used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE EAVESDROPPERS To Fielden, waiting, it seemed that Phillips was a long time away.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading There were sundry bottles, too, with gold foil about the necks, and when the hamper had been emptied Foster repaired to the kitchen and presently reappeared with a tray laden with plates and dishes, the requisite number of glasses and knives and forks, and a tablecloth.
accomplicenounUS /əˈkɑːm.plɪs/
A person who helps another commit a daring crime or secret scheme.
From this reading Judging from the smell, Copley was smoking in the dining-room whilst his accomplice was preparing the supper.
a feeling of delight at being entertained
From this reading With grim amusement he watched Foster open the hamper and take from it certain delicacies which formed the foundation of what promised to be an exceedingly good supper.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading With grim amusement he watched Foster open the hamper and take from it certain delicacies which formed the foundation of what promised to be an exceedingly good supper.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading With grim amusement he watched Foster open the hamper and take from it certain delicacies which formed the foundation of what promised to be an exceedingly good supper.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading THE EAVESDROPPERS To Fielden, waiting, it seemed that Phillips was a long time away.
banisters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While he stood looking over the banisters he learned that the fire had been made up downstairs.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading With grim amusement he watched Foster open the hamper and take from it certain delicacies which formed the foundation of what promised to be an exceedingly good supper.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading While he stood looking over the banisters he learned that the fire had been made up downstairs.
bottlesnounUS /ˈbɑːtəlz/
plural of “bottle” — a glass or plastic vessel used for storing drinks or other liquids; typically cylindrical without handles and with a narrow neck that can be plugged or capped
From this reading There were sundry bottles, too, with gold foil about the necks, and when the hamper had been emptied Foster repaired to the kitchen and presently reappeared with a tray laden with plates and dishes, the requisite number of glasses and knives and forks, and a tablecloth.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading With grim amusement he watched Foster open the hamper and take from it certain delicacies which formed the foundation of what promised to be an exceedingly good supper.
CopleynounUS /ˈkɑːpli/
American painter who did portraits of Paul Revere and John Hancock before fleeing to England to avoid the American Revolution (1738-1815)
From this reading Judging from the smell, Copley was smoking in the dining-room whilst his accomplice was preparing the supper.
delicaciesnounUS /ˈdelɪkəsiz/
plural of “delicacy” — the quality of being beautiful and delicate in appearance
From this reading With grim amusement he watched Foster open the hamper and take from it certain delicacies which formed the foundation of what promised to be an exceedingly good supper.
dining-roomnoun
a room used for dining
From this reading Judging from the smell, Copley was smoking in the dining-room whilst his accomplice was preparing the supper.
dishesnounUS /ˈdɪʃəz/
plural of “dish” — a piece of dishware normally used as a container for holding or serving food
From this reading There were sundry bottles, too, with gold foil about the necks, and when the hamper had been emptied Foster repaired to the kitchen and presently reappeared with a tray laden with plates and dishes, the requisite number of glasses and knives and forks, and a tablecloth.
downstairsadverbUS /ˈdaʊnˈsterz/
on a floor below
From this reading While he stood looking over the banisters he learned that the fire had been made up downstairs.
EAVESDROPPERS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE EAVESDROPPERS To Fielden, waiting, it seemed that Phillips was a long time away.
emptiedverbUS /ˈemptid/
inflected form of “empty” — make void or empty of contents
From this reading There were sundry bottles, too, with gold foil about the necks, and when the hamper had been emptied Foster repaired to the kitchen and presently reappeared with a tray laden with plates and dishes, the requisite number of glasses and knives and forks, and a tablecloth.
to an extreme degree
From this reading With grim amusement he watched Foster open the hamper and take from it certain delicacies which formed the foundation of what promised to be an exceedingly good supper.
