Chapter XI · Chapter 11

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

From this reading _The Judge's House_ Thirty years ago, an elderly man, to whom I paid quarterly a small annuity charged on some property of mine, came on the quarter-day to receive it.

later than; following

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

in the past

From this reading _The Judge's House_ Thirty years ago, an elderly man, to whom I paid quarterly a small annuity charged on some property of mine, came on the quarter-day to receive it.

past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading He was a dry, sad, quiet man, who had known better days, and had always maintained an unexceptionable character.

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

From this reading _The Judge's House_ Thirty years ago, an elderly man, to whom I paid quarterly a small annuity charged on some property of mine, came on the quarter-day to receive it.

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

From this reading He was a dry, sad, quiet man, who had known better days, and had always maintained an unexceptionable character.

income from capital investment paid in a series of regular payments

From this reading _The Judge's House_ Thirty years ago, an elderly man, to whom I paid quarterly a small annuity charged on some property of mine, came on the quarter-day to receive it.

the power or right to give orders or make decisions

From this reading No better authority could be imagined for a ghost story.

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

From this reading No better authority could be imagined for a ghost story.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading His reason was a sudden determination to change his lodgings, and the consequent necessity of paying his rent a little before it was due.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading He was a dry, sad, quiet man, who had known better days, and had always maintained an unexceptionable character.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading _The Judge's House_ Thirty years ago, an elderly man, to whom I paid quarterly a small annuity charged on some property of mine, came on the quarter-day to receive it.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading His reason was a sudden determination to change his lodgings, and the consequent necessity of paying his rent a little before it was due.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading He was a dry, sad, quiet man, who had known better days, and had always maintained an unexceptionable character.

of a particle or body or system; having a net amount of positive or negative electric charge

From this reading _The Judge's House_ Thirty years ago, an elderly man, to whom I paid quarterly a small annuity charged on some property of mine, came on the quarter-day to receive it.

-ing form of “choose” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

occurring with or following as a consequence

From this reading His reason was a sudden determination to change his lodgings, and the consequent necessity of paying his rent a little before it was due.

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

From this reading No better authority could be imagined for a ghost story.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading He was a dry, sad, quiet man, who had known better days, and had always maintained an unexceptionable character.

the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation

From this reading His reason was a sudden determination to change his lodgings, and the consequent necessity of paying his rent a little before it was due.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet

From this reading He was a dry, sad, quiet man, who had known better days, and had always maintained an unexceptionable character.

owed and payable immediately or on demand

From this reading His reason was a sudden determination to change his lodgings, and the consequent necessity of paying his rent a little before it was due.

earlier in time; previously

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

pass by

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)

From this reading _The Judge's House_ Thirty years ago, an elderly man, to whom I paid quarterly a small annuity charged on some property of mine, came on the quarter-day to receive it.

make plain and comprehensible

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading No better authority could be imagined for a ghost story.

a mental representation of some haunting experience

From this reading No better authority could be imagined for a ghost story.

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

From this reading He was a dry, sad, quiet man, who had known better days, and had always maintained an unexceptionable character.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

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

From this reading He was a dry, sad, quiet man, who had known better days, and had always maintained an unexceptionable character.

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

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading _The Judge's House_ Thirty years ago, an elderly man, to whom I paid quarterly a small annuity charged on some property of mine, came on the quarter-day to receive it.

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

From this reading _The Judge's House_ Thirty years ago, an elderly man, to whom I paid quarterly a small annuity charged on some property of mine, came on the quarter-day to receive it.

past form of “imagine” — form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case

From this reading No better authority could be imagined for a ghost story.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading _The Judge's House_ Thirty years ago, an elderly man, to whom I paid quarterly a small annuity charged on some property of mine, came on the quarter-day to receive it.

possessive form of “judge” — a public official authorized to decide questions brought before a court of justice

From this reading _The Judge's House_ Thirty years ago, an elderly man, to whom I paid quarterly a small annuity charged on some property of mine, came on the quarter-day to receive it.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading He was a dry, sad, quiet man, who had known better days, and had always maintained an unexceptionable character.

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

From this reading His reason was a sudden determination to change his lodgings, and the consequent necessity of paying his rent a little before it was due.

temporary living quarters

From this reading His reason was a sudden determination to change his lodgings, and the consequent necessity of paying his rent a little before it was due.

kept in good condition

From this reading He was a dry, sad, quiet man, who had known better days, and had always maintained an unexceptionable character.

