Chapter XIV

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

From this reading The morbidly silent Monroe went about his duties with the serenity of a cat out on a dark night.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The morbidly silent Monroe went about his duties with the serenity of a cat out on a dark night.

conforming exactly or almost exactly to fact or to a standard or performing with total accuracy

From this reading He was a very precise man, very accurate, very painstaking.

perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

later than; following

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

plural of “aisle” — a long narrow passage (as in a cave or woods)

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

(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 His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

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

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

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

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

formal attendance (in court or at a hearing) of a party in an action

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

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

From this reading The immobility of his starched face left no impression on the beholder of it as to whether he could be successfully punctured with the light of pleasantry.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

plural of “balance” — a state of equilibrium

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading The immobility of his starched face left no impression on the beholder of it as to whether he could be successfully punctured with the light of pleasantry.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

a person who becomes aware (of things or events) through the senses

From this reading The immobility of his starched face left no impression on the beholder of it as to whether he could be successfully punctured with the light of pleasantry.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading JOHN WINTHROPE IS SURROUNDED BY PERPLEXITIES.

put or send forth

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats

From this reading The morbidly silent Monroe went about his duties with the serenity of a cat out on a dark night.

of or relating to clerks

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading The immobility of his starched face left no impression on the beholder of it as to whether he could be successfully punctured with the light of pleasantry.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading The morbidly silent Monroe went about his duties with the serenity of a cat out on a dark night.

a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

plural of “desk” — a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading The morbidly silent Monroe went about his duties with the serenity of a cat out on a dark night.

surpassing what is common or usual or expected

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading The immobility of his starched face left no impression on the beholder of it as to whether he could be successfully punctured with the light of pleasantry.

of or relating to cats

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

alluring beauty or charm (often with sex-appeal)

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

past form of “glide” — move smoothly and effortlessly

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The immobility of his starched face left no impression on the beholder of it as to whether he could be successfully punctured with the light of pleasantry.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading The morbidly silent Monroe went about his duties with the serenity of a cat out on a dark night.

remaining in place

From this reading The immobility of his starched face left no impression on the beholder of it as to whether he could be successfully punctured with the light of pleasantry.

a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading The immobility of his starched face left no impression on the beholder of it as to whether he could be successfully punctured with the light of pleasantry.

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

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

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

From this reading JOHN WINTHROPE IS SURROUNDED BY PERPLEXITIES.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The immobility of his starched face left no impression on the beholder of it as to whether he could be successfully punctured with the light of pleasantry.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading JOHN WINTHROPE IS SURROUNDED BY PERPLEXITIES.

the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading The immobility of his starched face left no impression on the beholder of it as to whether he could be successfully punctured with the light of pleasantry.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading The immobility of his starched face left no impression on the beholder of it as to whether he could be successfully punctured with the light of pleasantry.

engage in

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

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

From this reading He was a very precise man, very accurate, very painstaking.

United States film actress noted for sex appeal (1926-1962)

From this reading The morbidly silent Monroe went about his duties with the serenity of a cat out on a dark night.

in a morbid manner or to a morbid degree

From this reading The morbidly silent Monroe went about his duties with the serenity of a cat out on a dark night.

plural of “movement” — a change of position that does not entail a change of location

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading The morbidly silent Monroe went about his duties with the serenity of a cat out on a dark night.

not any; not one

From this reading The immobility of his starched face left no impression on the beholder of it as to whether he could be successfully punctured with the light of pleasantry.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

plural of “notation” — a technical system of symbols used to represent special things

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The morbidly silent Monroe went about his duties with the serenity of a cat out on a dark night.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The morbidly silent Monroe went about his duties with the serenity of a cat out on a dark night.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The morbidly silent Monroe went about his duties with the serenity of a cat out on a dark night.

above and across; more than

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

characterized by extreme care and great effort

From this reading He was a very precise man, very accurate, very painstaking.

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

From this reading JOHN WINTHROPE IS SURROUNDED BY PERPLEXITIES.

reading carefully with intent to remember

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

an agreeable or amusing remark

From this reading The immobility of his starched face left no impression on the beholder of it as to whether he could be successfully punctured with the light of pleasantry.

sharply exact or accurate or delimited

From this reading He was a very precise man, very accurate, very painstaking.

confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

having a hole cut through

From this reading The immobility of his starched face left no impression on the beholder of it as to whether he could be successfully punctured with the light of pleasantry.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

plural of “report” — a written document describing the findings of some individual or group

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

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

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

the process of translating photographs into a digital form that can be recognized by a computer

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

The state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled by external storms.

From this reading The morbidly silent Monroe went about his duties with the serenity of a cat out on a dark night.

any broad thin expanse or surface

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

marked by absence of sound

From this reading The morbidly silent Monroe went about his duties with the serenity of a cat out on a dark night.

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

(biology) tiny fibers that are seen in cell division; the fibers radiate from two poles and meet at the equator in the middle

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

the season of growth

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

plural of “stand” — a support or foundation

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

past form of “starch” — stiffen with starch

From this reading The immobility of his starched face left no impression on the beholder of it as to whether he could be successfully punctured with the light of pleasantry.

with success; in a successful manner

From this reading The immobility of his starched face left no impression on the beholder of it as to whether he could be successfully punctured with the light of pleasantry.

confined on all sides

From this reading JOHN WINTHROPE IS SURROUNDED BY PERPLEXITIES.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

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

From this reading The morbidly silent Monroe went about his duties with the serenity of a cat out on a dark night.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

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

From this reading The immobility of his starched face left no impression on the beholder of it as to whether he could be successfully punctured with the light of pleasantry.

suggesting the operation of supernatural influences

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

precisely as stated

From this reading He was a very precise man, very accurate, very painstaking.

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

From this reading He was a very precise man, very accurate, very painstaking.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading The morbidly silent Monroe went about his duties with the serenity of a cat out on a dark night.

at the time that

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading The immobility of his starched face left no impression on the beholder of it as to whether he could be successfully punctured with the light of pleasantry.

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

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.

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

From this reading JOHN WINTHROPE IS SURROUNDED BY PERPLEXITIES.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The morbidly silent Monroe went about his duties with the serenity of a cat out on a dark night.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading His feline movements from office to office among the clerical force cast an uncanny glamour over them all; and when not in the act of always appearing to be ready to make a spring upon them, as he glided whisperingly through the aisles of desks and high stands, he would be sitting at his own desk, in a corner of his private room, scanning sheet after sheet of reports and balances, and running over leaf after leaf of notations that had been left on his spindle for his especial perusal.