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Dombey and Son
Dombey and Son

Chapter XVII · Chapter 17

Chapter 17 of Dombey and Son is here in full — 476 sentences across 96 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/95 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.
The Captain’s eyes must have done severe duty, if he usually opened them as wide on awaking as he did that morning; and were but roughly rewarded for their vigilance, if he generally rubbed them half as hard.
But the occasion was no common one, for Rob the Grinder had certainly never stood in the doorway of Captain Cuttle’s room before, and in it he stood then, panting at the Captain, with a flushed and touzled air of Bed about him, that greatly heightened both his colour and expression.
Holloa!” roared the Captain.
What’s the matter?”
0:00 / 0:00
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Dombey and Son

Chapter XVII · Chapter 17

Chapter 17 of Dombey and Son is here in full — 476 sentences across 96 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/95 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.
Line 2
The Captain’s eyes must have done severe duty, if he usually opened them as wide on awaking as he did that morning; and were but roughly rewarded for their vigilance, if he generally rubbed them half as hard.
Line 3
But the occasion was no common one, for Rob the Grinder had certainly never stood in the doorway of Captain Cuttle’s room before, and in it he stood then, panting at the Captain, with a flushed and touzled air of Bed about him, that greatly heightened both his colour and expression.
Line 4
Holloa!” roared the Captain.
Line 5
What’s the matter?”

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

Stood verb US /stʊd/

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading “But the occasion was no common one, for Rob the Grinder had certainly never stood in the doorway of Captain Cuttle’s room before, and in it he stood then, panting at the Captain, with a flushed and touzled air of Bed about him, that greatly heightened both his colour and expression.”

All words in this reading · 107

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

a

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

about

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

From this reading But the occasion was no common one, for Rob the Grinder had certainly never stood in the doorway of Captain Cuttle’s room before, and in it he stood then, panting at the Captain, with a flushed and touzled air of Bed about him, that greatly heightened both his colour and expression.

after

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

air

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

From this reading But the occasion was no common one, for Rob the Grinder had certainly never stood in the doorway of Captain Cuttle’s room before, and in it he stood then, panting at the Captain, with a flushed and touzled air of Bed about him, that greatly heightened both his colour and expression.

and

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

as

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

at

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

From this reading But the occasion was no common one, for Rob the Grinder had certainly never stood in the doorway of Captain Cuttle’s room before, and in it he stood then, panting at the Captain, with a flushed and touzled air of Bed about him, that greatly heightened both his colour and expression.

awaking

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

From this reading The Captain’s eyes must have done severe duty, if he usually opened them as wide on awaking as he did that morning; and were but roughly rewarded for their vigilance, if he generally rubbed them half as hard.

bed

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

before

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

From this reading But the occasion was no common one, for Rob the Grinder had certainly never stood in the doorway of Captain Cuttle’s room before, and in it he stood then, panting at the Captain, with a flushed and touzled air of Bed about him, that greatly heightened both his colour and expression.

below

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

both

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

From this reading But the occasion was no common one, for Rob the Grinder had certainly never stood in the doorway of Captain Cuttle’s room before, and in it he stood then, panting at the Captain, with a flushed and touzled air of Bed about him, that greatly heightened both his colour and expression.

but

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

Captain

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

Captain's

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

From this reading The Captain’s eyes must have done severe duty, if he usually opened them as wide on awaking as he did that morning; and were but roughly rewarded for their vigilance, if he generally rubbed them half as hard.

certainly

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

From this reading But the occasion was no common one, for Rob the Grinder had certainly never stood in the doorway of Captain Cuttle’s room before, and in it he stood then, panting at the Captain, with a flushed and touzled air of Bed about him, that greatly heightened both his colour and expression.

chamber

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

clocks

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

colour

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

From this reading But the occasion was no common one, for Rob the Grinder had certainly never stood in the doorway of Captain Cuttle’s room before, and in it he stood then, panting at the Captain, with a flushed and touzled air of Bed about him, that greatly heightened both his colour and expression.

common

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

From this reading But the occasion was no common one, for Rob the Grinder had certainly never stood in the doorway of Captain Cuttle’s room before, and in it he stood then, panting at the Captain, with a flushed and touzled air of Bed about him, that greatly heightened both his colour and expression.

counter

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

Cuttle

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

Cuttle's

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

From this reading But the occasion was no common one, for Rob the Grinder had certainly never stood in the doorway of Captain Cuttle’s room before, and in it he stood then, panting at the Captain, with a flushed and touzled air of Bed about him, that greatly heightened both his colour and expression.

did

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

done

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

From this reading The Captain’s eyes must have done severe duty, if he usually opened them as wide on awaking as he did that morning; and were but roughly rewarded for their vigilance, if he generally rubbed them half as hard.

