used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A BREACH This quick retort on the part of Frank Allen threw the hearing into dismay for a few moments.
accusednounUS /əˈkjuːzd/
a defendant in a criminal proceeding
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
AllennounUS /ˈælən/
United States comedienne remembered as the confused but imperturbable partner of her husband, George Burns (1906-1964)
From this reading A BREACH This quick retort on the part of Frank Allen threw the hearing into dismay for a few moments.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
according with custom or propriety
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
put or pin the blame on
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
BREACHverbUS /briːtʃ/
act in disregard of laws, rules, contracts, or promises
From this reading A BREACH This quick retort on the part of Frank Allen threw the hearing into dismay for a few moments.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading Instead he fidgeted in his chair, and looked at the chief, who was nonplussed.
a person who is in charge
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
convenientadjectiveUS /kənˈviːnjənt/
suited to your comfort or purpose or needs
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
CunninghamnounUS /ˈkʌnɪŋhæm/
United States dancer and choreographer (born in 1922)
From this reading Cunningham did not reply.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Cunningham did not reply.
dismaynounUS /dɪˈsmeɪ/
the feeling of despair in the face of obstacles
From this reading A BREACH This quick retort on the part of Frank Allen threw the hearing into dismay for a few moments.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules
From this reading “That is a fair question,” he said slowly.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading A BREACH This quick retort on the part of Frank Allen threw the hearing into dismay for a few moments.
fidgeted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Instead he fidgeted in his chair, and looked at the chief, who was nonplussed.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A BREACH This quick retort on the part of Frank Allen threw the hearing into dismay for a few moments.
characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion
From this reading A BREACH This quick retort on the part of Frank Allen threw the hearing into dismay for a few moments.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence
From this reading A BREACH This quick retort on the part of Frank Allen threw the hearing into dismay for a few moments.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Instead he fidgeted in his chair, and looked at the chief, who was nonplussed.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Instead he fidgeted in his chair, and looked at the chief, who was nonplussed.
influencedverbUS /ˈɪnfluːənst/
past form of “influence” — have and exert influence or effect
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
in place of, or as an alternative to
From this reading Instead he fidgeted in his chair, and looked at the chief, who was nonplussed.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading A BREACH This quick retort on the part of Frank Allen threw the hearing into dismay for a few moments.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “That is a fair question,” he said slowly.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Instead he fidgeted in his chair, and looked at the chief, who was nonplussed.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
plural of “moment” — a particular point in time
From this reading A BREACH This quick retort on the part of Frank Allen threw the hearing into dismay for a few moments.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
used to form the superlative
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
nonplussedadjectiveUS /nɑːnˈplʌst/
filled with bewilderment
From this reading Instead he fidgeted in his chair, and looked at the chief, who was nonplussed.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
inflected form of “occur” — come to pass
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A BREACH This quick retort on the part of Frank Allen threw the hearing into dismay for a few moments.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A BREACH This quick retort on the part of Frank Allen threw the hearing into dismay for a few moments.
openlyadverbUS /ˈoʊpənli/
in an open way
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
ParsonsnounUS /ˈpɑːrsənz/
United States sociologist (1902-1979)
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading A BREACH This quick retort on the part of Frank Allen threw the hearing into dismay for a few moments.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
the force of policemen and officers
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
policemannounUS /pəˈliːsmən/
a member of a police force
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
accomplished rapidly and without delay
From this reading A BREACH This quick retort on the part of Frank Allen threw the hearing into dismay for a few moments.
a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
From this reading Cunningham did not reply.
retortnounUS /ˈriːtɔːrt/
a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one)
From this reading A BREACH This quick retort on the part of Frank Allen threw the hearing into dismay for a few moments.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “That is a fair question,” he said slowly.
plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading “That is a fair question,” he said slowly.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading “That is a fair question,” he said slowly.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A BREACH This quick retort on the part of Frank Allen threw the hearing into dismay for a few moments.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading A BREACH This quick retort on the part of Frank Allen threw the hearing into dismay for a few moments.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air
From this reading A BREACH This quick retort on the part of Frank Allen threw the hearing into dismay for a few moments.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
which person or people
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
disposed or inclined toward
From this reading The question had not occurred to the chief of police, who, it was now becoming more evident, was willing to place the blame on the most convenient shoulders, and, Frank thought to himself, he may have been influenced by the policeman who had so openly accused him of knowledge of the crime at the Parsons place two nights before.
