Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading She had come out, as the phrase is, immensely; and yet I felt as if she were surrounded with a spiked iron railing.

a person who enjoys taking risks

From this reading What flower of tenderness or of intimacy would such an adventurer conceive as his reward?

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading He was a joyless, jokeless young man, with the air of having other secrets as well, and a determination to get on politically that was indicated by his never having been known to commit himself—as regards any proposition whatever—beyond an exclamatory “Oh!”

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

From this reading What flower of tenderness or of intimacy would such an adventurer conceive as his reward?

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

From this reading She had come out, as the phrase is, immensely; and yet I felt as if she were surrounded with a spiked iron railing.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading What she meant to do for herself was to marry, and it was the only thing, I think, that she meant to do for any one else; yet who would be inspired to clamber over that bristling barrier?

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

From this reading She had come out, as the phrase is, immensely; and yet I felt as if she were surrounded with a spiked iron railing.

United States author who was an outspoken critic of racism (1924-1987)

From this reading This was for Sir Baldwin Luard to say; but he naturally never confided to me the secret.

a structure or object that impedes free movement

From this reading What she meant to do for herself was to marry, and it was the only thing, I think, that she meant to do for any one else; yet who would be inspired to clamber over that bristling barrier?

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

From this reading What she meant to do for herself was to marry, and it was the only thing, I think, that she meant to do for any one else; yet who would be inspired to clamber over that bristling barrier?

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He was a joyless, jokeless young man, with the air of having other secrets as well, and a determination to get on politically that was indicated by his never having been known to commit himself—as regards any proposition whatever—beyond an exclamatory “Oh!”

on the far side of; further than

From this reading He was a joyless, jokeless young man, with the air of having other secrets as well, and a determination to get on politically that was indicated by his never having been known to commit himself—as regards any proposition whatever—beyond an exclamatory “Oh!”

-ing form of “bristle” — be in a state of movement or action

From this reading What she meant to do for herself was to marry, and it was the only thing, I think, that she meant to do for any one else; yet who would be inspired to clamber over that bristling barrier?

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading This was for Sir Baldwin Luard to say; but he naturally never confided to me the secret.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He was a joyless, jokeless young man, with the air of having other secrets as well, and a determination to get on politically that was indicated by his never having been known to commit himself—as regards any proposition whatever—beyond an exclamatory “Oh!”

climb awkwardly, as if by scrambling

From this reading What she meant to do for herself was to marry, and it was the only thing, I think, that she meant to do for any one else; yet who would be inspired to clamber over that bristling barrier?

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading She had come out, as the phrase is, immensely; and yet I felt as if she were surrounded with a spiked iron railing.

perform an act, usually with a negative connotation

From this reading He was a joyless, jokeless young man, with the air of having other secrets as well, and a determination to get on politically that was indicated by his never having been known to commit himself—as regards any proposition whatever—beyond an exclamatory “Oh!”

have the idea for

From this reading What flower of tenderness or of intimacy would such an adventurer conceive as his reward?

past form of “confide” — reveal in private; tell confidentially

From this reading This was for Sir Baldwin Luard to say; but he naturally never confided to me the secret.

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

From this reading He was a joyless, jokeless young man, with the air of having other secrets as well, and a determination to get on politically that was indicated by his never having been known to commit himself—as regards any proposition whatever—beyond an exclamatory “Oh!”

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading What she meant to do for herself was to marry, and it was the only thing, I think, that she meant to do for any one else; yet who would be inspired to clamber over that bristling barrier?

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

From this reading What she meant to do for herself was to marry, and it was the only thing, I think, that she meant to do for any one else; yet who would be inspired to clamber over that bristling barrier?

sudden and strong

From this reading He was a joyless, jokeless young man, with the air of having other secrets as well, and a determination to get on politically that was indicated by his never having been known to commit himself—as regards any proposition whatever—beyond an exclamatory “Oh!”

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading She had come out, as the phrase is, immensely; and yet I felt as if she were surrounded with a spiked iron railing.

a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading What flower of tenderness or of intimacy would such an adventurer conceive as his reward?

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading What she meant to do for herself was to marry, and it was the only thing, I think, that she meant to do for any one else; yet who would be inspired to clamber over that bristling barrier?

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading He was a joyless, jokeless young man, with the air of having other secrets as well, and a determination to get on politically that was indicated by his never having been known to commit himself—as regards any proposition whatever—beyond an exclamatory “Oh!”

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

From this reading She had come out, as the phrase is, immensely; and yet I felt as if she were surrounded with a spiked iron railing.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading He was a joyless, jokeless young man, with the air of having other secrets as well, and a determination to get on politically that was indicated by his never having been known to commit himself—as regards any proposition whatever—beyond an exclamatory “Oh!”

