used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Arriving in London early one May morning, he drove up to his mother's house in Charles Street,--intending to ask for news and a meal.
alarmingadjectiveUS /əˈlɑːrmɪŋ/
frightening because of an awareness of danger
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading "But was I not expected?" inquired the caller, glancing at his luggage-laden taxi, "I am Captain Mayne."
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
ArrivingverbUS /ərˈaɪvɪŋ/
-ing form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading Arriving in London early one May morning, he drove up to his mother's house in Charles Street,--intending to ask for news and a meal.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading "Oh yes, sir, you were ex_pected_, but her ladyship said as 'ow you couldn't possibly be here before Monday, and she and his lordship has gone down to Brighton for the week-end."
make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading Arriving in London early one May morning, he drove up to his mother's house in Charles Street,--intending to ask for news and a meal.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
awaitedadjectiveUS /əˈweɪtɪd/
expected hopefully
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
having undesirable or negative qualities
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading "Oh yes, sir, you were ex_pected_, but her ladyship said as 'ow you couldn't possibly be here before Monday, and she and his lordship has gone down to Brighton for the week-end."
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading "Oh yes, sir, you were ex_pected_, but her ladyship said as 'ow you couldn't possibly be here before Monday, and she and his lordship has gone down to Brighton for the week-end."
BrightonnounUS /ˈbraɪtən/
a city in East Sussex in southern England that is a popular resort; site of the University of Sussex
From this reading "Oh yes, sir, you were ex_pected_, but her ladyship said as 'ow you couldn't possibly be here before Monday, and she and his lordship has gone down to Brighton for the week-end."
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "But was I not expected?" inquired the caller, glancing at his luggage-laden taxi, "I am Captain Mayne."
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The door was opened by a somewhat dishevelled footman, who informed him that "her ladyship was out of town."
cablenounUS /ˈkeɪbəl/
a telegram sent abroad
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
callernounUS /ˈkɔːlər/
a social or business visitor
From this reading "But was I not expected?" inquired the caller, glancing at his luggage-laden taxi, "I am Captain Mayne."
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading "But was I not expected?" inquired the caller, glancing at his luggage-laden taxi, "I am Captain Mayne."
King of France from 1560 to 1574 whose reign was dominated by his mother Catherine de Medicis (1550-1574)
From this reading Arriving in London early one May morning, he drove up to his mother's house in Charles Street,--intending to ask for news and a meal.
couldn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Oh yes, sir, you were ex_pected_, but her ladyship said as 'ow you couldn't possibly be here before Monday, and she and his lordship has gone down to Brighton for the week-end."
DEREK
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
dishevelledadjective
in disarray; extremely disorderly
From this reading The door was opened by a somewhat dishevelled footman, who informed him that "her ladyship was out of town."
dispatchedverbUS /dɪˈspætʃt/
past form of “dispatch” — send away towards a designated goal
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading The door was opened by a somewhat dishevelled footman, who informed him that "her ladyship was out of town."
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading "Oh yes, sir, you were ex_pected_, but her ladyship said as 'ow you couldn't possibly be here before Monday, and she and his lordship has gone down to Brighton for the week-end."
a group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together
From this reading Arriving in London early one May morning, he drove up to his mother's house in Charles Street,--intending to ask for news and a meal.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading Arriving in London early one May morning, he drove up to his mother's house in Charles Street,--intending to ask for news and a meal.
exnounUS /eks/
a man who was formerly a certain woman's husband
From this reading "Oh yes, sir, you were ex_pected_, but her ladyship said as 'ow you couldn't possibly be here before Monday, and she and his lordship has gone down to Brighton for the week-end."
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
footmannounUS /ˈfʊtmən/
a man employed as a servant in a large establishment (as a palace) to run errands and do chores
From this reading The door was opened by a somewhat dishevelled footman, who informed him that "her ladyship was out of town."
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Arriving in London early one May morning, he drove up to his mother's house in Charles Street,--intending to ask for news and a meal.
-ing form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading "But was I not expected?" inquired the caller, glancing at his luggage-laden taxi, "I am Captain Mayne."
destroyed or killed
From this reading "Oh yes, sir, you were ex_pected_, but her ladyship said as 'ow you couldn't possibly be here before Monday, and she and his lordship has gone down to Brighton for the week-end."
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "Oh yes, sir, you were ex_pected_, but her ladyship said as 'ow you couldn't possibly be here before Monday, and she and his lordship has gone down to Brighton for the week-end."
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
perceive (sound) via the auditory sense
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The door was opened by a somewhat dishevelled footman, who informed him that "her ladyship was out of town."
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading "Oh yes, sir, you were ex_pected_, but her ladyship said as 'ow you couldn't possibly be here before Monday, and she and his lordship has gone down to Brighton for the week-end."
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Arriving in London early one May morning, he drove up to his mother's house in Charles Street,--intending to ask for news and a meal.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Arriving in London early one May morning, he drove up to his mother's house in Charles Street,--intending to ask for news and a meal.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "But was I not expected?" inquired the caller, glancing at his luggage-laden taxi, "I am Captain Mayne."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Arriving in London early one May morning, he drove up to his mother's house in Charles Street,--intending to ask for news and a meal.
having much knowledge or education
From this reading The door was opened by a somewhat dishevelled footman, who informed him that "her ladyship was out of town."
past form of “inquire” — address a question to and expect an answer from
From this reading "But was I not expected?" inquired the caller, glancing at his luggage-laden taxi, "I am Captain Mayne."
intendingverbUS /ˌɪnˈtendɪŋ/
-ing form of “intend” — have in mind as a purpose
From this reading Arriving in London early one May morning, he drove up to his mother's house in Charles Street,--intending to ask for news and a meal.
ladyshipnoun
a title used to address any peeress except a duchess
From this reading The door was opened by a somewhat dishevelled footman, who informed him that "her ladyship was out of town."
