Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading In the comfortable living-room at Negget's farm, half parlour and half kitchen, three people sat at tea in the waning light of a November afternoon.

later than; following

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading In the comfortable living-room at Negget's farm, half parlour and half kitchen, three people sat at tea in the waning light of a November afternoon.

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

From this reading In the comfortable living-room at Negget's farm, half parlour and half kitchen, three people sat at tea in the waning light of a November afternoon.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading In the comfortable living-room at Negget's farm, half parlour and half kitchen, three people sat at tea in the waning light of a November afternoon.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading "Under our bed," Mr. Negget reminded him.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

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

From this reading "I forget where I was," said Mr. Martin Bodfish, shortly.

quick and energetic

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

-ing form of “check” — examine so as to determine accuracy, quality, or condition

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

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

From this reading In the comfortable living-room at Negget's farm, half parlour and half kitchen, three people sat at tea in the waning light of a November afternoon.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

persuaded of; very sure

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

with eagerness; in an eager manner

From this reading "Yes, watching," said Mrs. Negget, eagerly.

be a farmer; work as a farmer

From this reading In the comfortable living-room at Negget's farm, half parlour and half kitchen, three people sat at tea in the waning light of a November afternoon.

superlative of “fine” — being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

dismiss from the mind; stop remembering

From this reading "I forget where I was," said Mr. Martin Bodfish, shortly.

do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

-ing form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

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

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading In the comfortable living-room at Negget's farm, half parlour and half kitchen, three people sat at tea in the waning light of a November afternoon.

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

From this reading "Under our bed," Mr. Negget reminded him.

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

From this reading "I forget where I was," said Mr. Martin Bodfish, shortly.

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

From this reading In the comfortable living-room at Negget's farm, half parlour and half kitchen, three people sat at tea in the waning light of a November afternoon.

plural of “interruption” — an act of delaying or interrupting the continuity

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

plural of “interval” — a definite length of time marked off by two instants

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

a room equipped for preparing meals

From this reading In the comfortable living-room at Negget's farm, half parlour and half kitchen, three people sat at tea in the waning light of a November afternoon.

past form of “languish” — lose vigor, health, or flesh, as through grief

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading In the comfortable living-room at Negget's farm, half parlour and half kitchen, three people sat at tea in the waning light of a November afternoon.

the act of hearing attentively

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

a room in a private house or establishment where people can sit and talk and relax

From this reading In the comfortable living-room at Negget's farm, half parlour and half kitchen, three people sat at tea in the waning light of a November afternoon.

French bishop who is a patron saint of France (died in 397)

From this reading "I forget where I was," said Mr. Martin Bodfish, shortly.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

a form of address for a man

From this reading "I forget where I was," said Mr. Martin Bodfish, shortly.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

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

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

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

From this reading In the comfortable living-room at Negget's farm, half parlour and half kitchen, three people sat at tea in the waning light of a November afternoon.

the month following October and preceding December

From this reading In the comfortable living-room at Negget's farm, half parlour and half kitchen, three people sat at tea in the waning light of a November afternoon.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In the comfortable living-room at Negget's farm, half parlour and half kitchen, three people sat at tea in the waning light of a November afternoon.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading "Under our bed," Mr. Negget reminded him.

owed as a debt

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

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

From this reading In the comfortable living-room at Negget's farm, half parlour and half kitchen, three people sat at tea in the waning light of a November afternoon.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading In the comfortable living-room at Negget's farm, half parlour and half kitchen, three people sat at tea in the waning light of a November afternoon.

plural of “period” — an amount of time

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

past form of “remind” — put in the mind of someone

From this reading "Under our bed," Mr. Negget reminded him.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading In the comfortable living-room at Negget's farm, half parlour and half kitchen, three people sat at tea in the waning light of a November afternoon.

a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

for a short time

From this reading "I forget where I was," said Mr. Martin Bodfish, shortly.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

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

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

so remarkably different or sudden as to cause momentary shock or alarm

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

plural of “suggestion” — an idea that is suggested

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water

From this reading In the comfortable living-room at Negget's farm, half parlour and half kitchen, three people sat at tea in the waning light of a November afternoon.

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

From this reading In the comfortable living-room at Negget's farm, half parlour and half kitchen, three people sat at tea in the waning light of a November afternoon.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading In the comfortable living-room at Negget's farm, half parlour and half kitchen, three people sat at tea in the waning light of a November afternoon.

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

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

in the direction of

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading "Under our bed," Mr. Negget reminded him.

a gradual decrease in magnitude or extent

From this reading In the comfortable living-room at Negget's farm, half parlour and half kitchen, three people sat at tea in the waning light of a November afternoon.

a message informing of danger

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

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

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading "Yes, watching," said Mrs. Negget, eagerly.

in or at the place that

From this reading "I forget where I was," said Mr. Martin Bodfish, shortly.

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

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Conversation, which had been brisk, had languished somewhat, owing to Mrs. Negget glancing at frequent intervals toward the door, behind which she was convinced the servant was listening, and checking the finest periods and the most startling suggestions with a warning _'ssh!_ "Go on, uncle," she said, after one of these interruptions.

an affirmative

From this reading "Yes, watching," said Mrs. Negget, eagerly.