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

From this reading This was for Sir Baldwin Luard to say; but he naturally never confided to me the secret.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading What she meant to do for herself was to marry, and it was the only thing, I think, that she meant to do for any one else; yet who would be inspired to clamber over that bristling barrier?

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

From this reading He was a joyless, jokeless young man, with the air of having other secrets as well, and a determination to get on politically that was indicated by his never having been known to commit himself—as regards any proposition whatever—beyond an exclamatory “Oh!”

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

From this reading What flower of tenderness or of intimacy would such an adventurer conceive as his reward?

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

From this reading She had come out, as the phrase is, immensely; and yet I felt as if she were surrounded with a spiked iron railing.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading She had come out, as the phrase is, immensely; and yet I felt as if she were surrounded with a spiked iron railing.

to an exceedingly great extent or degree

From this reading She had come out, as the phrase is, immensely; and yet I felt as if she were surrounded with a spiked iron railing.

past form of “indicate” — be a signal for or a symptom of

From this reading He was a joyless, jokeless young man, with the air of having other secrets as well, and a determination to get on politically that was indicated by his never having been known to commit himself—as regards any proposition whatever—beyond an exclamatory “Oh!”

being of such surpassing excellence as to suggest inspiration by the gods

From this reading What she meant to do for herself was to marry, and it was the only thing, I think, that she meant to do for any one else; yet who would be inspired to clamber over that bristling barrier?

close or warm friendship

From this reading What flower of tenderness or of intimacy would such an adventurer conceive as his reward?

a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood

From this reading She had come out, as the phrase is, immensely; and yet I felt as if she were surrounded with a spiked iron railing.

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

From this reading She had come out, as the phrase is, immensely; and yet I felt as if she were surrounded with a spiked iron railing.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading What she meant to do for herself was to marry, and it was the only thing, I think, that she meant to do for any one else; yet who would be inspired to clamber over that bristling barrier?

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

From this reading He was a joyless, jokeless young man, with the air of having other secrets as well, and a determination to get on politically that was indicated by his never having been known to commit himself—as regards any proposition whatever—beyond an exclamatory “Oh!”

not experiencing or inspiring joy

From this reading He was a joyless, jokeless young man, with the air of having other secrets as well, and a determination to get on politically that was indicated by his never having been known to commit himself—as regards any proposition whatever—beyond an exclamatory “Oh!”

apprehended with certainty

From this reading He was a joyless, jokeless young man, with the air of having other secrets as well, and a determination to get on politically that was indicated by his never having been known to commit himself—as regards any proposition whatever—beyond an exclamatory “Oh!”

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

From this reading This was for Sir Baldwin Luard to say; but he naturally never confided to me the secret.

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

From this reading He was a joyless, jokeless young man, with the air of having other secrets as well, and a determination to get on politically that was indicated by his never having been known to commit himself—as regards any proposition whatever—beyond an exclamatory “Oh!”

take in marriage

From this reading What she meant to do for herself was to marry, and it was the only thing, I think, that she meant to do for any one else; yet who would be inspired to clamber over that bristling barrier?

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

From this reading This was for Sir Baldwin Luard to say; but he naturally never confided to me the secret.

inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading What she meant to do for herself was to marry, and it was the only thing, I think, that she meant to do for any one else; yet who would be inspired to clamber over that bristling barrier?

as might be expected

From this reading This was for Sir Baldwin Luard to say; but he naturally never confided to me the secret.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading This was for Sir Baldwin Luard to say; but he naturally never confided to me the secret.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading What flower of tenderness or of intimacy would such an adventurer conceive as his reward?

a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region

From this reading He was a joyless, jokeless young man, with the air of having other secrets as well, and a determination to get on politically that was indicated by his never having been known to commit himself—as regards any proposition whatever—beyond an exclamatory “Oh!”

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He was a joyless, jokeless young man, with the air of having other secrets as well, and a determination to get on politically that was indicated by his never having been known to commit himself—as regards any proposition whatever—beyond an exclamatory “Oh!”

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading What she meant to do for herself was to marry, and it was the only thing, I think, that she meant to do for any one else; yet who would be inspired to clamber over that bristling barrier?

and nothing more

From this reading What she meant to do for herself was to marry, and it was the only thing, I think, that she meant to do for any one else; yet who would be inspired to clamber over that bristling barrier?

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading What flower of tenderness or of intimacy would such an adventurer conceive as his reward?

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading He was a joyless, jokeless young man, with the air of having other secrets as well, and a determination to get on politically that was indicated by his never having been known to commit himself—as regards any proposition whatever—beyond an exclamatory “Oh!”

