used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
personal knowledge or information about someone or something
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading Whether the death were by a witting or an unwitting act seemed a small matter; darkness and blindness had fallen on the unhappy woman before the last hours, and somehow in the darkness she had passed away.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The outrage on the child stood out horrible in the light of the mother's death: the death of the mother found an appalling explanation in the child's plight.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Whether the death were by a witting or an unwitting act seemed a small matter; darkness and blindness had fallen on the unhappy woman before the last hours, and somehow in the darkness she had passed away.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
appallingnounUS /əˈpɔːlɪŋ/
an experience that appalls
From this reading The outrage on the child stood out horrible in the light of the mother's death: the death of the mother found an appalling explanation in the child's plight.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Whether the death were by a witting or an unwitting act seemed a small matter; darkness and blindness had fallen on the unhappy woman before the last hours, and somehow in the darkness she had passed away.
awedadjectiveUS /ɔːd/
inspired by a feeling of fearful wonderment or reverence
From this reading There was not lacking the last high touch of tragedy; the catastrophe which shocked and awed was welcome too.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Whether the death were by a witting or an unwitting act seemed a small matter; darkness and blindness had fallen on the unhappy woman before the last hours, and somehow in the darkness she had passed away.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading It was the best thing that could have happened.
blindnessnounUS /ˈblaɪndnəs/
the state of being blind or lacking sight
From this reading Whether the death were by a witting or an unwitting act seemed a small matter; darkness and blindness had fallen on the unhappy woman before the last hours, and somehow in the darkness she had passed away.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Whether the death were by a witting or an unwitting act seemed a small matter; darkness and blindness had fallen on the unhappy woman before the last hours, and somehow in the darkness she had passed away.
calamitynounUS /kəˈlæməti/
an event resulting in great loss and misfortune
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
catastrophenounUS /kəˈtæstrəfi/
an event resulting in great loss and misfortune
From this reading There was not lacking the last high touch of tragedy; the catastrophe which shocked and awed was welcome too.
a young person of either sex
From this reading The outrage on the child stood out horrible in the light of the mother's death: the death of the mother found an appalling explanation in the child's plight.
child'snounUS /tʃaɪldz/
possessive form of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading The outrage on the child stood out horrible in the light of the mother's death: the death of the mother found an appalling explanation in the child's plight.
(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading It was the best thing that could have happened.
Courtlands
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading Whether the death were by a witting or an unwitting act seemed a small matter; darkness and blindness had fallen on the unhappy woman before the last hours, and somehow in the darkness she had passed away.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading The outrage on the child stood out horrible in the light of the mother's death: the death of the mother found an appalling explanation in the child's plight.
a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading The outrage on the child stood out horrible in the light of the mother's death: the death of the mother found an appalling explanation in the child's plight.
having dropped by the force of gravity
From this reading Whether the death were by a witting or an unwitting act seemed a small matter; darkness and blindness had fallen on the unhappy woman before the last hours, and somehow in the darkness she had passed away.
set up or found
From this reading The outrage on the child stood out horrible in the light of the mother's death: the death of the mother found an appalling explanation in the child's plight.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading It was the best thing that could have happened.
state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading It was the best thing that could have happened.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading There was not lacking the last high touch of tragedy; the catastrophe which shocked and awed was welcome too.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
provoking horror
From this reading The outrage on the child stood out horrible in the light of the mother's death: the death of the mother found an appalling explanation in the child's plight.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading Whether the death were by a witting or an unwitting act seemed a small matter; darkness and blindness had fallen on the unhappy woman before the last hours, and somehow in the darkness she had passed away.
huddleverbUS /ˈhʌdəl/
crowd or draw together
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
icyadjectiveUS /ˈaɪsi/
devoid of warmth and cordiality; expressive of unfriendliness or disdain
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The outrage on the child stood out horrible in the light of the mother's death: the death of the mother found an appalling explanation in the child's plight.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
lackingadjectiveUS /ˈlækɪŋ/
inadequate in amount or degree
From this reading There was not lacking the last high touch of tragedy; the catastrophe which shocked and awed was welcome too.
immediately past
From this reading Whether the death were by a witting or an unwitting act seemed a small matter; darkness and blindness had fallen on the unhappy woman before the last hours, and somehow in the darkness she had passed away.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading The outrage on the child stood out horrible in the light of the mother's death: the death of the mother found an appalling explanation in the child's plight.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Whether the death were by a witting or an unwitting act seemed a small matter; darkness and blindness had fallen on the unhappy woman before the last hours, and somehow in the darkness she had passed away.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading The outrage on the child stood out horrible in the light of the mother's death: the death of the mother found an appalling explanation in the child's plight.
