Chapter XX · Chapter 20

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

From this reading He was not a fear-inspiring object; hunger and privation seemed so to have gripped him that now he presented but a pitiable shadow of himself.

of the most contemptible kind

From this reading Did John Steele notice that changed, abject aspect, that bearing, devoid totally of confidence?

in an absurd manner or to an absurd degree

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

past form of “accost” — speak to someone

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

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

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb

From this reading Steele's arm had half raised; it now fell to his side; his eyes continued to study, with swift, piercing glance, the man who had called.

a distinct feature or element in a problem

From this reading Did John Steele notice that changed, abject aspect, that bearing, devoid totally of confidence?

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

relevant relation or interconnection

From this reading Did John Steele notice that changed, abject aspect, that bearing, devoid totally of confidence?

earlier than; in front of

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

make by combining materials and parts

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He was not a fear-inspiring object; hunger and privation seemed so to have gripped him that now he presented but a pitiable shadow of himself.

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

From this reading Steele's arm had half raised; it now fell to his side; his eyes continued to study, with swift, piercing glance, the man who had called.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

made or become different in nature or form

From this reading Did John Steele notice that changed, abject aspect, that bearing, devoid totally of confidence?

relatively low in price or charging low prices

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading Did John Steele notice that changed, abject aspect, that bearing, devoid totally of confidence?

without stop or interruption

From this reading Steele's arm had half raised; it now fell to his side; his eyes continued to study, with swift, piercing glance, the man who had called.

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

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

A short, wide strip of silk fabric worn by gentlemen around the neck inside an open-collared shirt.

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

(of hair) making curls or having been made to curl

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

precise; explicit and clearly defined

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

true confidential information

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

completely wanting or lacking

From this reading Did John Steele notice that changed, abject aspect, that bearing, devoid totally of confidence?

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

From this reading Did John Steele notice that changed, abject aspect, that bearing, devoid totally of confidence?

(often followed by “from”) not alike; different in nature or quality

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Steele's arm had half raised; it now fell to his side; his eyes continued to study, with swift, piercing glance, the man who had called.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

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

From this reading He was not a fear-inspiring object; hunger and privation seemed so to have gripped him that now he presented but a pitiable shadow of himself.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading Steele's arm had half raised; it now fell to his side; his eyes continued to study, with swift, piercing glance, the man who had called.

marked by extreme and violent energy

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

A hot glowing body of ignited gas produced by fire.

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading Steele's arm had half raised; it now fell to his side; his eyes continued to study, with swift, piercing glance, the man who had called.

a flash of light (especially reflected light)

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

inflected form of “grip” — hold fast or firmly

From this reading He was not a fear-inspiring object; hunger and privation seemed so to have gripped him that now he presented but a pitiable shadow of himself.

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

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading Steele's arm had half raised; it now fell to his side; his eyes continued to study, with swift, piercing glance, the man who had called.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading He was not a fear-inspiring object; hunger and privation seemed so to have gripped him that now he presented but a pitiable shadow of himself.

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

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

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

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

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

From this reading He was not a fear-inspiring object; hunger and privation seemed so to have gripped him that now he presented but a pitiable shadow of himself.

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

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

a physiological need for food; the consequence of food deprivation

From this reading He was not a fear-inspiring object; hunger and privation seemed so to have gripped him that now he presented but a pitiable shadow of himself.

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

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

in an incoherent manner

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Steele's arm had half raised; it now fell to his side; his eyes continued to study, with swift, piercing glance, the man who had called.

stylishness as evidenced by a smart appearance

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

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

From this reading Steele's arm had half raised; it now fell to his side; his eyes continued to study, with swift, piercing glance, the man who had called.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He was not a fear-inspiring object; hunger and privation seemed so to have gripped him that now he presented but a pitiable shadow of himself.

an announcement containing information about an event

From this reading Did John Steele notice that changed, abject aspect, that bearing, devoid totally of confidence?

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Steele's arm had half raised; it now fell to his side; his eyes continued to study, with swift, piercing glance, the man who had called.

a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading He was not a fear-inspiring object; hunger and privation seemed so to have gripped him that now he presented but a pitiable shadow of himself.

the state of being disregarded or forgotten

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

on one occasion

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

very light colored; highly diluted with white

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

a strong feeling or emotion

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

a human being

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

From this reading Steele's arm had half raised; it now fell to his side; his eyes continued to study, with swift, piercing glance, the man who had called.

sounding as if the nose were pinched

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

inspiring mixed contempt and pity

From this reading He was not a fear-inspiring object; hunger and privation seemed so to have gripped him that now he presented but a pitiable shadow of himself.

past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading He was not a fear-inspiring object; hunger and privation seemed so to have gripped him that now he presented but a pitiable shadow of himself.

the act of giving a false appearance

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

a state of extreme poverty

From this reading He was not a fear-inspiring object; hunger and privation seemed so to have gripped him that now he presented but a pitiable shadow of himself.

located or moved above the surround or above the normal position

From this reading Steele's arm had half raised; it now fell to his side; his eyes continued to study, with swift, piercing glance, the man who had called.

past form of “remember” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading He was not a fear-inspiring object; hunger and privation seemed so to have gripped him that now he presented but a pitiable shadow of himself.

past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading He was not a fear-inspiring object; hunger and privation seemed so to have gripped him that now he presented but a pitiable shadow of himself.

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

inflected form of “shrink” — wither, as with a loss of moisture

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading Steele's arm had half raised; it now fell to his side; his eyes continued to study, with swift, piercing glance, the man who had called.

a kind of pain such as that caused by a wound or a burn or a sore

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading He was not a fear-inspiring object; hunger and privation seemed so to have gripped him that now he presented but a pitiable shadow of himself.

speak haltingly

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

English writer (1672-1729)

From this reading Did John Steele notice that changed, abject aspect, that bearing, devoid totally of confidence?

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

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

spreading out in different directions or distributed irregularly

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

successive (without a break)

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading Steele's arm had half raised; it now fell to his side; his eyes continued to study, with swift, piercing glance, the man who had called.

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

moving very fast

From this reading Steele's arm had half raised; it now fell to his side; his eyes continued to study, with swift, piercing glance, the man who had called.

tastelessly showy

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He was not a fear-inspiring object; hunger and privation seemed so to have gripped him that now he presented but a pitiable shadow of himself.

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

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

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

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading Did John Steele notice that changed, abject aspect, that bearing, devoid totally of confidence?

a subdivision of a particular kind of thing

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

not expected or anticipated

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

having passed out of existence

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

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

From this reading He was not a fear-inspiring object; hunger and privation seemed so to have gripped him that now he presented but a pitiable shadow of himself.

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

From this reading All pretense of a certain coster smartness that he remembered, had vanished; the hair, once curled with cheap jauntiness, hung now straight and straggling; a tawdry ornament which had stood out in the past, absurdly distinct on a bright cravat, with many other details that had served to build up a definite type of individual, seemed to have dropped off into oblivion.

which person or people

From this reading THE UNEXPECTED Before the sudden fierce passion gleaming on John Steele's face, the bright flame of his look, the person who had accosted him shrank back; his pinched and pale face showed surprise, fear; almost incoherently he began to stammer.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Steele's arm had half raised; it now fell to his side; his eyes continued to study, with swift, piercing glance, the man who had called.