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading She had come out, as the phrase is, immensely; and yet I felt as if she were surrounded with a spiked iron railing.

above and across; more than

From this reading What she meant to do for herself was to marry, and it was the only thing, I think, that she meant to do for any one else; yet who would be inspired to clamber over that bristling barrier?

an expression consisting of one or more words forming a grammatical constituent of a sentence

From this reading She had come out, as the phrase is, immensely; and yet I felt as if she were surrounded with a spiked iron railing.

with regard to social relationships involving authority

From this reading He was a joyless, jokeless young man, with the air of having other secrets as well, and a determination to get on politically that was indicated by his never having been known to commit himself—as regards any proposition whatever—beyond an exclamatory “Oh!”

(logic) a statement that affirms or denies something and is either true or false

From this reading He was a joyless, jokeless young man, with the air of having other secrets as well, and a determination to get on politically that was indicated by his never having been known to commit himself—as regards any proposition whatever—beyond an exclamatory “Oh!”

a barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and supports

From this reading She had come out, as the phrase is, immensely; and yet I felt as if she were surrounded with a spiked iron railing.

plural of “regard” — (usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading He was a joyless, jokeless young man, with the air of having other secrets as well, and a determination to get on politically that was indicated by his never having been known to commit himself—as regards any proposition whatever—beyond an exclamatory “Oh!”

a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing

From this reading What flower of tenderness or of intimacy would such an adventurer conceive as his reward?

express in words

From this reading This was for Sir Baldwin Luard to say; but he naturally never confided to me the secret.

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading This was for Sir Baldwin Luard to say; but he naturally never confided to me the secret.

plural of “secret” — something that should remain hidden from others (especially information that is not to be passed on)

From this reading He was a joyless, jokeless young man, with the air of having other secrets as well, and a determination to get on politically that was indicated by his never having been known to commit himself—as regards any proposition whatever—beyond an exclamatory “Oh!”

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

From this reading She had come out, as the phrase is, immensely; and yet I felt as if she were surrounded with a spiked iron railing.

term of address for a man

From this reading This was for Sir Baldwin Luard to say; but he naturally never confided to me the secret.

having a long sharp point

From this reading She had come out, as the phrase is, immensely; and yet I felt as if she were surrounded with a spiked iron railing.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading What flower of tenderness or of intimacy would such an adventurer conceive as his reward?

confined on all sides

From this reading She had come out, as the phrase is, immensely; and yet I felt as if she were surrounded with a spiked iron railing.

a tendency to express warm and affectionate feeling

From this reading What flower of tenderness or of intimacy would such an adventurer conceive as his reward?

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading What she meant to do for herself was to marry, and it was the only thing, I think, that she meant to do for any one else; yet who would be inspired to clamber over that bristling barrier?

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

From this reading She had come out, as the phrase is, immensely; and yet I felt as if she were surrounded with a spiked iron railing.

a special situation

From this reading What she meant to do for herself was to marry, and it was the only thing, I think, that she meant to do for any one else; yet who would be inspired to clamber over that bristling barrier?

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading What she meant to do for herself was to marry, and it was the only thing, I think, that she meant to do for any one else; yet who would be inspired to clamber over that bristling barrier?

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading This was for Sir Baldwin Luard to say; but he naturally never confided to me the secret.

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

From this reading What she meant to do for herself was to marry, and it was the only thing, I think, that she meant to do for any one else; yet who would be inspired to clamber over that bristling barrier?

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

From this reading What she meant to do for herself was to marry, and it was the only thing, I think, that she meant to do for any one else; yet who would be inspired to clamber over that bristling barrier?

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading He was a joyless, jokeless young man, with the air of having other secrets as well, and a determination to get on politically that was indicated by his never having been known to commit himself—as regards any proposition whatever—beyond an exclamatory “Oh!”

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

From this reading She had come out, as the phrase is, immensely; and yet I felt as if she were surrounded with a spiked iron railing.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading What she meant to do for herself was to marry, and it was the only thing, I think, that she meant to do for any one else; yet who would be inspired to clamber over that bristling barrier?

any or all of a kind, it does not matter which

From this reading He was a joyless, jokeless young man, with the air of having other secrets as well, and a determination to get on politically that was indicated by his never having been known to commit himself—as regards any proposition whatever—beyond an exclamatory “Oh!”

which person or people

From this reading What she meant to do for herself was to marry, and it was the only thing, I think, that she meant to do for any one else; yet who would be inspired to clamber over that bristling barrier?

in the company of; together with

From this reading She had come out, as the phrase is, immensely; and yet I felt as if she were surrounded with a spiked iron railing.

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

From this reading What she meant to do for herself was to marry, and it was the only thing, I think, that she meant to do for any one else; yet who would be inspired to clamber over that bristling barrier?

but in spite of that

From this reading She had come out, as the phrase is, immensely; and yet I felt as if she were surrounded with a spiked iron railing.

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

From this reading He was a joyless, jokeless young man, with the air of having other secrets as well, and a determination to get on politically that was indicated by his never having been known to commit himself—as regards any proposition whatever—beyond an exclamatory “Oh!”