used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
the quality of having a superior or more favorable position
From this reading “To take advantage of--” “Hic-cup!”
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading THE PRINTER’S DEVIL As I was sitting in my armchair and preparing an essay on the Devil in literature, sleep overpowered me; the pen fell from my hands, and my head reclined upon the desk.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading “Your present disgusting and ungentlemanly situation.”
armchairnounUS /ˈɑːrmtʃer/
chair with a support on each side for arms
From this reading THE PRINTER’S DEVIL As I was sitting in my armchair and preparing an essay on the Devil in literature, sleep overpowered me; the pen fell from my hands, and my head reclined upon the desk.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading THE PRINTER’S DEVIL As I was sitting in my armchair and preparing an essay on the Devil in literature, sleep overpowered me; the pen fell from my hands, and my head reclined upon the desk.
ascertainedadjectiveUS /ˌæsərˈteɪnd/
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
in addition to; as well as
From this reading “Besides, very unhandsome in me--” “Sir!”
a glass or plastic vessel used for storing drinks or other liquids; typically cylindrical without handles and with a narrow neck that can be plugged or capped
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
of a stringed instrument; sounded by stroking with a bow
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
ceilingnounUS /ˈsiːlɪŋ/
the overhead upper surface of a covered space
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
a series of things depending on each other as if linked together
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
dependedverbUS /dɪˈpendəd/
past form of “depend” — be contingent upon (something that is elided)
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments
From this reading THE PRINTER’S DEVIL As I was sitting in my armchair and preparing an essay on the Devil in literature, sleep overpowered me; the pen fell from my hands, and my head reclined upon the desk.
(Judeo-Christian and Islamic religions) chief spirit of evil and adversary of God; tempter of mankind; master of Hell
From this reading THE PRINTER’S DEVIL As I was sitting in my armchair and preparing an essay on the Devil in literature, sleep overpowered me; the pen fell from my hands, and my head reclined upon the desk.
dischargeverbUS /dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒ/
complete or carry out
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
disgustingadjectiveUS /dɪsˈɡʌstɪŋ/
highly offensive; arousing aversion or disgust
From this reading “Your present disgusting and ungentlemanly situation.”
downfallnounUS /ˈdaʊnfɔːl/
failure that results in a loss of position or reputation
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
essaynounUS /eˈseɪ/
an analytic or interpretive literary composition
From this reading THE PRINTER’S DEVIL As I was sitting in my armchair and preparing an essay on the Devil in literature, sleep overpowered me; the pen fell from my hands, and my head reclined upon the desk.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading THE PRINTER’S DEVIL As I was sitting in my armchair and preparing an essay on the Devil in literature, sleep overpowered me; the pen fell from my hands, and my head reclined upon the desk.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading THE PRINTER’S DEVIL As I was sitting in my armchair and preparing an essay on the Devil in literature, sleep overpowered me; the pen fell from my hands, and my head reclined upon the desk.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading THE PRINTER’S DEVIL As I was sitting in my armchair and preparing an essay on the Devil in literature, sleep overpowered me; the pen fell from my hands, and my head reclined upon the desk.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
Hic-cup
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “To take advantage of--” “Hic-cup!”
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading THE PRINTER’S DEVIL As I was sitting in my armchair and preparing an essay on the Devil in literature, sleep overpowered me; the pen fell from my hands, and my head reclined upon the desk.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “Besides, very unhandsome in me--” “Sir!”
an artificial source of visible illumination
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
creative writing of recognized artistic value
From this reading THE PRINTER’S DEVIL As I was sitting in my armchair and preparing an essay on the Devil in literature, sleep overpowered me; the pen fell from my hands, and my head reclined upon the desk.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “Besides, very unhandsome in me--” “Sir!”
metaphysician
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading THE PRINTER’S DEVIL As I was sitting in my armchair and preparing an essay on the Devil in literature, sleep overpowered me; the pen fell from my hands, and my head reclined upon the desk.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading “To take advantage of--” “Hic-cup!”
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE PRINTER’S DEVIL As I was sitting in my armchair and preparing an essay on the Devil in literature, sleep overpowered me; the pen fell from my hands, and my head reclined upon the desk.
overpoweredverbUS /ˌoʊvərˈpaʊərd/
past form of “overpower” — overcome by superior force
From this reading THE PRINTER’S DEVIL As I was sitting in my armchair and preparing an essay on the Devil in literature, sleep overpowered me; the pen fell from my hands, and my head reclined upon the desk.
a writing implement with a point from which ink flows
From this reading THE PRINTER’S DEVIL As I was sitting in my armchair and preparing an essay on the Devil in literature, sleep overpowered me; the pen fell from my hands, and my head reclined upon the desk.
preciselyadverbUS /prɪˈsaɪsli/
indicating exactness or preciseness
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
preparingverbUS /priˈperɪŋ/
-ing form of “prepare” — make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc
From this reading THE PRINTER’S DEVIL As I was sitting in my armchair and preparing an essay on the Devil in literature, sleep overpowered me; the pen fell from my hands, and my head reclined upon the desk.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading “Your present disgusting and ungentlemanly situation.”
PRINTER'SnounUS /ˈprɪntərz/
possessive form of “printer” — someone whose occupation is printing
From this reading THE PRINTER’S DEVIL As I was sitting in my armchair and preparing an essay on the Devil in literature, sleep overpowered me; the pen fell from my hands, and my head reclined upon the desk.
prostrated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
reclinedverbUS /rɪˈklaɪnd/
past form of “recline” — move the upper body backwards and down
From this reading THE PRINTER’S DEVIL As I was sitting in my armchair and preparing an essay on the Devil in literature, sleep overpowered me; the pen fell from my hands, and my head reclined upon the desk.
severedadjectiveUS /ˈsevərd/
detached by cutting
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
term of address for a man
From this reading “Besides, very unhandsome in me--” “Sir!”
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading THE PRINTER’S DEVIL As I was sitting in my armchair and preparing an essay on the Devil in literature, sleep overpowered me; the pen fell from my hands, and my head reclined upon the desk.
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading “Your present disgusting and ungentlemanly situation.”
a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading THE PRINTER’S DEVIL As I was sitting in my armchair and preparing an essay on the Devil in literature, sleep overpowered me; the pen fell from my hands, and my head reclined upon the desk.
being of delicate or slender build
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
carry out
From this reading “To take advantage of--” “Hic-cup!”
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading “To take advantage of--” “Hic-cup!”
ungentlemanlyadjective
not befitting a gentleman
From this reading “Your present disgusting and ungentlemanly situation.”
unhandsome
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Besides, very unhandsome in me--” “Sir!”
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading THE PRINTER’S DEVIL As I was sitting in my armchair and preparing an essay on the Devil in literature, sleep overpowered me; the pen fell from my hands, and my head reclined upon the desk.
precisely as stated
From this reading “Besides, very unhandsome in me--” “Sir!”
villainnounUS /ˈvɪlən/
a wicked or evil person; someone who does evil deliberately
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
someone who visits
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
well-concerted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
withdrewverbUS /wɪθˈdruː/
inflected form of “withdraw” — pull back or move away or backward
From this reading Here the visitor bowed and withdrew--in what manner could not precisely be ascertained--but in a well-concerted effort to discharge a bottle at “the villain,” the slender chain was severed that depended from the ceiling, and the metaphysician prostrated by the downfall of the lamp.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Your present disgusting and ungentlemanly situation.”
