Chapter XVII · Chapter 17

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading "I am very much worried about my share in the matter."

something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

highly excited by eagerness, curiosity, etc.

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading "I am very much worried about my share in the matter."

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

coverings that are used on a bed

From this reading The two had retired for the night, darkness and the bedclothes covering them.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

widely known and esteemed

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

a natural object that covers or envelops

From this reading The two had retired for the night, darkness and the bedclothes covering them.

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading The two had retired for the night, darkness and the bedclothes covering them.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

-ing form of “debate” — argue with one another

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

plural of “demand” — an urgent or peremptory request

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

-ing form of “deplore” — express strong disapproval of

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

having or expressing dignity; especially formality or stateliness in bearing or appearance

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

the act of leaving secretly or without explanation

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

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

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The two had retired for the night, darkness and the bedclothes covering them.

referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

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

From this reading The two had retired for the night, darkness and the bedclothes covering them.

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

From this reading "It is no use, Jane," he lamented to his wife.

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

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

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

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

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

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

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

From this reading "I am very much worried about my share in the matter."

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

From this reading "I am very much worried about my share in the matter."

not open to question; obviously true

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

plural of “inhabitant” — a person who inhabits a particular place

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

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

From this reading "It is no use, Jane," he lamented to his wife.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "It is no use, Jane," he lamented to his wife.

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

From this reading "It is no use, Jane," he lamented to his wife.

mourned or grieved for

From this reading "It is no use, Jane," he lamented to his wife.

relating to or applicable to or concerned with the administration of a city or town or district rather than a larger area

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading "I am very much worried about my share in the matter."

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "I am very much worried about my share in the matter."

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading The two had retired for the night, darkness and the bedclothes covering them.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

not any; not one

From this reading "It is no use, Jane," he lamented to his wife.

widely known and esteemed

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

an amount of time

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

past form of “preach” — deliver a sermon

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

made known or told about; especially presented in a formal account

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

no longer active in your work or profession

From this reading The two had retired for the night, darkness and the bedclothes covering them.

in a serious manner

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

an address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service)

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

have in common

From this reading "I am very much worried about my share in the matter."

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The two had retired for the night, darkness and the bedclothes covering them.

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading Concerning the former, Dr. Horniblow, good man, took himself seriously to task, deploring his past action and debating his present duty.

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

From this reading The two had retired for the night, darkness and the bedclothes covering them.

the act of using

From this reading "It is no use, Jane," he lamented to his wife.

possessive form of “verity” — conformity to reality or actuality

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

precisely as stated

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

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

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading "It is no use, Jane," he lamented to his wife.

the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising

From this reading CONCERNING A SERMON WHICH NEVER WAS PREACHED AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST Before passing on to more dignified matters, that period of nine days demands to be noted during which the inhabitants of Deadham, all very much agog, celebrated the wonder of Miss Bilson's indisputable disappearance and Damaris Verity's reported adventure.

afflicted with or marked by anxious uneasiness or trouble or grief

From this reading "I am very much worried about my share in the matter."