adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/
from one side of something to the other
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
Afridi
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Afridi led her up the stone steps, and paused at the top to hammer on a carved door with his clenched fist; but the door moved while his fist was in mid-air, and the merry-eyed maid who opened it mocked him for a lunatic.
againadverbUS /əˈɡen/
anew
From this reading Dumb, apparently, in the presence of woman, he slunk down the steps again, leaving Tess wondering whether it were not good manners to remove her shoes before entering.
almostadverbUS /ˈɔːlmoʊst/
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
alwaysadverbUS /ˈɔːlweɪz/
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Natives of the country always removed their shoes before entering her house, and she supposed it would be only decent to reciprocate.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
ancientadjectiveUS /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
apparentlyadverbUS /əˈperəntli/
from appearances alone
From this reading Dumb, apparently, in the presence of woman, he slunk down the steps again, leaving Tess wondering whether it were not good manners to remove her shoes before entering.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Natives of the country always removed their shoes before entering her house, and she supposed it would be only decent to reciprocate.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Dumb, apparently, in the presence of woman, he slunk down the steps again, leaving Tess wondering whether it were not good manners to remove her shoes before entering.
betrayedverbUS /bɪˈtreɪd/
past form of “betray” — reveal unintentionally
From this reading Everything else was in gloom and shadow, and only one chink of light betrayed the whereabouts of a curtained window.
bracketnounUS /ˈbrækɪt/
a category falling within certain defined limits
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The Afridi led her up the stone steps, and paused at the top to hammer on a carved door with his clenched fist; but the door moved while his fist was in mid-air, and the merry-eyed maid who opened it mocked him for a lunatic.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
carvedadjectiveUS /kɑːrvd/
made for or formed by carving (“carven” is archaic or literary)
From this reading The Afridi led her up the stone steps, and paused at the top to hammer on a carved door with his clenched fist; but the door moved while his fist was in mid-air, and the merry-eyed maid who opened it mocked him for a lunatic.
centuriesnounUS /ˈsentʃəriz/
plural of “century” — a period of 100 years
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
chinknounUS /tʃɪŋk/
(ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of Chinese descent
From this reading Everything else was in gloom and shadow, and only one chink of light betrayed the whereabouts of a curtained window.
clenchedadjectiveUS /klentʃt/
closed or squeezed together tightly
From this reading The Afridi led her up the stone steps, and paused at the top to hammer on a carved door with his clenched fist; but the door moved while his fist was in mid-air, and the merry-eyed maid who opened it mocked him for a lunatic.
countrynounUS /ˈkʌntri/
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading Natives of the country always removed their shoes before entering her house, and she supposed it would be only decent to reciprocate.
courtyardnounUS /ˈkɔːrt.jɑːrd/
An unroofed area that is completely or partially enclosed by the walls of a house.
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
curtainedadjective
furnished or concealed with curtains or draperies
From this reading Everything else was in gloom and shadow, and only one chink of light betrayed the whereabouts of a curtained window.
decentadjectiveUS /ˈdiːsənt/
socially or conventionally correct; refined or virtuous
From this reading Natives of the country always removed their shoes before entering her house, and she supposed it would be only decent to reciprocate.
doornounUS /dɔːr/
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading The Afridi led her up the stone steps, and paused at the top to hammer on a carved door with his clenched fist; but the door moved while his fist was in mid-air, and the merry-eyed maid who opened it mocked him for a lunatic.
downadjectiveUS /daʊn/
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
DumbadjectiveUS /dʌm/
slow to learn or understand; lacking intellectual acuity
From this reading Dumb, apparently, in the presence of woman, he slunk down the steps again, leaving Tess wondering whether it were not good manners to remove her shoes before entering.
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Everything else was in gloom and shadow, and only one chink of light betrayed the whereabouts of a curtained window.
enteringnounUS /ˈentərɪŋ/
a movement into or inward
From this reading Dumb, apparently, in the presence of woman, he slunk down the steps again, leaving Tess wondering whether it were not good manners to remove her shoes before entering.
entrancenounUS /ˈentrəns/
something that provides access (to get in or get out)
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
EverythingpronounUS /ˈevriθɪŋ/
all things; all of a situation
From this reading Everything else was in gloom and shadow, and only one chink of light betrayed the whereabouts of a curtained window.
exceptprepositionUS /ɪkˈsept/
apart from; not including
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
fistnounUS /fɪst/
a hand with the fingers clenched in the palm (as for hitting)
From this reading The Afridi led her up the stone steps, and paused at the top to hammer on a carved door with his clenched fist; but the door moved while his fist was in mid-air, and the merry-eyed maid who opened it mocked him for a lunatic.
flightnounUS /flaɪt/
a formation of aircraft in flight
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The Afridi led her up the stone steps, and paused at the top to hammer on a carved door with his clenched fist; but the door moved while his fist was in mid-air, and the merry-eyed maid who opened it mocked him for a lunatic.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
gateman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
gloomnounUS /ɡluːm/
a state of partial or total darkness
From this reading Everything else was in gloom and shadow, and only one chink of light betrayed the whereabouts of a curtained window.
goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Dumb, apparently, in the presence of woman, he slunk down the steps again, leaving Tess wondering whether it were not good manners to remove her shoes before entering.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
hammernounUS /ˈhæmər/
the part of a gunlock that strikes the percussion cap when the trigger is pulled
From this reading The Afridi led her up the stone steps, and paused at the top to hammer on a carved door with his clenched fist; but the door moved while his fist was in mid-air, and the merry-eyed maid who opened it mocked him for a lunatic.
hamperverbUS /ˈhæmpər/
prevent the progress or free movement of
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The Afridi led her up the stone steps, and paused at the top to hammer on a carved door with his clenched fist; but the door moved while his fist was in mid-air, and the merry-eyed maid who opened it mocked him for a lunatic.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The Afridi led her up the stone steps, and paused at the top to hammer on a carved door with his clenched fist; but the door moved while his fist was in mid-air, and the merry-eyed maid who opened it mocked him for a lunatic.
housenounUS /haʊs/
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Natives of the country always removed their shoes before entering her house, and she supposed it would be only decent to reciprocate.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
insideadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈsaɪd/
relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
invisibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈvɪzəbəl/
impossible or nearly impossible to see; imperceptible by the eye
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
ironnounUS /ˈaɪərn/
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 The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The Afridi led her up the stone steps, and paused at the top to hammer on a carved door with his clenched fist; but the door moved while his fist was in mid-air, and the merry-eyed maid who opened it mocked him for a lunatic.
justadverbUS /dʒʌst/
and nothing more
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
kennelnounUS /ˈkenəl/
outbuilding that serves as a shelter for a dog
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
lanternnounUS /ˈlæntərn/
light in a transparent protective case
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
leavingnounUS /ˈliːvɪŋ/
the act of departing
From this reading Dumb, apparently, in the presence of woman, he slunk down the steps again, leaving Tess wondering whether it were not good manners to remove her shoes before entering.
lednounUS /led/
diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
lightadjectiveUS /laɪt/
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
lunaticadjectiveUS /ˈluːnətɪk/
insane and believed to be affected by the phases of the moon
From this reading The Afridi led her up the stone steps, and paused at the top to hammer on a carved door with his clenched fist; but the door moved while his fist was in mid-air, and the merry-eyed maid who opened it mocked him for a lunatic.
maidnounUS /meɪd/
a female domestic
From this reading The Afridi led her up the stone steps, and paused at the top to hammer on a carved door with his clenched fist; but the door moved while his fist was in mid-air, and the merry-eyed maid who opened it mocked him for a lunatic.
mannersnounUS /ˈmænərz/
social deportment
From this reading Dumb, apparently, in the presence of woman, he slunk down the steps again, leaving Tess wondering whether it were not good manners to remove her shoes before entering.
merry-eyed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Afridi led her up the stone steps, and paused at the top to hammer on a carved door with his clenched fist; but the door moved while his fist was in mid-air, and the merry-eyed maid who opened it mocked him for a lunatic.
mid-air
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Afridi led her up the stone steps, and paused at the top to hammer on a carved door with his clenched fist; but the door moved while his fist was in mid-air, and the merry-eyed maid who opened it mocked him for a lunatic.
middlenounUS /ˈmɪdəl/
an area that is approximately central within some larger region
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
mockedverbUS /mɑːkt/
past form of “mock” — treat with contempt
From this reading The Afridi led her up the stone steps, and paused at the top to hammer on a carved door with his clenched fist; but the door moved while his fist was in mid-air, and the merry-eyed maid who opened it mocked him for a lunatic.
movedadjectiveUS /muːvd/
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading The Afridi led her up the stone steps, and paused at the top to hammer on a carved door with his clenched fist; but the door moved while his fist was in mid-air, and the merry-eyed maid who opened it mocked him for a lunatic.
NativesnounUS /ˈneɪtɪvz/
plural of “native” — an indigenous person who was born in a particular place
From this reading Natives of the country always removed their shoes before entering her house, and she supposed it would be only decent to reciprocate.
nearlyadverbUS /ˈnɪrli/
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Dumb, apparently, in the presence of woman, he slunk down the steps again, leaving Tess wondering whether it were not good manners to remove her shoes before entering.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
oilnounUS /ɔɪl/
A viscous liquid derived from petroleum or plants, stored in large earthen jars.
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/
and nothing more
From this reading Everything else was in gloom and shadow, and only one chink of light betrayed the whereabouts of a curtained window.
openedadjectiveUS /ˈoʊpənd/
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading The Afridi led her up the stone steps, and paused at the top to hammer on a carved door with his clenched fist; but the door moved while his fist was in mid-air, and the merry-eyed maid who opened it mocked him for a lunatic.
outlinesnounUS /ˈaʊtlaɪnz/
plural of “outline” — the line that appears to bound an object
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
palacenounUS /ˈpæləs/
a large and stately mansion
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
partnounUS /pɑːrt/
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
pausedverbUS /pɔːzd/
past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
From this reading The Afridi led her up the stone steps, and paused at the top to hammer on a carved door with his clenched fist; but the door moved while his fist was in mid-air, and the merry-eyed maid who opened it mocked him for a lunatic.
