Chapter XVII · Chapter 17

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

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

later than; following

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading Sometimes his face wore a disturbed expression, almost a frightened one; at other times he smiled and his eyes twinkled like those of a mischievous boy.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading Galusha meandered slowly along the lane, head bent, hands clasped behind him, stumbling over tussocks and stepping with unexpected emphasis into ruts and holes.

using the voice; not silently

From this reading Once he laughed aloud, and, hearing himself, looked guiltily around to see if any one else had heard him.

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

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Once he laughed aloud, and, hearing himself, looked guiltily around to see if any one else had heard him.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading Once he laughed aloud, and, hearing himself, looked guiltily around to see if any one else had heard him.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Sometimes his face wore a disturbed expression, almost a frightened one; at other times he smiled and his eyes twinkled like those of a mischievous boy.

plural of “bang” — a vigorous blow

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

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

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

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

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading Galusha meandered slowly along the lane, head bent, hands clasped behind him, stumbling over tussocks and stepping with unexpected emphasis into ruts and holes.

a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way

From this reading Galusha meandered slowly along the lane, head bent, hands clasped behind him, stumbling over tussocks and stepping with unexpected emphasis into ruts and holes.

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

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

plural of “bluff” — a high steep bank (usually formed by river erosion)

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

a youthful male person

From this reading Sometimes his face wore a disturbed expression, almost a frightened one; at other times he smiled and his eyes twinkled like those of a mischievous boy.

past form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

past form of “clasp” — hold firmly and tightly

From this reading Galusha meandered slowly along the lane, head bent, hands clasped behind him, stumbling over tussocks and stepping with unexpected emphasis into ruts and holes.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

having the place or position changed

From this reading Sometimes his face wore a disturbed expression, almost a frightened one; at other times he smiled and his eyes twinkled like those of a mischievous boy.

the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

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

From this reading Once he laughed aloud, and, hearing himself, looked guiltily around to see if any one else had heard him.

special importance or significance

From this reading Galusha meandered slowly along the lane, head bent, hands clasped behind him, stumbling over tussocks and stepping with unexpected emphasis into ruts and holes.

the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading Sometimes his face wore a disturbed expression, almost a frightened one; at other times he smiled and his eyes twinkled like those of a mischievous boy.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Sometimes his face wore a disturbed expression, almost a frightened one; at other times he smiled and his eyes twinkled like those of a mischievous boy.

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

From this reading Sometimes his face wore a disturbed expression, almost a frightened one; at other times he smiled and his eyes twinkled like those of a mischievous boy.

made afraid

From this reading Sometimes his face wore a disturbed expression, almost a frightened one; at other times he smiled and his eyes twinkled like those of a mischievous boy.

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

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

a man of refinement

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

possessive form of “gould” — United States paleontologist and popularizer of science (1941-2002)

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

past form of “guess” — expect, believe, or suppose

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

an estimate based on little or no information

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

in the manner of someone who has committed an offense

From this reading Once he laughed aloud, and, hearing himself, looked guiltily around to see if any one else had heard him.

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

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading Galusha meandered slowly along the lane, head bent, hands clasped behind him, stumbling over tussocks and stepping with unexpected emphasis into ruts and holes.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

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

From this reading Sometimes his face wore a disturbed expression, almost a frightened one; at other times he smiled and his eyes twinkled like those of a mischievous boy.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Once he laughed aloud, and, hearing himself, looked guiltily around to see if any one else had heard him.

(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 Once he laughed aloud, and, hearing himself, looked guiltily around to see if any one else had heard him.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Once he laughed aloud, and, hearing himself, looked guiltily around to see if any one else had heard him.

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

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

plural of “hole” — an opening into or through something

From this reading Galusha meandered slowly along the lane, head bent, hands clasped behind him, stumbling over tussocks and stepping with unexpected emphasis into ruts and holes.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

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

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Galusha meandered slowly along the lane, head bent, hands clasped behind him, stumbling over tussocks and stepping with unexpected emphasis into ruts and holes.

