Chapter XVIII · An Octogenarian Interviewed

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

From this reading She resided in a quiet, old-fashioned street, and her family consisted of one servant, her cat, dog, canary and parrot.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading His object was to visit an old lady who resided there, and who knew all about the Maplesons for the last three generations, for he believed she would be able to throw some light on Annie Dale’s history.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading His object was to visit an old lady who resided there, and who knew all about the Maplesons for the last three generations, for he believed she would be able to throw some light on Annie Dale’s history.

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

From this reading “Aha!” she exclaimed, looking at his card as Everet followed the servant into the room, “you must be the son of William Mapleson; he married Estelle Everet, and I see they have combined the two names: quite a good idea, young man, and not a badly sounding title, either.

(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 object was to visit an old lady who resided there, and who knew all about the Maplesons for the last three generations, for he believed she would be able to throw some light on Annie Dale’s history.

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

From this reading His object was to visit an old lady who resided there, and who knew all about the Maplesons for the last three generations, for he believed she would be able to throw some light on Annie Dale’s history.

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

From this reading The following morning, bright and early, Everet Mapleson was en route to Richmond.

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

From this reading His object was to visit an old lady who resided there, and who knew all about the Maplesons for the last three generations, for he believed she would be able to throw some light on Annie Dale’s history.

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

From this reading Everet found her in her dining-room, surrounded by her pets, and looking as contented and benignant as if she had been in the midst of as many children.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading “Aha!” she exclaimed, looking at his card as Everet followed the servant into the room, “you must be the son of William Mapleson; he married Estelle Everet, and I see they have combined the two names: quite a good idea, young man, and not a badly sounding title, either.

to a severe or serious degree

From this reading “Aha!” she exclaimed, looking at his card as Everet followed the servant into the room, “you must be the son of William Mapleson; he married Estelle Everet, and I see they have combined the two names: quite a good idea, young man, and not a badly sounding title, either.

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

From this reading His object was to visit an old lady who resided there, and who knew all about the Maplesons for the last three generations, for he believed she would be able to throw some light on Annie Dale’s history.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Everet found her in her dining-room, surrounded by her pets, and looking as contented and benignant as if she had been in the midst of as many children.

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading His object was to visit an old lady who resided there, and who knew all about the Maplesons for the last three generations, for he believed she would be able to throw some light on Annie Dale’s history.

pleasant and beneficial in nature or influence

From this reading Everet found her in her dining-room, surrounded by her pets, and looking as contented and benignant as if she had been in the midst of as many children.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading The following morning, bright and early, Everet Mapleson was en route to Richmond.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Everet found her in her dining-room, surrounded by her pets, and looking as contented and benignant as if she had been in the midst of as many children.

someone acting as an informer or decoy for the police

From this reading She resided in a quiet, old-fashioned street, and her family consisted of one servant, her cat, dog, canary and parrot.

one of a set of small pieces of stiff paper marked in various ways and used for playing games or for telling fortunes

From this reading “Aha!” she exclaimed, looking at his card as Everet followed the servant into the room, “you must be the son of William Mapleson; he married Estelle Everet, and I see they have combined the two names: quite a good idea, young man, and not a badly sounding title, either.

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

From this reading She resided in a quiet, old-fashioned street, and her family consisted of one servant, her cat, dog, canary and parrot.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading Everet found her in her dining-room, surrounded by her pets, and looking as contented and benignant as if she had been in the midst of as many children.

made or joined or united into one

From this reading “Aha!” she exclaimed, looking at his card as Everet followed the servant into the room, “you must be the son of William Mapleson; he married Estelle Everet, and I see they have combined the two names: quite a good idea, young man, and not a badly sounding title, either.

past form of “consist” — originate

From this reading She resided in a quiet, old-fashioned street, and her family consisted of one servant, her cat, dog, canary and parrot.

satisfied or showing satisfaction with things as they are

From this reading Everet found her in her dining-room, surrounded by her pets, and looking as contented and benignant as if she had been in the midst of as many children.

possessive form of “dale” — an open river valley (in a hilly area)

From this reading His object was to visit an old lady who resided there, and who knew all about the Maplesons for the last three generations, for he believed she would be able to throw some light on Annie Dale’s history.

a room used for dining

From this reading Everet found her in her dining-room, surrounded by her pets, and looking as contented and benignant as if she had been in the midst of as many children.

a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds

From this reading She resided in a quiet, old-fashioned street, and her family consisted of one servant, her cat, dog, canary and parrot.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading The following morning, bright and early, Everet Mapleson was en route to Richmond.

one or the other of two

From this reading “Aha!” she exclaimed, looking at his card as Everet followed the servant into the room, “you must be the son of William Mapleson; he married Estelle Everet, and I see they have combined the two names: quite a good idea, young man, and not a badly sounding title, either.

half the width of an em

From this reading The following morning, bright and early, Everet Mapleson was en route to Richmond.