doorway

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

From this reading But the occasion was no common one, for Rob the Grinder had certainly never stood in the doorway of Captain Cuttle’s room before, and in it he stood then, panting at the Captain, with a flushed and touzled air of Bed about him, that greatly heightened both his colour and expression.

duty

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

From this reading The Captain’s eyes must have done severe duty, if he usually opened them as wide on awaking as he did that morning; and were but roughly rewarded for their vigilance, if he generally rubbed them half as hard.

early

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

elbow

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

expression

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

From this reading But the occasion was no common one, for Rob the Grinder had certainly never stood in the doorway of Captain Cuttle’s room before, and in it he stood then, panting at the Captain, with a flushed and touzled air of Bed about him, that greatly heightened both his colour and expression.

eyes

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

From this reading The Captain’s eyes must have done severe duty, if he usually opened them as wide on awaking as he did that morning; and were but roughly rewarded for their vigilance, if he generally rubbed them half as hard.

flushed

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

From this reading But the occasion was no common one, for Rob the Grinder had certainly never stood in the doorway of Captain Cuttle’s room before, and in it he stood then, panting at the Captain, with a flushed and touzled air of Bed about him, that greatly heightened both his colour and expression.

for

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

From this reading The Captain’s eyes must have done severe duty, if he usually opened them as wide on awaking as he did that morning; and were but roughly rewarded for their vigilance, if he generally rubbed them half as hard.

generally

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

From this reading The Captain’s eyes must have done severe duty, if he usually opened them as wide on awaking as he did that morning; and were but roughly rewarded for their vigilance, if he generally rubbed them half as hard.

Gills

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

greatly

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

From this reading But the occasion was no common one, for Rob the Grinder had certainly never stood in the doorway of Captain Cuttle’s room before, and in it he stood then, panting at the Captain, with a flushed and touzled air of Bed about him, that greatly heightened both his colour and expression.

Grinder

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

had

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

half

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

From this reading The Captain’s eyes must have done severe duty, if he usually opened them as wide on awaking as he did that morning; and were but roughly rewarded for their vigilance, if he generally rubbed them half as hard.

hard

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

From this reading The Captain’s eyes must have done severe duty, if he usually opened them as wide on awaking as he did that morning; and were but roughly rewarded for their vigilance, if he generally rubbed them half as hard.

have

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

From this reading The Captain’s eyes must have done severe duty, if he usually opened them as wide on awaking as he did that morning; and were but roughly rewarded for their vigilance, if he generally rubbed them half as hard.

he

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

heightened

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

From this reading But the occasion was no common one, for Rob the Grinder had certainly never stood in the doorway of Captain Cuttle’s room before, and in it he stood then, panting at the Captain, with a flushed and touzled air of Bed about him, that greatly heightened both his colour and expression.

him

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

From this reading But the occasion was no common one, for Rob the Grinder had certainly never stood in the doorway of Captain Cuttle’s room before, and in it he stood then, panting at the Captain, with a flushed and touzled air of Bed about him, that greatly heightened both his colour and expression.

himself

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

his

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

Holloa

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

From this reading “Holloa!” roared the Captain.

if

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

From this reading The Captain’s eyes must have done severe duty, if he usually opened them as wide on awaking as he did that morning; and were but roughly rewarded for their vigilance, if he generally rubbed them half as hard.

in

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

it

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

little

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

making

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

matter

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

From this reading “What’s the matter?”

Midshipman

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

morning

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

must

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

From this reading The Captain’s eyes must have done severe duty, if he usually opened them as wide on awaking as he did that morning; and were but roughly rewarded for their vigilance, if he generally rubbed them half as hard.

never

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

From this reading But the occasion was no common one, for Rob the Grinder had certainly never stood in the doorway of Captain Cuttle’s room before, and in it he stood then, panting at the Captain, with a flushed and touzled air of Bed about him, that greatly heightened both his colour and expression.

News

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

no

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

not

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

occasion

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

From this reading But the occasion was no common one, for Rob the Grinder had certainly never stood in the doorway of Captain Cuttle’s room before, and in it he stood then, panting at the Captain, with a flushed and touzled air of Bed about him, that greatly heightened both his colour and expression.

of

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

on

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

one

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

From this reading But the occasion was no common one, for Rob the Grinder had certainly never stood in the doorway of Captain Cuttle’s room before, and in it he stood then, panting at the Captain, with a flushed and touzled air of Bed about him, that greatly heightened both his colour and expression.

opened

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

From this reading The Captain’s eyes must have done severe duty, if he usually opened them as wide on awaking as he did that morning; and were but roughly rewarded for their vigilance, if he generally rubbed them half as hard.

out

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

panting

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

From this reading But the occasion was no common one, for Rob the Grinder had certainly never stood in the doorway of Captain Cuttle’s room before, and in it he stood then, panting at the Captain, with a flushed and touzled air of Bed about him, that greatly heightened both his colour and expression.

parlour

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

raised

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

rewarded

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

From this reading The Captain’s eyes must have done severe duty, if he usually opened them as wide on awaking as he did that morning; and were but roughly rewarded for their vigilance, if he generally rubbed them half as hard.

roared

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

From this reading “Holloa!” roared the Captain.

