Chapter IX · Chapter 9

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

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

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

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

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

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

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

From this reading She looked at him with her wide-open eyes, as if she had been struck, but did not care to own the blow.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading She looked at him with her wide-open eyes, as if she had been struck, but did not care to own the blow.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading She looked at him with her wide-open eyes, as if she had been struck, but did not care to own the blow.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading He had worked himself into a blindness of rage, in which he could see nothing before him but the possibility of moving her, of breaking down and destroying her calm front.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading "And I wonder how much you owe your being here to my being a prodigal clutching at any respite?

the state of being blind or lacking sight

From this reading He had worked himself into a blindness of rage, in which he could see nothing before him but the possibility of moving her, of breaking down and destroying her calm front.

exhale hard

From this reading She looked at him with her wide-open eyes, as if she had been struck, but did not care to own the blow.

the act of breaking something

From this reading He had worked himself into a blindness of rage, in which he could see nothing before him but the possibility of moving her, of breaking down and destroying her calm front.

the trait of extreme cruelty

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading She looked at him with her wide-open eyes, as if she had been struck, but did not care to own the blow.

make calm or still

From this reading He had worked himself into a blindness of rage, in which he could see nothing before him but the possibility of moving her, of breaking down and destroying her calm front.

the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something

From this reading She looked at him with her wide-open eyes, as if she had been struck, but did not care to own the blow.

-ing form of “clutch” — take hold of; grab

From this reading "And I wonder how much you owe your being here to my being a prodigal clutching at any respite?

feeling or showing worry or solicitude

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

without stop or interruption

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

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

From this reading He had worked himself into a blindness of rage, in which he could see nothing before him but the possibility of moving her, of breaking down and destroying her calm front.

-ing form of “destroy” — do away with, cause the destruction or undoing of

From this reading He had worked himself into a blindness of rage, in which he could see nothing before him but the possibility of moving her, of breaking down and destroying her calm front.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading She looked at him with her wide-open eyes, as if she had been struck, but did not care to own the blow.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

opinion or judgment

From this reading She looked at him with her wide-open eyes, as if she had been struck, but did not care to own the blow.

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

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading He had worked himself into a blindness of rage, in which he could see nothing before him but the possibility of moving her, of breaking down and destroying her calm front.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

-ing form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

a woman's dress, usually with a close-fitting bodice and a long flared skirt, often worn on formal occasions

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

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

From this reading She looked at him with her wide-open eyes, as if she had been struck, but did not care to own the blow.

plural of “hanging” — decoration that is hung (as a tapestry) on a wall or over a window

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

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

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

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

From this reading She looked at him with her wide-open eyes, as if she had been struck, but did not care to own the blow.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading "And I wonder how much you owe your being here to my being a prodigal clutching at any respite?

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

From this reading She looked at him with her wide-open eyes, as if she had been struck, but did not care to own the blow.

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

From this reading He had worked himself into a blindness of rage, in which he could see nothing before him but the possibility of moving her, of breaking down and destroying her calm front.

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

From this reading "And I wonder how much you owe your being here to my being a prodigal clutching at any respite?

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

From this reading "And I wonder how much you owe your being here to my being a prodigal clutching at any respite?

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading She looked at him with her wide-open eyes, as if she had been struck, but did not care to own the blow.

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

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

a foolish and usually extravagant passion or love or admiration

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

moving to the inside of something

From this reading He had worked himself into a blindness of rage, in which he could see nothing before him but the possibility of moving her, of breaking down and destroying her calm front.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

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

From this reading She looked at him with her wide-open eyes, as if she had been struck, but did not care to own the blow.

plural of “mirror” — polished surface that forms images by reflecting light

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

very unhappy; full of misery

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

in motion

From this reading He had worked himself into a blindness of rage, in which he could see nothing before him but the possibility of moving her, of breaking down and destroying her calm front.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "And I wonder how much you owe your being here to my being a prodigal clutching at any respite?

not one and not the other of two

From this reading She neither spoke nor stirred.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading She neither spoke nor stirred.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading She looked at him with her wide-open eyes, as if she had been struck, but did not care to own the blow.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading He had worked himself into a blindness of rage, in which he could see nothing before him but the possibility of moving her, of breaking down and destroying her calm front.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

be obliged to pay or repay

From this reading "And I wonder how much you owe your being here to my being a prodigal clutching at any respite?

have ownership or possession of

From this reading She looked at him with her wide-open eyes, as if she had been struck, but did not care to own the blow.

a handkerchief that is carried in a pocket

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

a future prospect or potential

From this reading He had worked himself into a blindness of rage, in which he could see nothing before him but the possibility of moving her, of breaking down and destroying her calm front.

a recklessly extravagant consumer

From this reading "And I wonder how much you owe your being here to my being a prodigal clutching at any respite?

the excess of revenues over outlays in a given period of time (including depreciation and other non-cash expenses)

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

a feeling of intense anger

From this reading He had worked himself into a blindness of rage, in which he could see nothing before him but the possibility of moving her, of breaking down and destroying her calm front.

a (temporary) relief from harm or discomfort

From this reading "And I wonder how much you owe your being here to my being a prodigal clutching at any respite?

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading He had worked himself into a blindness of rage, in which he could see nothing before him but the possibility of moving her, of breaking down and destroying her calm front.

exchange or deliver for money or its equivalent

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

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

From this reading She looked at him with her wide-open eyes, as if she had been struck, but did not care to own the blow.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim

From this reading She neither spoke nor stirred.

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading She neither spoke nor stirred.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading She looked at him with her wide-open eyes, as if she had been struck, but did not care to own the blow.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

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

From this reading She looked at him with her wide-open eyes, as if she had been struck, but did not care to own the blow.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

in or at that place or location

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

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

From this reading She looked at him with her wide-open eyes, as if she had been struck, but did not care to own the blow.

worthless material that is to be disposed of

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

nonsensical talk or writing

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

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

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

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

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

in or at the place that

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

open wide

From this reading She looked at him with her wide-open eyes, as if she had been struck, but did not care to own the blow.

in the company of; together with

From this reading She looked at him with her wide-open eyes, as if she had been struck, but did not care to own the blow.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising

From this reading "And I wonder how much you owe your being here to my being a prodigal clutching at any respite?

past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading He had worked himself into a blindness of rage, in which he could see nothing before him but the possibility of moving her, of breaking down and destroying her calm front.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "It was not to much profit where you were concerned," he continued, in an infatuation of brutality; "it did not get you so much as a pocket-handkerchief, or a flower-garden like that down there, or," glancing round him, "trumpery hangings and mirrors, and a new gown or two, or any other of the miserable trash for which women sell themselves."

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "And I wonder how much you owe your being here to my being a prodigal clutching at any respite?