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

From this reading “Aha!” she exclaimed, looking at his card as Everet followed the servant into the room, “you must be the son of William Mapleson; he married Estelle Everet, and I see they have combined the two names: quite a good idea, young man, and not a badly sounding title, either.

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

From this reading The following morning, bright and early, Everet Mapleson was en route to Richmond.

past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy

From this reading “Aha!” she exclaimed, looking at his card as Everet followed the servant into the room, “you must be the son of William Mapleson; he married Estelle Everet, and I see they have combined the two names: quite a good idea, young man, and not a badly sounding title, either.

a social unit living together

From this reading She resided in a quiet, old-fashioned street, and her family consisted of one servant, her cat, dog, canary and parrot.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading “Aha!” she exclaimed, looking at his card as Everet followed the servant into the room, “you must be the son of William Mapleson; he married Estelle Everet, and I see they have combined the two names: quite a good idea, young man, and not a badly sounding title, either.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading The following morning, bright and early, Everet Mapleson was en route to Richmond.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading His object was to visit an old lady who resided there, and who knew all about the Maplesons for the last three generations, for he believed she would be able to throw some light on Annie Dale’s history.

set up or found

From this reading Everet found her in her dining-room, surrounded by her pets, and looking as contented and benignant as if she had been in the midst of as many children.

plural of “generation” — all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age

From this reading His object was to visit an old lady who resided there, and who knew all about the Maplesons for the last three generations, for he believed she would be able to throw some light on Annie Dale’s history.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading “Aha!” she exclaimed, looking at his card as Everet followed the servant into the room, “you must be the son of William Mapleson; he married Estelle Everet, and I see they have combined the two names: quite a good idea, young man, and not a badly sounding title, either.

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

From this reading Everet found her in her dining-room, surrounded by her pets, and looking as contented and benignant as if she had been in the midst of as many children.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “Aha!” she exclaimed, looking at his card as Everet followed the servant into the room, “you must be the son of William Mapleson; he married Estelle Everet, and I see they have combined the two names: quite a good idea, young man, and not a badly sounding title, either.

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

From this reading His object was to visit an old lady who resided there, and who knew all about the Maplesons for the last three generations, for he believed she would be able to throw some light on Annie Dale’s history.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading She resided in a quiet, old-fashioned street, and her family consisted of one servant, her cat, dog, canary and parrot.

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

From this reading His object was to visit an old lady who resided there, and who knew all about the Maplesons for the last three generations, for he believed she would be able to throw some light on Annie Dale’s history.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading His object was to visit an old lady who resided there, and who knew all about the Maplesons for the last three generations, for he believed she would be able to throw some light on Annie Dale’s history.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading “Aha!” she exclaimed, looking at his card as Everet followed the servant into the room, “you must be the son of William Mapleson; he married Estelle Everet, and I see they have combined the two names: quite a good idea, young man, and not a badly sounding title, either.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading “Aha!” she exclaimed, looking at his card as Everet followed the servant into the room, “you must be the son of William Mapleson; he married Estelle Everet, and I see they have combined the two names: quite a good idea, young man, and not a badly sounding title, either.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Everet found her in her dining-room, surrounded by her pets, and looking as contented and benignant as if she had been in the midst of as many children.

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

From this reading She resided in a quiet, old-fashioned street, and her family consisted of one servant, her cat, dog, canary and parrot.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading “Aha!” she exclaimed, looking at his card as Everet followed the servant into the room, “you must be the son of William Mapleson; he married Estelle Everet, and I see they have combined the two names: quite a good idea, young man, and not a badly sounding title, either.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading His object was to visit an old lady who resided there, and who knew all about the Maplesons for the last three generations, for he believed she would be able to throw some light on Annie Dale’s history.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading His object was to visit an old lady who resided there, and who knew all about the Maplesons for the last three generations, for he believed she would be able to throw some light on Annie Dale’s history.

immediately past

From this reading His object was to visit an old lady who resided there, and who knew all about the Maplesons for the last three generations, for he believed she would be able to throw some light on Annie Dale’s history.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading His object was to visit an old lady who resided there, and who knew all about the Maplesons for the last three generations, for he believed she would be able to throw some light on Annie Dale’s history.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading Everet found her in her dining-room, surrounded by her pets, and looking as contented and benignant as if she had been in the midst of as many children.