mother'snounUS /ˈmʌðərz/
possessive form of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading The outrage on the child stood out horrible in the light of the mother's death: the death of the mother found an appalling explanation in the child's plight.
nipverbUS /nɪp/
squeeze tightly between the fingers
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading There was not lacking the last high touch of tragedy; the catastrophe which shocked and awed was welcome too.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The outrage on the child stood out horrible in the light of the mother's death: the death of the mother found an appalling explanation in the child's plight.
outragenounUS /ˈaʊtreɪdʒ/
a feeling of righteous anger
From this reading The outrage on the child stood out horrible in the light of the mother's death: the death of the mother found an appalling explanation in the child's plight.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading Whether the death were by a witting or an unwitting act seemed a small matter; darkness and blindness had fallen on the unhappy woman before the last hours, and somehow in the darkness she had passed away.
plightnounUS /plaɪt/
a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one
From this reading The outrage on the child stood out horrible in the light of the mother's death: the death of the mother found an appalling explanation in the child's plight.
protectingadjectiveUS /prəˈtektɪŋ/
shielding (or designed to shield) against harm or discomfort
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Whether the death were by a witting or an unwitting act seemed a small matter; darkness and blindness had fallen on the unhappy woman before the last hours, and somehow in the darkness she had passed away.
the act of causing something to go (especially messages)
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Whether the death were by a witting or an unwitting act seemed a small matter; darkness and blindness had fallen on the unhappy woman before the last hours, and somehow in the darkness she had passed away.
shockedadjectiveUS /ʃɑːkt/
struck with fear, dread, or consternation
From this reading There was not lacking the last high touch of tragedy; the catastrophe which shocked and awed was welcome too.
shudderverbUS /ˈʃʌdər/
shake, as from cold
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Whether the death were by a witting or an unwitting act seemed a small matter; darkness and blindness had fallen on the unhappy woman before the last hours, and somehow in the darkness she had passed away.
in some unspecified way or manner; or by some unspecified means
From this reading Whether the death were by a witting or an unwitting act seemed a small matter; darkness and blindness had fallen on the unhappy woman before the last hours, and somehow in the darkness she had passed away.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading The outrage on the child stood out horrible in the light of the mother's death: the death of the mother found an appalling explanation in the child's plight.
(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There was not lacking the last high touch of tragedy; the catastrophe which shocked and awed was welcome too.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
a special situation
From this reading It was the best thing that could have happened.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading There was not lacking the last high touch of tragedy; the catastrophe which shocked and awed was welcome too.
make physical contact with, come in contact with
From this reading There was not lacking the last high touch of tragedy; the catastrophe which shocked and awed was welcome too.
an event resulting in great loss and misfortune
From this reading There was not lacking the last high touch of tragedy; the catastrophe which shocked and awed was welcome too.
experiencing or marked by or causing sadness or sorrow or discontent
From this reading Whether the death were by a witting or an unwitting act seemed a small matter; darkness and blindness had fallen on the unhappy woman before the last hours, and somehow in the darkness she had passed away.
unwittingadjectiveUS /ənˈwɪtɪŋ/
not done with purpose or intent
From this reading Whether the death were by a witting or an unwitting act seemed a small matter; darkness and blindness had fallen on the unhappy woman before the last hours, and somehow in the darkness she had passed away.
vesturenoun
something that covers or cloaks like a garment
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There was not lacking the last high touch of tragedy; the catastrophe which shocked and awed was welcome too.
accept gladly
From this reading There was not lacking the last high touch of tragedy; the catastrophe which shocked and awed was welcome too.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading Whether the death were by a witting or an unwitting act seemed a small matter; darkness and blindness had fallen on the unhappy woman before the last hours, and somehow in the darkness she had passed away.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading There was not lacking the last high touch of tragedy; the catastrophe which shocked and awed was welcome too.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading FRIENDS The calamity at the Courtlands' struck on all their acquaintance like a nip of icy wind, sending a shudder through them, making them, as it were, huddle closer about them the protecting vesture of any hope or any happiness that they had.
wittingadjectiveUS /ˈwɪtɪŋ/
aware or knowing
From this reading Whether the death were by a witting or an unwitting act seemed a small matter; darkness and blindness had fallen on the unhappy woman before the last hours, and somehow in the darkness she had passed away.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading Whether the death were by a witting or an unwitting act seemed a small matter; darkness and blindness had fallen on the unhappy woman before the last hours, and somehow in the darkness she had passed away.
