motives rule, even while performing acts of doubtful honor.
plural of “emotion” — any strong feeling
From this reading But even a gentleman can, when swayed by primal emotions, convince himself that high motives rule, even while performing acts of doubtful honor.
divisible by two
From this reading But even a gentleman can, when swayed by primal emotions, convince himself that high motives rule, even while performing acts of doubtful honor.
morally objectionable behavior
From this reading _In Which Porter Plants an Evil Seed Which Grows and Flourishes; and in Which Ghosts Rise and Confront Mary._ As has been said, Porter Bigelow was not a snob, and he was a gentleman.
FlourishesnounUS /ˈflɜːrɪʃəz/
plural of “flourish” — a showy gesture
From this reading _In Which Porter Plants an Evil Seed Which Grows and Flourishes; and in Which Ghosts Rise and Confront Mary._ As has been said, Porter Bigelow was not a snob, and he was a gentleman.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading It was thus that Porter proved to himself that his interest in Roger Poole's past was purely that of the protector and friend of Mary Ballard.
a man of refinement
From this reading _In Which Porter Plants an Evil Seed Which Grows and Flourishes; and in Which Ghosts Rise and Confront Mary._ As has been said, Porter Bigelow was not a snob, and he was a gentleman.
GhostsnounUS /ɡoʊsts/
plural of “ghost” — a mental representation of some haunting experience
From this reading _In Which Porter Plants an Evil Seed Which Grows and Flourishes; and in Which Ghosts Rise and Confront Mary._ As has been said, Porter Bigelow was not a snob, and he was a gentleman.
GrowsverbUS /ɡroʊz/
third-person singular of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading _In Which Porter Plants an Evil Seed Which Grows and Flourishes; and in Which Ghosts Rise and Confront Mary._ As has been said, Porter Bigelow was not a snob, and he was a gentleman.
guardedadjectiveUS /ˈɡɑːrdəd/
prudent
From this reading Mary must be guarded against the tragedy of marriage with a man who was not worthy.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _In Which Porter Plants an Evil Seed Which Grows and Flourishes; and in Which Ghosts Rise and Confront Mary._ As has been said, Porter Bigelow was not a snob, and he was a gentleman.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading _In Which Porter Plants an Evil Seed Which Grows and Flourishes; and in Which Ghosts Rise and Confront Mary._ As has been said, Porter Bigelow was not a snob, and he was a gentleman.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading Mary must not throw herself away.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading But even a gentleman can, when swayed by primal emotions, convince himself that high motives rule, even while performing acts of doubtful honor.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading But even a gentleman can, when swayed by primal emotions, convince himself that high motives rule, even while performing acts of doubtful honor.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It was thus that Porter proved to himself that his interest in Roger Poole's past was purely that of the protector and friend of Mary Ballard.
a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
From this reading But even a gentleman can, when swayed by primal emotions, convince himself that high motives rule, even while performing acts of doubtful honor.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading _In Which Porter Plants an Evil Seed Which Grows and Flourishes; and in Which Ghosts Rise and Confront Mary._ As has been said, Porter Bigelow was not a snob, and he was a gentleman.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading It was thus that Porter proved to himself that his interest in Roger Poole's past was purely that of the protector and friend of Mary Ballard.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was thus that Porter proved to himself that his interest in Roger Poole's past was purely that of the protector and friend of Mary Ballard.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Mary must be guarded against the tragedy of marriage with a man who was not worthy.
the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)
From this reading Mary must be guarded against the tragedy of marriage with a man who was not worthy.
the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics
From this reading _In Which Porter Plants an Evil Seed Which Grows and Flourishes; and in Which Ghosts Rise and Confront Mary._ As has been said, Porter Bigelow was not a snob, and he was a gentleman.
motivesnounUS /ˈmoʊtɪvz/
plural of “motive” — the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior
From this reading But even a gentleman can, when swayed by primal emotions, convince himself that high motives rule, even while performing acts of doubtful honor.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Mary must not throw herself away.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading _In Which Porter Plants an Evil Seed Which Grows and Flourishes; and in Which Ghosts Rise and Confront Mary._ As has been said, Porter Bigelow was not a snob, and he was a gentleman.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading But even a gentleman can, when swayed by primal emotions, convince himself that high motives rule, even while performing acts of doubtful honor.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading It was thus that Porter proved to himself that his interest in Roger Poole's past was purely that of the protector and friend of Mary Ballard.
performingnounUS /pərˈfɔːrmɪŋ/
the performance of a part or role in a drama
From this reading But even a gentleman can, when swayed by primal emotions, convince himself that high motives rule, even while performing acts of doubtful honor.
