used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
AboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After carefully reconnoitering the premises, to see that no one was stirring within, one of them cautiously proceeded to cut out a pane of glass in one of the basement windows, while the other kept watch upon the sidewalk.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading A few minutes later a third man coming along the street, saw the sudden glimmer of a light in one of the lower rooms of the mansion.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
aristocraticadjectiveUS /ərˌɪstəˈkrætɪk/
belonging to or characteristic of the nobility or aristocracy
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
basementnounUS /ˈbeɪsmənt/
the lowermost portion of a structure partly or wholly below ground level; often used for storage
From this reading After carefully reconnoitering the premises, to see that no one was stirring within, one of them cautiously proceeded to cut out a pane of glass in one of the basement windows, while the other kept watch upon the sidewalk.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
the two together, not just one
From this reading Then making a little noise like the twittering of a sparrow, he was immediately joined by his companion, and both disappeared within the house.
burglarnounUS /ˈbɝː.ɡlɚ/
A person who commits illegal entry into a building with intent to steal valuable treasures.
From this reading The glass was removed without the slightest noise, whereupon the burglar unfastened the window and lifted the sash.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Then making a little noise like the twittering of a sparrow, he was immediately joined by his companion, and both disappeared within the house.
taking care or paying attention
From this reading After carefully reconnoitering the premises, to see that no one was stirring within, one of them cautiously proceeded to cut out a pane of glass in one of the basement windows, while the other kept watch upon the sidewalk.
cautiouslyadverbUS /ˈkɔːʃəsli/
as if with kid gloves; with caution or prudence or tact
From this reading After carefully reconnoitering the premises, to see that no one was stirring within, one of them cautiously proceeded to cut out a pane of glass in one of the basement windows, while the other kept watch upon the sidewalk.
a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading A few minutes later a third man coming along the street, saw the sudden glimmer of a light in one of the lower rooms of the mansion.
a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading Then making a little noise like the twittering of a sparrow, he was immediately joined by his companion, and both disappeared within the house.
separate with or as if with an instrument
From this reading After carefully reconnoitering the premises, to see that no one was stirring within, one of them cautiously proceeded to cut out a pane of glass in one of the basement windows, while the other kept watch upon the sidewalk.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
past form of “disappear” — get lost, as without warning or explanation
From this reading Then making a little noise like the twittering of a sparrow, he was immediately joined by his companion, and both disappeared within the house.
plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading A few minutes later a third man coming along the street, saw the sudden glimmer of a light in one of the lower rooms of the mansion.
a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure
From this reading After carefully reconnoitering the premises, to see that no one was stirring within, one of them cautiously proceeded to cut out a pane of glass in one of the basement windows, while the other kept watch upon the sidewalk.
glimmernounUS /ˈɡlɪmər/
a flash of light (especially reflected light)
From this reading A few minutes later a third man coming along the street, saw the sudden glimmer of a light in one of the lower rooms of the mansion.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Then making a little noise like the twittering of a sparrow, he was immediately joined by his companion, and both disappeared within the house.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Then making a little noise like the twittering of a sparrow, he was immediately joined by his companion, and both disappeared within the house.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Then making a little noise like the twittering of a sparrow, he was immediately joined by his companion, and both disappeared within the house.
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading Then making a little noise like the twittering of a sparrow, he was immediately joined by his companion, and both disappeared within the house.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
of or relating to two people who are married to each other
From this reading Then making a little noise like the twittering of a sparrow, he was immediately joined by his companion, and both disappeared within the house.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading After carefully reconnoitering the premises, to see that no one was stirring within, one of them cautiously proceeded to cut out a pane of glass in one of the basement windows, while the other kept watch upon the sidewalk.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading A few minutes later a third man coming along the street, saw the sudden glimmer of a light in one of the lower rooms of the mansion.
