used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
apronnounUS /ˈeɪprən/
a garment of cloth or leather or plastic that is tied about the waist and worn to protect your clothing
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
installation from which a military force initiates operations
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
blinkverbUS /blɪŋk/
briefly shut the eyes
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
boltnounUS /boʊlt/
a discharge of lightning accompanied by thunder
From this reading A bolt was withdrawn, very softly--the door opened--and Mrs Tresize herself confronted him.
the chest considered as the place where secret thoughts are kept
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
a tight-fitting headdress
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
put or send forth
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
causingnounUS /ˈkɑːzɪŋ/
the act of causing something to happen
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
a series of things depending on each other as if linked together
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
chinknounUS /tʃɪŋk/
(ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of Chinese descent
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
coiledadjectiveUS /kɔɪld/
curled or wound (especially in concentric rings or spirals)
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
confrontedverbUS /kənˈfrʌntəd/
past form of “confront” — oppose, as in hostility or a competition
From this reading A bolt was withdrawn, very softly--the door opened--and Mrs Tresize herself confronted him.
coquettishadjective
like a coquette
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
placed crosswise
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
dancedverbUS /dænst/
past form of “dance” — move in a graceful and rhythmical way
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
a licensed medical practitioner
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading A bolt was withdrawn, very softly--the door opened--and Mrs Tresize herself confronted him.
door-jamb
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
draughtnounUS /dræft/
a serving of drink (usually alcoholic) drawn from a keg
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
put on clothes
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
divisible by two
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
the point or degree to which something extends
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
opinion or judgment
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
deficient in magnitude; barely perceptible; lacking clarity or brightness or loudness etc
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
flamesnounUS /fleɪmz/
plural of “flame” — the process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smoke
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
flickeredverbUS /ˈflɪkərd/
past form of “flicker” — move back and forth very rapidly
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
footstepnounUS /ˈfʊtstep/
the sound of a step of someone walking
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
gig-lamp
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
the act of departing
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
coins made of gold
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading A bolt was withdrawn, very softly--the door opened--and Mrs Tresize herself confronted him.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading A bolt was withdrawn, very softly--the door opened--and Mrs Tresize herself confronted him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
the act of retaining something
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
inquisitiveadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkwɪzɪtɪv/
showing curiosity
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
jet-blackadjective
of the blackest black; similar to the color of jet or coal
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
jewellerynoun
an adornment (as a bracelet or ring or necklace) made of precious metals and set with gems (or imitation gems)
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
and nothing more
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
an artificial source of visible illumination
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
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 The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
locketnounUS /ˈlɑːkɪt/
a small ornamental case; usually contains a picture or a lock of hair and is worn on a necklace
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
massiveadjectiveUS /ˈmæsɪv/
imposing in size or bulk or solidity
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading A bolt was withdrawn, very softly--the door opened--and Mrs Tresize herself confronted him.
neatlyadverbUS /ˈniːtli/
with neatness
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
not any; not one
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading A bolt was withdrawn, very softly--the door opened--and Mrs Tresize herself confronted him.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
the act of passing from one state or place to the next
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
pendantnounUS /ˈpendənt/
an adornment that hangs from a piece of jewelry (necklace or earring)
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
perchedverbUS /pɜːrtʃt/
past form of “perch” — sit, as on a branch
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
preparationsnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
raysnounUS /reɪz/
plural of “ray” — a column of light (as from a beacon)
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
Identical; not different.
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
secondsnounUS /ˈsekəndz/
plural of “second” — 1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
with low volume
From this reading A bolt was withdrawn, very softly--the door opened--and Mrs Tresize herself confronted him.
solidadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːləd/
characterized by good substantial quality
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
(used of eyes) open and fixed as if in fear or wonder
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
not moving or operating freely
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
thresholdnounUS /ˈθreʃoʊld/
the starting point for a new state or experience
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
thriceadverbUS /θraɪs/
three times
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
Tresize
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A bolt was withdrawn, very softly--the door opened--and Mrs Tresize herself confronted him.
tressesnounUS /ˈtresɪz/
plural of “tress” — a hairdo formed by braiding or twisting the hair
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
precisely as stated
From this reading A bolt was withdrawn, very softly--the door opened--and Mrs Tresize herself confronted him.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A bolt was withdrawn, very softly--the door opened--and Mrs Tresize herself confronted him.
wavingnounUS /ˈweɪvɪŋ/
the act of signaling by a movement of the hand
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
widow'snounUS /ˈwɪdoʊz/
possessive form of “widow” — a woman whose husband is dead especially one who has not remarried
From this reading The base of the lamp, as its flames flickered in the draught, cast a waving shadow over the widow's cap perched on her neatly coiled black tresses, and the same shadow danced across her jet-black eyes and left them staring at him, very bright and inquisitive.
in the company of; together with
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
withdrawnadjectiveUS /wɪθˈdrɔːn/
withdrawn from society; seeking solitude
From this reading A bolt was withdrawn, very softly--the door opened--and Mrs Tresize herself confronted him.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading To his surprise, within a few seconds a faint light shone through the chink by the door-jamb, and he heard a footstep coming down the passage.
inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in
From this reading She wore a dress of stiff black silk with a somewhat coquettish apron; and about her neck a solid gold chain, thrice coiled, with a massive locket pendant at her bosom.
but in spite of that
From this reading She stood just within the threshold, holding a lamp high: and its rays, while they fell full on the doctor, causing him to blink, crossed the rays of his gig-lamp which showed him that, late though the hour was, she had as yet made no preparations for going to bed, even to the extent of taking off her jewellery.