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

From this reading “Aha!” she exclaimed, looking at his card as Everet followed the servant into the room, “you must be the son of William Mapleson; he married Estelle Everet, and I see they have combined the two names: quite a good idea, young man, and not a badly sounding title, either.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Everet found her in her dining-room, surrounded by her pets, and looking as contented and benignant as if she had been in the midst of as many children.

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

From this reading The following morning, bright and early, Everet Mapleson was en route to Richmond.

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

From this reading His object was to visit an old lady who resided there, and who knew all about the Maplesons for the last three generations, for he believed she would be able to throw some light on Annie Dale’s history.

joined in matrimony

From this reading “Aha!” she exclaimed, looking at his card as Everet followed the servant into the room, “you must be the son of William Mapleson; he married Estelle Everet, and I see they have combined the two names: quite a good idea, young man, and not a badly sounding title, either.

the location of something surrounded by other things

From this reading Everet found her in her dining-room, surrounded by her pets, and looking as contented and benignant as if she had been in the midst of as many children.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading The following morning, bright and early, Everet Mapleson was en route to Richmond.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading “Aha!” she exclaimed, looking at his card as Everet followed the servant into the room, “you must be the son of William Mapleson; he married Estelle Everet, and I see they have combined the two names: quite a good idea, young man, and not a badly sounding title, either.

verbal abuse; a crude substitute for argument

From this reading “Aha!” she exclaimed, looking at his card as Everet followed the servant into the room, “you must be the son of William Mapleson; he married Estelle Everet, and I see they have combined the two names: quite a good idea, young man, and not a badly sounding title, either.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading “Aha!” she exclaimed, looking at his card as Everet followed the servant into the room, “you must be the son of William Mapleson; he married Estelle Everet, and I see they have combined the two names: quite a good idea, young man, and not a badly sounding title, either.

a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading His object was to visit an old lady who resided there, and who knew all about the Maplesons for the last three generations, for he believed she would be able to throw some light on Annie Dale’s history.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading She resided in a quiet, old-fashioned street, and her family consisted of one servant, her cat, dog, canary and parrot.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading His object was to visit an old lady who resided there, and who knew all about the Maplesons for the last three generations, for he believed she would be able to throw some light on Annie Dale’s history.

out of fashion

From this reading She resided in a quiet, old-fashioned street, and her family consisted of one servant, her cat, dog, canary and parrot.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading His object was to visit an old lady who resided there, and who knew all about the Maplesons for the last three generations, for he believed she would be able to throw some light on Annie Dale’s history.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading She resided in a quiet, old-fashioned street, and her family consisted of one servant, her cat, dog, canary and parrot.

usually brightly colored zygodactyl tropical birds with short hooked beaks and the ability to mimic sounds

From this reading She resided in a quiet, old-fashioned street, and her family consisted of one servant, her cat, dog, canary and parrot.

plural of “pet” — a domesticated animal kept for companionship or amusement

From this reading Everet found her in her dining-room, surrounded by her pets, and looking as contented and benignant as if she had been in the midst of as many children.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading She resided in a quiet, old-fashioned street, and her family consisted of one servant, her cat, dog, canary and parrot.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading “Aha!” she exclaimed, looking at his card as Everet followed the servant into the room, “you must be the son of William Mapleson; he married Estelle Everet, and I see they have combined the two names: quite a good idea, young man, and not a badly sounding title, either.

past form of “reside” — make one's home in a particular place or community

From this reading His object was to visit an old lady who resided there, and who knew all about the Maplesons for the last three generations, for he believed she would be able to throw some light on Annie Dale’s history.

capital of the state of Virginia located in the east central part of the state; was capital of the Confederacy during the American Civil War

From this reading The following morning, bright and early, Everet Mapleson was en route to Richmond.