held up in the air
From this reading The glass was removed without the slightest noise, whereupon the burglar unfastened the window and lifted the sash.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading A few minutes later a third man coming along the street, saw the sudden glimmer of a light in one of the lower rooms of the mansion.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Then making a little noise like the twittering of a sparrow, he was immediately joined by his companion, and both disappeared within the house.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Then making a little noise like the twittering of a sparrow, he was immediately joined by his companion, and both disappeared within the house.
move something or somebody to a lower position
From this reading A few minutes later a third man coming along the street, saw the sudden glimmer of a light in one of the lower rooms of the mansion.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading Then making a little noise like the twittering of a sparrow, he was immediately joined by his companion, and both disappeared within the house.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading A few minutes later a third man coming along the street, saw the sudden glimmer of a light in one of the lower rooms of the mansion.
mansionnounUS /ˈmænʃən/
(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
the force of workers available
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading A few minutes later a third man coming along the street, saw the sudden glimmer of a light in one of the lower rooms of the mansion.
plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
not any; not one
From this reading After carefully reconnoitering the premises, to see that no one was stirring within, one of them cautiously proceeded to cut out a pane of glass in one of the basement windows, while the other kept watch upon the sidewalk.
sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)
From this reading The glass was removed without the slightest noise, whereupon the burglar unfastened the window and lifted the sash.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading After carefully reconnoitering the premises, to see that no one was stirring within, one of them cautiously proceeded to cut out a pane of glass in one of the basement windows, while the other kept watch upon the sidewalk.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading After carefully reconnoitering the premises, to see that no one was stirring within, one of them cautiously proceeded to cut out a pane of glass in one of the basement windows, while the other kept watch upon the sidewalk.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading After carefully reconnoitering the premises, to see that no one was stirring within, one of them cautiously proceeded to cut out a pane of glass in one of the basement windows, while the other kept watch upon the sidewalk.
panenounUS /peɪn/
sheet glass cut in shapes for windows or doors
From this reading After carefully reconnoitering the premises, to see that no one was stirring within, one of them cautiously proceeded to cut out a pane of glass in one of the basement windows, while the other kept watch upon the sidewalk.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
precedingadjectiveUS /priˈsiːdɪŋ/
existing or coming before
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
premisesnounUS /ˈpreməsəz/
land and the buildings on it
From this reading After carefully reconnoitering the premises, to see that no one was stirring within, one of them cautiously proceeded to cut out a pane of glass in one of the basement windows, while the other kept watch upon the sidewalk.
just preceding something else in time or order
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
past form of “proceed” — continue talking
From this reading After carefully reconnoitering the premises, to see that no one was stirring within, one of them cautiously proceeded to cut out a pane of glass in one of the basement windows, while the other kept watch upon the sidewalk.
prowlingverbUS /ˈpraʊlɪŋ/
-ing form of “prowl” — move about in or as if in a predatory manner
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
reconnoiteringnoun
exploring in order to gain information
From this reading After carefully reconnoitering the premises, to see that no one was stirring within, one of them cautiously proceeded to cut out a pane of glass in one of the basement windows, while the other kept watch upon the sidewalk.
being connected either logically or causally or by shared characteristics
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
separated in relationship by a given degree of descent
From this reading The glass was removed without the slightest noise, whereupon the burglar unfastened the window and lifted the sash.
apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)
From this reading A few minutes later a third man coming along the street, saw the sudden glimmer of a light in one of the lower rooms of the mansion.
sashnounUS /sæʃ/
a framework that holds the panes of a window in the window frame
From this reading The glass was removed without the slightest noise, whereupon the burglar unfastened the window and lifted the sash.