Rob

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

room

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

From this reading But the occasion was no common one, for Rob the Grinder had certainly never stood in the doorway of Captain Cuttle’s room before, and in it he stood then, panting at the Captain, with a flushed and touzled air of Bed about him, that greatly heightened both his colour and expression.

roughly

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

From this reading The Captain’s eyes must have done severe duty, if he usually opened them as wide on awaking as he did that morning; and were but roughly rewarded for their vigilance, if he generally rubbed them half as hard.

rubbed

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

From this reading The Captain’s eyes must have done severe duty, if he usually opened them as wide on awaking as he did that morning; and were but roughly rewarded for their vigilance, if he generally rubbed them half as hard.

seen

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

severe

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

From this reading The Captain’s eyes must have done severe duty, if he usually opened them as wide on awaking as he did that morning; and were but roughly rewarded for their vigilance, if he generally rubbed them half as hard.

shop-window

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

six

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

sluggard

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

so

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

Sol

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

stoodverbUS /stʊd/

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading But the occasion was no common one, for Rob the Grinder had certainly never stood in the doorway of Captain Cuttle’s room before, and in it he stood then, panting at the Captain, with a flushed and touzled air of Bed about him, that greatly heightened both his colour and expression.

Strange

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

struck

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

survey

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

that

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

the

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

their

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

From this reading The Captain’s eyes must have done severe duty, if he usually opened them as wide on awaking as he did that morning; and were but roughly rewarded for their vigilance, if he generally rubbed them half as hard.

them

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

From this reading The Captain’s eyes must have done severe duty, if he usually opened them as wide on awaking as he did that morning; and were but roughly rewarded for their vigilance, if he generally rubbed them half as hard.

then

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

From this reading But the occasion was no common one, for Rob the Grinder had certainly never stood in the doorway of Captain Cuttle’s room before, and in it he stood then, panting at the Captain, with a flushed and touzled air of Bed about him, that greatly heightened both his colour and expression.

though

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

through

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

took

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

touzled

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

From this reading But the occasion was no common one, for Rob the Grinder had certainly never stood in the doorway of Captain Cuttle’s room before, and in it he stood then, panting at the Captain, with a flushed and touzled air of Bed about him, that greatly heightened both his colour and expression.

turn

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

Uncle

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

up

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

upon

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

usually

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

From this reading The Captain’s eyes must have done severe duty, if he usually opened them as wide on awaking as he did that morning; and were but roughly rewarded for their vigilance, if he generally rubbed them half as hard.

vigilance

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

From this reading The Captain’s eyes must have done severe duty, if he usually opened them as wide on awaking as he did that morning; and were but roughly rewarded for their vigilance, if he generally rubbed them half as hard.

was

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

From this reading But the occasion was no common one, for Rob the Grinder had certainly never stood in the doorway of Captain Cuttle’s room before, and in it he stood then, panting at the Captain, with a flushed and touzled air of Bed about him, that greatly heightened both his colour and expression.

were

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

From this reading The Captain’s eyes must have done severe duty, if he usually opened them as wide on awaking as he did that morning; and were but roughly rewarded for their vigilance, if he generally rubbed them half as hard.

What's

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

From this reading “What’s the matter?”

wide

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

From this reading The Captain’s eyes must have done severe duty, if he usually opened them as wide on awaking as he did that morning; and were but roughly rewarded for their vigilance, if he generally rubbed them half as hard.

with

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

writing

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

From this reading Strange News of Uncle Sol Captain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber.

Chapter 17 of Dombey and Son by Charles Dickens holds 476 sentences, grouped into 96 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 17 of Dombey and Son contain?

Chapter 17 holds 476 sentences of Dombey and Son, unabridged, divided into 96 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 17 of Dombey and Son by Charles Dickens exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 476 sentences, grouped into 96 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 17 of Dombey and Son?

Work through the 96 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 96 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 17 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 17 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Dombey and Son

Common questions about reading Dombey and Son by Charles Dickens on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Dombey and Son?

Yes. All 16397 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #821 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Dombey and Son is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #821, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Dombey and Son take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 3280 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Dombey and Son section by section

How to work through Dombey and Son section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 39 chapters of Dombey and Son to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Dombey and Son

Words and structures a reader meets early in Dombey and Son, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Chapter
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Dombey and Son; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Timely
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Dombey and Son; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Provision
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Dombey and Son; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Emergency
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Dombey and Son; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.