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center
From this reading Arriving in London early one May morning, he drove up to his mother's house in Charles Street,--intending to ask for news and a meal.
lordshipnounUS /ˈlɔːrdʃɪp/
a title used to address any British peer except a duke and extended to a bishop or a judge
From this reading "Oh yes, sir, you were ex_pected_, but her ladyship said as 'ow you couldn't possibly be here before Monday, and she and his lordship has gone down to Brighton for the week-end."
luggage-laden
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "But was I not expected?" inquired the caller, glancing at his luggage-laden taxi, "I am Captain Mayne."
mailnounUS /meɪl/
the bags of letters and packages that are transported by the postal service
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading Arriving in London early one May morning, he drove up to his mother's house in Charles Street,--intending to ask for news and a meal.
MAYNE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
the food served and eaten at one time
From this reading Arriving in London early one May morning, he drove up to his mother's house in Charles Street,--intending to ask for news and a meal.
MEDITATIONSnounUS /ˌmedɪˈteɪʃənz/
plural of “meditation” — continuous and profound contemplation or musing on a subject or series of subjects of a deep or abstruse nature
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
MondaynounUS /ˈmʌndi/
the second day of the week; the first working day
From this reading "Oh yes, sir, you were ex_pected_, but her ladyship said as 'ow you couldn't possibly be here before Monday, and she and his lordship has gone down to Brighton for the week-end."
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading Arriving in London early one May morning, he drove up to his mother's house in Charles Street,--intending to ask for news and a meal.
mother'snounUS /ˈmʌðərz/
possessive form of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading Arriving in London early one May morning, he drove up to his mother's house in Charles Street,--intending to ask for news and a meal.
not one and not the other of two
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
information about recent and important events
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading "But was I not expected?" inquired the caller, glancing at his luggage-laden taxi, "I am Captain Mayne."
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region
From this reading "Oh yes, sir, you were ex_pected_, but her ladyship said as 'ow you couldn't possibly be here before Monday, and she and his lordship has gone down to Brighton for the week-end."
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Arriving in London early one May morning, he drove up to his mother's house in Charles Street,--intending to ask for news and a meal.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading The door was opened by a somewhat dishevelled footman, who informed him that "her ladyship was out of town."
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The door was opened by a somewhat dishevelled footman, who informed him that "her ladyship was out of town."
ow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Oh yes, sir, you were ex_pected_, but her ladyship said as 'ow you couldn't possibly be here before Monday, and she and his lordship has gone down to Brighton for the week-end."
pected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Oh yes, sir, you were ex_pected_, but her ladyship said as 'ow you couldn't possibly be here before Monday, and she and his lordship has gone down to Brighton for the week-end."
a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
by chance
From this reading "Oh yes, sir, you were ex_pected_, but her ladyship said as 'ow you couldn't possibly be here before Monday, and she and his lordship has gone down to Brighton for the week-end."
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "Oh yes, sir, you were ex_pected_, but her ladyship said as 'ow you couldn't possibly be here before Monday, and she and his lordship has gone down to Brighton for the week-end."
term of address for a man
From this reading "Oh yes, sir, you were ex_pected_, but her ladyship said as 'ow you couldn't possibly be here before Monday, and she and his lordship has gone down to Brighton for the week-end."
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading The door was opened by a somewhat dishevelled footman, who informed him that "her ladyship was out of town."
a clam that is usually steamed in the shell
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading Arriving in London early one May morning, he drove up to his mother's house in Charles Street,--intending to ask for news and a meal.
taxiverbUS /ˈtæksi/
travel slowly
From this reading "But was I not expected?" inquired the caller, glancing at his luggage-laden taxi, "I am Captain Mayne."
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading The door was opened by a somewhat dishevelled footman, who informed him that "her ladyship was out of town."
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Arriving in London early one May morning, he drove up to his mother's house in Charles Street,--intending to ask for news and a meal.
urgentadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrdʒənt/
compelling immediate action
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The door was opened by a somewhat dishevelled footman, who informed him that "her ladyship was out of town."
week-end
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Oh yes, sir, you were ex_pected_, but her ladyship said as 'ow you couldn't possibly be here before Monday, and she and his lordship has gone down to Brighton for the week-end."
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "Oh yes, sir, you were ex_pected_, but her ladyship said as 'ow you couldn't possibly be here before Monday, and she and his lordship has gone down to Brighton for the week-end."
at the time that
From this reading THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE The cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when the mail steamer called at Port Said,--however, neither cable nor letter awaited him.
which person or people
From this reading The door was opened by a somewhat dishevelled footman, who informed him that "her ladyship was out of town."
an affirmative
From this reading "Oh yes, sir, you were ex_pected_, but her ladyship said as 'ow you couldn't possibly be here before Monday, and she and his lordship has gone down to Brighton for the week-end."
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "Oh yes, sir, you were ex_pected_, but her ladyship said as 'ow you couldn't possibly be here before Monday, and she and his lordship has gone down to Brighton for the week-end."