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

From this reading “Aha!” she exclaimed, looking at his card as Everet followed the servant into the room, “you must be the son of William Mapleson; he married Estelle Everet, and I see they have combined the two names: quite a good idea, young man, and not a badly sounding title, either.

an established line of travel or access

From this reading The following morning, bright and early, Everet Mapleson was en route to Richmond.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading “Aha!” she exclaimed, looking at his card as Everet followed the servant into the room, “you must be the son of William Mapleson; he married Estelle Everet, and I see they have combined the two names: quite a good idea, young man, and not a badly sounding title, either.

a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading She resided in a quiet, old-fashioned street, and her family consisted of one servant, her cat, dog, canary and parrot.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading His object was to visit an old lady who resided there, and who knew all about the Maplesons for the last three generations, for he believed she would be able to throw some light on Annie Dale’s history.

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

From this reading His object was to visit an old lady who resided there, and who knew all about the Maplesons for the last three generations, for he believed she would be able to throw some light on Annie Dale’s history.

a male human offspring

From this reading “Aha!” she exclaimed, looking at his card as Everet followed the servant into the room, “you must be the son of William Mapleson; he married Estelle Everet, and I see they have combined the two names: quite a good idea, young man, and not a badly sounding title, either.

appearing to be as specified; usually used as combining forms

From this reading “Aha!” she exclaimed, looking at his card as Everet followed the servant into the room, “you must be the son of William Mapleson; he married Estelle Everet, and I see they have combined the two names: quite a good idea, young man, and not a badly sounding title, either.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading She resided in a quiet, old-fashioned street, and her family consisted of one servant, her cat, dog, canary and parrot.

confined on all sides

From this reading Everet found her in her dining-room, surrounded by her pets, and looking as contented and benignant as if she had been in the midst of as many children.

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

From this reading The following morning, bright and early, Everet Mapleson was en route to Richmond.

in or at that place or location

From this reading His object was to visit an old lady who resided there, and who knew all about the Maplesons for the last three generations, for he believed she would be able to throw some light on Annie Dale’s history.

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

From this reading “Aha!” she exclaimed, looking at his card as Everet followed the servant into the room, “you must be the son of William Mapleson; he married Estelle Everet, and I see they have combined the two names: quite a good idea, young man, and not a badly sounding title, either.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading His object was to visit an old lady who resided there, and who knew all about the Maplesons for the last three generations, for he believed she would be able to throw some light on Annie Dale’s history.

propel through the air

From this reading His object was to visit an old lady who resided there, and who knew all about the Maplesons for the last three generations, for he believed she would be able to throw some light on Annie Dale’s history.

a heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with

From this reading “Aha!” she exclaimed, looking at his card as Everet followed the servant into the room, “you must be the son of William Mapleson; he married Estelle Everet, and I see they have combined the two names: quite a good idea, young man, and not a badly sounding title, either.

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

From this reading The following morning, bright and early, Everet Mapleson was en route to Richmond.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading “Aha!” she exclaimed, looking at his card as Everet followed the servant into the room, “you must be the son of William Mapleson; he married Estelle Everet, and I see they have combined the two names: quite a good idea, young man, and not a badly sounding title, either.

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading His object was to visit an old lady who resided there, and who knew all about the Maplesons for the last three generations, for he believed she would be able to throw some light on Annie Dale’s history.

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

From this reading The following morning, bright and early, Everet Mapleson was en route to Richmond.

which person or people

From this reading His object was to visit an old lady who resided there, and who knew all about the Maplesons for the last three generations, for he believed she would be able to throw some light on Annie Dale’s history.

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

From this reading “Aha!” she exclaimed, looking at his card as Everet followed the servant into the room, “you must be the son of William Mapleson; he married Estelle Everet, and I see they have combined the two names: quite a good idea, young man, and not a badly sounding title, either.

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

From this reading His object was to visit an old lady who resided there, and who knew all about the Maplesons for the last three generations, for he believed she would be able to throw some light on Annie Dale’s history.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “Aha!” she exclaimed, looking at his card as Everet followed the servant into the room, “you must be the son of William Mapleson; he married Estelle Everet, and I see they have combined the two names: quite a good idea, young man, and not a badly sounding title, either.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading “Aha!” she exclaimed, looking at his card as Everet followed the servant into the room, “you must be the son of William Mapleson; he married Estelle Everet, and I see they have combined the two names: quite a good idea, young man, and not a badly sounding title, either.