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

From this reading _The Judge's House_ Thirty years ago, an elderly man, to whom I paid quarterly a small annuity charged on some property of mine, came on the quarter-day to receive it.

provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one's behavior, attitude, or external attributes

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

the one or ones belonging to the person speaking

From this reading _The Judge's House_ Thirty years ago, an elderly man, to whom I paid quarterly a small annuity charged on some property of mine, came on the quarter-day to receive it.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

the condition of being essential or indispensable

From this reading His reason was a sudden determination to change his lodgings, and the consequent necessity of paying his rent a little before it was due.

not any; not one

From this reading No better authority could be imagined for a ghost story.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _The Judge's House_ Thirty years ago, an elderly man, to whom I paid quarterly a small annuity charged on some property of mine, came on the quarter-day to receive it.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading _The Judge's House_ Thirty years ago, an elderly man, to whom I paid quarterly a small annuity charged on some property of mine, came on the quarter-day to receive it.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

marked by the reception of pay

From this reading _The Judge's House_ Thirty years ago, an elderly man, to whom I paid quarterly a small annuity charged on some property of mine, came on the quarter-day to receive it.

yielding a fair profit

From this reading His reason was a sudden determination to change his lodgings, and the consequent necessity of paying his rent a little before it was due.

a sum of money paid or a claim discharged

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone

From this reading _The Judge's House_ Thirty years ago, an elderly man, to whom I paid quarterly a small annuity charged on some property of mine, came on the quarter-day to receive it.

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

From this reading _The Judge's House_ Thirty years ago, an elderly man, to whom I paid quarterly a small annuity charged on some property of mine, came on the quarter-day to receive it.

of or relating to or consisting of a quarter

From this reading _The Judge's House_ Thirty years ago, an elderly man, to whom I paid quarterly a small annuity charged on some property of mine, came on the quarter-day to receive it.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading He was a dry, sad, quiet man, who had known better days, and had always maintained an unexceptionable character.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading His reason was a sudden determination to change his lodgings, and the consequent necessity of paying his rent a little before it was due.

get something; come into possession of

From this reading _The Judge's House_ Thirty years ago, an elderly man, to whom I paid quarterly a small annuity charged on some property of mine, came on the quarter-day to receive it.

(physics) opposition to magnetic flux (analogous to electric resistance)

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

past form of “remark” — make mention of

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

let for money

From this reading His reason was a sudden determination to change his lodgings, and the consequent necessity of paying his rent a little before it was due.

experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness

From this reading He was a dry, sad, quiet man, who had known better days, and had always maintained an unexceptionable character.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

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

From this reading _The Judge's House_ Thirty years ago, an elderly man, to whom I paid quarterly a small annuity charged on some property of mine, came on the quarter-day to receive it.

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

From this reading _The Judge's House_ Thirty years ago, an elderly man, to whom I paid quarterly a small annuity charged on some property of mine, came on the quarter-day to receive it.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading No better authority could be imagined for a ghost story.

rigidly accurate; allowing no deviation from a standard

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading His reason was a sudden determination to change his lodgings, and the consequent necessity of paying his rent a little before it was due.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

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

From this reading _The Judge's House_ Thirty years ago, an elderly man, to whom I paid quarterly a small annuity charged on some property of mine, came on the quarter-day to receive it.

the cardinal number that is the product of ten and three

From this reading _The Judge's House_ Thirty years ago, an elderly man, to whom I paid quarterly a small annuity charged on some property of mine, came on the quarter-day to receive it.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

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

From this reading _The Judge's House_ Thirty years ago, an elderly man, to whom I paid quarterly a small annuity charged on some property of mine, came on the quarter-day to receive it.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

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

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

completely acceptable; not open to exception or reproach

From this reading He was a dry, sad, quiet man, who had known better days, and had always maintained an unexceptionable character.

under normal conditions

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

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

From this reading He was a dry, sad, quiet man, who had known better days, and had always maintained an unexceptionable character.

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

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

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

which person or people

From this reading He was a dry, sad, quiet man, who had known better days, and had always maintained an unexceptionable character.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading _The Judge's House_ Thirty years ago, an elderly man, to whom I paid quarterly a small annuity charged on some property of mine, came on the quarter-day to receive it.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He told me one, though with a manifest reluctance; he was drawn into the narration by his choosing to explain what I should not have remarked, that he had called two days earlier than that week after the strict day of payment, which he had usually allowed to elapse.

a late time of life

From this reading _The Judge's House_ Thirty years ago, an elderly man, to whom I paid quarterly a small annuity charged on some property of mine, came on the quarter-day to receive it.