PlantsnounUS /plænts/
plural of “plant” — buildings for carrying on industrial labor
From this reading _In Which Porter Plants an Evil Seed Which Grows and Flourishes; and in Which Ghosts Rise and Confront Mary._ As has been said, Porter Bigelow was not a snob, and he was a gentleman.
Poole's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was thus that Porter proved to himself that his interest in Roger Poole's past was purely that of the protector and friend of Mary Ballard.
PorternounUS /ˈpɔːrtər/
a person employed to carry luggage and supplies
From this reading _In Which Porter Plants an Evil Seed Which Grows and Flourishes; and in Which Ghosts Rise and Confront Mary._ As has been said, Porter Bigelow was not a snob, and he was a gentleman.
primaladjectiveUS /ˈpraɪməl/
serving as an essential component
From this reading But even a gentleman can, when swayed by primal emotions, convince himself that high motives rule, even while performing acts of doubtful honor.
protectornounUS /prəˈtektər/
a person who cares for persons or property
From this reading It was thus that Porter proved to himself that his interest in Roger Poole's past was purely that of the protector and friend of Mary Ballard.
established beyond doubt
From this reading It was thus that Porter proved to himself that his interest in Roger Poole's past was purely that of the protector and friend of Mary Ballard.
purelyadverbUS /ˈpjʊrli/
restricted to something
From this reading It was thus that Porter proved to himself that his interest in Roger Poole's past was purely that of the protector and friend of Mary Ballard.
move upward
From this reading _In Which Porter Plants an Evil Seed Which Grows and Flourishes; and in Which Ghosts Rise and Confront Mary._ As has been said, Porter Bigelow was not a snob, and he was a gentleman.
Roger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was thus that Porter proved to himself that his interest in Roger Poole's past was purely that of the protector and friend of Mary Ballard.
a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
From this reading But even a gentleman can, when swayed by primal emotions, convince himself that high motives rule, even while performing acts of doubtful honor.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading _In Which Porter Plants an Evil Seed Which Grows and Flourishes; and in Which Ghosts Rise and Confront Mary._ As has been said, Porter Bigelow was not a snob, and he was a gentleman.
SeednounUS /siːd/
a small hard fruit
From this reading _In Which Porter Plants an Evil Seed Which Grows and Flourishes; and in Which Ghosts Rise and Confront Mary._ As has been said, Porter Bigelow was not a snob, and he was a gentleman.
snobnounUS /snɑːb/
a person regarded as arrogant and annoying
From this reading _In Which Porter Plants an Evil Seed Which Grows and Flourishes; and in Which Ghosts Rise and Confront Mary._ As has been said, Porter Bigelow was not a snob, and he was a gentleman.
swayedverbUS /sweɪd/
past form of “sway” — move back and forth or sideways
From this reading But even a gentleman can, when swayed by primal emotions, convince himself that high motives rule, even while performing acts of doubtful honor.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading But even a gentleman can, when swayed by primal emotions, convince himself that high motives rule, even while performing acts of doubtful honor.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was thus that Porter proved to himself that his interest in Roger Poole's past was purely that of the protector and friend of Mary Ballard.
propel through the air
From this reading Mary must not throw herself away.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading It was thus that Porter proved to himself that his interest in Roger Poole's past was purely that of the protector and friend of Mary Ballard.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was thus that Porter proved to himself that his interest in Roger Poole's past was purely that of the protector and friend of Mary Ballard.
tragedynounUS /ˈtrædʒədi/
an event resulting in great loss and misfortune
From this reading Mary must be guarded against the tragedy of marriage with a man who was not worthy.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _In Which Porter Plants an Evil Seed Which Grows and Flourishes; and in Which Ghosts Rise and Confront Mary._ As has been said, Porter Bigelow was not a snob, and he was a gentleman.
at the time that
From this reading But even a gentleman can, when swayed by primal emotions, convince himself that high motives rule, even while performing acts of doubtful honor.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading _In Which Porter Plants an Evil Seed Which Grows and Flourishes; and in Which Ghosts Rise and Confront Mary._ As has been said, Porter Bigelow was not a snob, and he was a gentleman.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading But even a gentleman can, when swayed by primal emotions, convince himself that high motives rule, even while performing acts of doubtful honor.
which person or people
From this reading Mary must be guarded against the tragedy of marriage with a man who was not worthy.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Mary must be guarded against the tragedy of marriage with a man who was not worthy.
Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.
From this reading Mary must be guarded against the tragedy of marriage with a man who was not worthy.
