Chapter IV

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

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.

an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety

From this reading Calm Death,--Thou comest not to such as these,-- Their griefs affright thee,--their sad faces fail to please.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

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

From this reading Creeping cautiously forward she put her eye to the crevice and looked eagerly into the inner room.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Calm Death,--Thou comest not to such as these,-- Their griefs affright thee,--their sad faces fail to please.

exceptionally bad or displeasing

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

The red fluid that circulates in the heart and blood vessels.

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.

having a body or a body of a specified kind; often used in combination

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.

carefully thought out in advance

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.

make calm or still

From this reading Calm Death,--Thou comest not to such as these,-- Their griefs affright thee,--their sad faces fail to please.

as if with kid gloves; with caution or prudence or tact

From this reading Creeping cautiously forward she put her eye to the crevice and looked eagerly into the inner room.

a young person of either sex

From this reading THE SHAME-BORN CHILD.

coldness due to a cold environment

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.

(ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of Chinese descent

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

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

From this reading Calm Death,--Thou comest not to such as these,-- Their griefs affright thee,--their sad faces fail to please.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

a slow mode of locomotion on hands and knees or dragging the body

From this reading Creeping cautiously forward she put her eye to the crevice and looked eagerly into the inner room.

a long narrow depression in a surface

From this reading Creeping cautiously forward she put her eye to the crevice and looked eagerly into the inner room.

-ing form of “crumble” — fall apart

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading Calm Death,--Thou comest not to such as these,-- Their griefs affright thee,--their sad faces fail to please.

exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.

to double the degree

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.

a liquid (as water) that flows in drops (as from the eaves of house)

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.

with eagerness; in an eager manner

From this reading Creeping cautiously forward she put her eye to the crevice and looked eagerly into the inner room.

property of a personal character that is portable but not used in business

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.

(of time) having passed or slipped by

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

daughter of George VI who became the Queen of England and Northern Ireland in 1952 on the death of her father (1926-)

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

time without end

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

the organ of sight

From this reading Creeping cautiously forward she put her eye to the crevice and looked eagerly into the inner room.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading Calm Death,--Thou comest not to such as these,-- Their griefs affright thee,--their sad faces fail to please.

fail to do something; leave something undone

From this reading Calm Death,--Thou comest not to such as these,-- Their griefs affright thee,--their sad faces fail to please.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.

at or to or toward the front

From this reading Creeping cautiously forward she put her eye to the crevice and looked eagerly into the inner room.

excessively agitated; distraught with fear or other violent emotion

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.

plural of “garment” — an article of clothing

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.

past form of “greet” — express greetings upon meeting someone

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

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

From this reading Calm Death,--Thou comest not to such as these,-- Their griefs affright thee,--their sad faces fail to please.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

past form of “hamper” — prevent the progress or free movement of

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

provoking horror

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

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

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

located inward

From this reading Creeping cautiously forward she put her eye to the crevice and looked eagerly into the inner room.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Creeping cautiously forward she put her eye to the crevice and looked eagerly into the inner room.

the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Creeping cautiously forward she put her eye to the crevice and looked eagerly into the inner room.

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

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.

structure built of stone or brick by a mason

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

lasting for a markedly brief time

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.

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

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Calm Death,--Thou comest not to such as these,-- Their griefs affright thee,--their sad faces fail to please.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

give pleasure to or be pleasing to

From this reading Calm Death,--Thou comest not to such as these,-- Their griefs affright thee,--their sad faces fail to please.

thrust or throw into

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.

with considerable certainty; without much doubt

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Creeping cautiously forward she put her eye to the crevice and looked eagerly into the inner room.

being or dressed in clothes that are worn or torn

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

a column of light (as from a beacon)

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading Creeping cautiously forward she put her eye to the crevice and looked eagerly into the inner room.

experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness

From this reading Calm Death,--Thou comest not to such as these,-- Their griefs affright thee,--their sad faces fail to please.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

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

From this reading THE SHAME-BORN CHILD.

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

From this reading Creeping cautiously forward she put her eye to the crevice and looked eagerly into the inner room.

an instance of visual perception

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.

not in physical motion

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Calm Death,--Thou comest not to such as these,-- Their griefs affright thee,--their sad faces fail to please.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

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

From this reading THE SHAME-BORN CHILD.

an old word for “you”, as the object, speaking to one person

From this reading Calm Death,--Thou comest not to such as these,-- Their griefs affright thee,--their sad faces fail to please.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Calm Death,--Thou comest not to such as these,-- Their griefs affright thee,--their sad faces fail to please.

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

From this reading Calm Death,--Thou comest not to such as these,-- Their griefs affright thee,--their sad faces fail to please.

an old word for “you”, as the subject, speaking to one person

From this reading Calm Death,--Thou comest not to such as these,-- Their griefs affright thee,--their sad faces fail to please.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

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

From this reading Calm Death,--Thou comest not to such as these,-- Their griefs affright thee,--their sad faces fail to please.

a shaky motion

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.

an act of aggression (as one against a person who resists)

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

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

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.

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

From this reading Probably the length of time that elapsed (which seemed like an eternity to Elizabeth,) was, in reality, not more than half an hour before a ray of light greeted her eyes, coming through a ragged chink in the crumbling masonry of the heavy walls.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.

past form of “witness” — be a witness to

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading The scene she witnessed was well calculated to chill the blood of an able bodied man, but to a delicate woman, still trembling from the effects of her awful plunge into the river;--hampered by dripping garments and nearly frantic with the fear of momentary violence, the sight was more than doubly horrible.