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

a narrow way or road

From this reading Galusha meandered slowly along the lane, head bent, hands clasped behind him, stumbling over tussocks and stepping with unexpected emphasis into ruts and holes.

possessive form of “latter” — the second of two or the second mentioned of two

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

past form of “laugh” — produce laughter

From this reading Once he laughed aloud, and, hearing himself, looked guiltily around to see if any one else had heard him.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Sometimes his face wore a disturbed expression, almost a frightened one; at other times he smiled and his eyes twinkled like those of a mischievous boy.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Once he laughed aloud, and, hearing himself, looked guiltily around to see if any one else had heard him.

past form of “meander” — to move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course

From this reading Galusha meandered slowly along the lane, head bent, hands clasped behind him, stumbling over tussocks and stepping with unexpected emphasis into ruts and holes.

naughtily or annoyingly playful

From this reading Sometimes his face wore a disturbed expression, almost a frightened one; at other times he smiled and his eyes twinkled like those of a mischievous boy.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Then the frightened expression returned once more.

a form of address for a man

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

on one occasion

From this reading Once he laughed aloud, and, hearing himself, looked guiltily around to see if any one else had heard him.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Sometimes his face wore a disturbed expression, almost a frightened one; at other times he smiled and his eyes twinkled like those of a mischievous boy.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Sometimes his face wore a disturbed expression, almost a frightened one; at other times he smiled and his eyes twinkled like those of a mischievous boy.

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

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

above and across; more than

From this reading Galusha meandered slowly along the lane, head bent, hands clasped behind him, stumbling over tussocks and stepping with unexpected emphasis into ruts and holes.

professing to be qualified

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

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

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

the network in the reticular formation that serves an alerting or arousal function

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading Then the frightened expression returned once more.

plural of “rut” — a groove or furrow (especially one in soft earth caused by wheels)

From this reading Galusha meandered slowly along the lane, head bent, hands clasped behind him, stumbling over tussocks and stepping with unexpected emphasis into ruts and holes.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Once he laughed aloud, and, hearing himself, looked guiltily around to see if any one else had heard him.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading Galusha meandered slowly along the lane, head bent, hands clasped behind him, stumbling over tussocks and stepping with unexpected emphasis into ruts and holes.

past form of “smile” — change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure

From this reading Sometimes his face wore a disturbed expression, almost a frightened one; at other times he smiled and his eyes twinkled like those of a mischievous boy.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading Sometimes his face wore a disturbed expression, almost a frightened one; at other times he smiled and his eyes twinkled like those of a mischievous boy.

inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step

From this reading Galusha meandered slowly along the lane, head bent, hands clasped behind him, stumbling over tussocks and stepping with unexpected emphasis into ruts and holes.

-ing form of “stumble” — walk unsteadily

From this reading Galusha meandered slowly along the lane, head bent, hands clasped behind him, stumbling over tussocks and stepping with unexpected emphasis into ruts and holes.

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

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

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

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then the frightened expression returned once more.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Sometimes his face wore a disturbed expression, almost a frightened one; at other times he smiled and his eyes twinkled like those of a mischievous boy.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading Sometimes his face wore a disturbed expression, almost a frightened one; at other times he smiled and his eyes twinkled like those of a mischievous boy.

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

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

in the direction of

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

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

From this reading Galusha meandered slowly along the lane, head bent, hands clasped behind him, stumbling over tussocks and stepping with unexpected emphasis into ruts and holes.

past form of “twinkle” — gleam or glow intermittently

From this reading Sometimes his face wore a disturbed expression, almost a frightened one; at other times he smiled and his eyes twinkled like those of a mischievous boy.

not expected or anticipated

From this reading Galusha meandered slowly along the lane, head bent, hands clasped behind him, stumbling over tussocks and stepping with unexpected emphasis into ruts and holes.

close enough to be walked to

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

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

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

which person or people

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

in the company of; together with

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.

inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in

From this reading Sometimes his face wore a disturbed expression, almost a frightened one; at other times he smiled and his eyes twinkled like those of a mischievous boy.

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

From this reading If Ras Beebe or Miss Blount or some others of the group of East Wellmouthians who guessed Galusha Bangs to be “a little teched in the head,” had seen that gentleman walking toward home after his interview with Mr. Pulcifer in the latter's office--if they had seen him on his way to Gould's Bluffs that day, they would have ceased guessing and professed certain knowledge.