cut with a saw
From this reading A few minutes later a third man coming along the street, saw the sudden glimmer of a light in one of the lower rooms of the mansion.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading After carefully reconnoitering the premises, to see that no one was stirring within, one of them cautiously proceeded to cut out a pane of glass in one of the basement windows, while the other kept watch upon the sidewalk.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
sidewalknounUS /ˈsaɪdwɔːk/
walk consisting of a paved area for pedestrians; usually beside a street or roadway
From this reading After carefully reconnoitering the premises, to see that no one was stirring within, one of them cautiously proceeded to cut out a pane of glass in one of the basement windows, while the other kept watch upon the sidewalk.
superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some
From this reading The glass was removed without the slightest noise, whereupon the burglar unfastened the window and lifted the sash.
sparrownounUS /ˈsperoʊ/
any of several small dull-colored singing birds feeding on seeds or insects
From this reading Then making a little noise like the twittering of a sparrow, he was immediately joined by his companion, and both disappeared within the house.
statelyadjectiveUS /ˈsteɪtli/
impressive in appearance
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
stirringnounUS /ˈstɜːrɪŋ/
agitating a liquid with an implement
From this reading After carefully reconnoitering the premises, to see that no one was stirring within, one of them cautiously proceeded to cut out a pane of glass in one of the basement windows, while the other kept watch upon the sidewalk.
stormyadjectiveUS /ˈstɔːrmi/
(especially of weather) affected or characterized by storms or commotion
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading A few minutes later a third man coming along the street, saw the sudden glimmer of a light in one of the lower rooms of the mansion.
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading A few minutes later a third man coming along the street, saw the sudden glimmer of a light in one of the lower rooms of the mansion.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading After carefully reconnoitering the premises, to see that no one was stirring within, one of them cautiously proceeded to cut out a pane of glass in one of the basement windows, while the other kept watch upon the sidewalk.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading After carefully reconnoitering the premises, to see that no one was stirring within, one of them cautiously proceeded to cut out a pane of glass in one of the basement windows, while the other kept watch upon the sidewalk.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Then making a little noise like the twittering of a sparrow, he was immediately joined by his companion, and both disappeared within the house.
one of three equal parts of a divisible whole
From this reading A few minutes later a third man coming along the street, saw the sudden glimmer of a light in one of the lower rooms of the mansion.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
twittering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then making a little noise like the twittering of a sparrow, he was immediately joined by his companion, and both disappeared within the house.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
unfastenedadjective
not closed or secured
From this reading The glass was removed without the slightest noise, whereupon the burglar unfastened the window and lifted the sash.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading After carefully reconnoitering the premises, to see that no one was stirring within, one of them cautiously proceeded to cut out a pane of glass in one of the basement windows, while the other kept watch upon the sidewalk.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading After carefully reconnoitering the premises, to see that no one was stirring within, one of them cautiously proceeded to cut out a pane of glass in one of the basement windows, while the other kept watch upon the sidewalk.
look attentively
From this reading After carefully reconnoitering the premises, to see that no one was stirring within, one of them cautiously proceeded to cut out a pane of glass in one of the basement windows, while the other kept watch upon the sidewalk.
whereupon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The glass was removed without the slightest noise, whereupon the burglar unfastened the window and lifted the sash.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading After carefully reconnoitering the premises, to see that no one was stirring within, one of them cautiously proceeded to cut out a pane of glass in one of the basement windows, while the other kept watch upon the sidewalk.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading The glass was removed without the slightest noise, whereupon the burglar unfastened the window and lifted the sash.
(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface
From this reading After carefully reconnoitering the premises, to see that no one was stirring within, one of them cautiously proceeded to cut out a pane of glass in one of the basement windows, while the other kept watch upon the sidewalk.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading After carefully reconnoitering the premises, to see that no one was stirring within, one of them cautiously proceeded to cut out a pane of glass in one of the basement windows, while the other kept watch upon the sidewalk.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading The glass was removed without the slightest noise, whereupon the burglar unfastened the window and lifted the sash.
the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose
From this reading About three months previous to the events related in the preceding chapter, on a dark and stormy night, two men might have been seen prowling around a stately mansion in an aristocratic portion of the city of New York.