placenounUS /pleɪs/
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
presencenounUS /ˈprezəns/
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading Dumb, apparently, in the presence of woman, he slunk down the steps again, leaving Tess wondering whether it were not good manners to remove her shoes before entering.
reciprocateverbUS /rɪˈsɪprəkeɪt/
act, feel, or give mutually or in return
From this reading Natives of the country always removed their shoes before entering her house, and she supposed it would be only decent to reciprocate.
removeverbUS /riˈmuːv/
remove something concrete, as by lifting, pushing, or taking off, or remove something abstract
From this reading Dumb, apparently, in the presence of woman, he slunk down the steps again, leaving Tess wondering whether it were not good manners to remove her shoes before entering.
removedadjectiveUS /riˈmuːvd/
separated in relationship by a given degree of descent
From this reading Natives of the country always removed their shoes before entering her house, and she supposed it would be only decent to reciprocate.
runverbUS /rʌn/
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
sandalsnounUS /ˈsændəlz/
plural of “sandal” — a shoe consisting of a sole fastened by straps to the foot
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
shadownounUS /ˈʃæd.oʊ/
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading Everything else was in gloom and shadow, and only one chink of light betrayed the whereabouts of a curtained window.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Natives of the country always removed their shoes before entering her house, and she supposed it would be only decent to reciprocate.
shoesnounUS /ʃuːz/
a particular situation
From this reading Dumb, apparently, in the presence of woman, he slunk down the steps again, leaving Tess wondering whether it were not good manners to remove her shoes before entering.
showedverbUS /ʃoʊd/
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
sleepnounUS /sliːp/
a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
slunk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dumb, apparently, in the presence of woman, he slunk down the steps again, leaving Tess wondering whether it were not good manners to remove her shoes before entering.
snatchedverbUS /snætʃt/
past form of “snatch” — to grasp hastily or eagerly
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
steepadjectiveUS /stiːp/
having a sharp inclination
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
stepsnounUS /steps/
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
stonenounUS /stoʊn/
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
strangeadjectiveUS /streɪndʒ/
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
supposedadjectiveUS /səˈpoʊzd/
required or under orders
From this reading Natives of the country always removed their shoes before entering her house, and she supposed it would be only decent to reciprocate.
Tess
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Natives of the country always removed their shoes before entering her house, and she supposed it would be only decent to reciprocate.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
topnounUS /tɑːp/
the upper part of anything
From this reading The Afridi led her up the stone steps, and paused at the top to hammer on a carved door with his clenched fist; but the door moved while his fist was in mid-air, and the merry-eyed maid who opened it mocked him for a lunatic.
upadjectiveUS /ʌp/
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The Afridi led her up the stone steps, and paused at the top to hammer on a carved door with his clenched fist; but the door moved while his fist was in mid-air, and the merry-eyed maid who opened it mocked him for a lunatic.
wallnounUS /wɔːl/
an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Everything else was in gloom and shadow, and only one chink of light betrayed the whereabouts of a curtained window.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
whereaboutsnounUS /ˈwerəbaʊts/
the general location where something is
From this reading Everything else was in gloom and shadow, and only one chink of light betrayed the whereabouts of a curtained window.
whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading Dumb, apparently, in the presence of woman, he slunk down the steps again, leaving Tess wondering whether it were not good manners to remove her shoes before entering.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading The Afridi led her up the stone steps, and paused at the top to hammer on a carved door with his clenched fist; but the door moved while his fist was in mid-air, and the merry-eyed maid who opened it mocked him for a lunatic.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading The Afridi led her up the stone steps, and paused at the top to hammer on a carved door with his clenched fist; but the door moved while his fist was in mid-air, and the merry-eyed maid who opened it mocked him for a lunatic.
whosedeterminerUS /huːz/
belonging to which person
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
windownounUS /ˈwɪndoʊ/
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading Everything else was in gloom and shadow, and only one chink of light betrayed the whereabouts of a curtained window.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The Afridi led her up the stone steps, and paused at the top to hammer on a carved door with his clenched fist; but the door moved while his fist was in mid-air, and the merry-eyed maid who opened it mocked him for a lunatic.
womannounUS /ˈwʊmən/
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading Dumb, apparently, in the presence of woman, he slunk down the steps again, leaving Tess wondering whether it were not good manners to remove her shoes before entering.
wonderingadjectiveUS /ˈwʌndərɪŋ/
showing curiosity
From this reading Dumb, apparently, in the presence of woman, he slunk down the steps again, leaving Tess wondering whether it were not good manners to remove her shoes before entering.
wornverbUS /wɔːrn/
Damaged or thinned by continuous use.
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Natives of the country always removed their shoes before entering her house, and she supposed it would be only decent to reciprocate.
yellowadjectiveUS /ˈjeloʊ/
of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk
From this reading The strange gateman--he had a little kennel of a place to sleep in just inside the entrance--snatched the hamper from Tess and led her almost at a run across an ancient courtyard whose outlines were nearly invisible except where the yellow light of one ancient oil lantern on an iron bracket showed a part of the palace wall and a steep flight of stone steps, worn down the middle by centuries of sandals.