Fielden
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE EAVESDROPPERS To Fielden, waiting, it seemed that Phillips was a long time away.
start firing a weapon
From this reading While he stood looking over the banisters he learned that the fire had been made up downstairs.
foilverbUS /fɔɪl/
enhance by contrast
From this reading There were sundry bottles, too, with gold foil about the necks, and when the hamper had been emptied Foster repaired to the kitchen and presently reappeared with a tray laden with plates and dishes, the requisite number of glasses and knives and forks, and a tablecloth.
forksnounUS /fɔːrks/
plural of “fork” — cutlery used for serving and eating food
From this reading There were sundry bottles, too, with gold foil about the necks, and when the hamper had been emptied Foster repaired to the kitchen and presently reappeared with a tray laden with plates and dishes, the requisite number of glasses and knives and forks, and a tablecloth.
having or given a form or shape
From this reading With grim amusement he watched Foster open the hamper and take from it certain delicacies which formed the foundation of what promised to be an exceedingly good supper.
FosterverbUS /ˈfɑːstər/
promote the growth of
From this reading With grim amusement he watched Foster open the hamper and take from it certain delicacies which formed the foundation of what promised to be an exceedingly good supper.
foundationnounUS /faʊnˈdeɪʃən/
the basis on which something is grounded
From this reading With grim amusement he watched Foster open the hamper and take from it certain delicacies which formed the foundation of what promised to be an exceedingly good supper.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading With grim amusement he watched Foster open the hamper and take from it certain delicacies which formed the foundation of what promised to be an exceedingly good supper.
(plural) optical instrument consisting of a frame that holds a pair of lenses for correcting defective vision
From this reading There were sundry bottles, too, with gold foil about the necks, and when the hamper had been emptied Foster repaired to the kitchen and presently reappeared with a tray laden with plates and dishes, the requisite number of glasses and knives and forks, and a tablecloth.
coins made of gold
From this reading There were sundry bottles, too, with gold foil about the necks, and when the hamper had been emptied Foster repaired to the kitchen and presently reappeared with a tray laden with plates and dishes, the requisite number of glasses and knives and forks, and a tablecloth.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading With grim amusement he watched Foster open the hamper and take from it certain delicacies which formed the foundation of what promised to be an exceedingly good supper.
not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
From this reading With grim amusement he watched Foster open the hamper and take from it certain delicacies which formed the foundation of what promised to be an exceedingly good supper.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading While he stood looking over the banisters he learned that the fire had been made up downstairs.
hamperverbUS /ˈhæmpər/
prevent the progress or free movement of
From this reading With grim amusement he watched Foster open the hamper and take from it certain delicacies which formed the foundation of what promised to be an exceedingly good supper.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading While he stood looking over the banisters he learned that the fire had been made up downstairs.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Judging from the smell, Copley was smoking in the dining-room whilst his accomplice was preparing the supper.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Judging from the smell, Copley was smoking in the dining-room whilst his accomplice was preparing the supper.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE EAVESDROPPERS To Fielden, waiting, it seemed that Phillips was a long time away.
JudgingnounUS /ˈdʒʌdʒɪŋ/
the cognitive process of reaching a decision or drawing conclusions
From this reading Judging from the smell, Copley was smoking in the dining-room whilst his accomplice was preparing the supper.
a room equipped for preparing meals
From this reading There were sundry bottles, too, with gold foil about the necks, and when the hamper had been emptied Foster repaired to the kitchen and presently reappeared with a tray laden with plates and dishes, the requisite number of glasses and knives and forks, and a tablecloth.
knivesnounUS /naɪvz/
plural of “knife” — edge tool used as a cutting instrument; has a pointed blade with a sharp edge and a handle
From this reading There were sundry bottles, too, with gold foil about the necks, and when the hamper had been emptied Foster repaired to the kitchen and presently reappeared with a tray laden with plates and dishes, the requisite number of glasses and knives and forks, and a tablecloth.
ladenadjectiveUS /ˈleɪdən/
filled with a great quantity
From this reading There were sundry bottles, too, with gold foil about the necks, and when the hamper had been emptied Foster repaired to the kitchen and presently reappeared with a tray laden with plates and dishes, the requisite number of glasses and knives and forks, and a tablecloth.
having or showing profound knowledge
From this reading While he stood looking over the banisters he learned that the fire had been made up downstairs.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading THE EAVESDROPPERS To Fielden, waiting, it seemed that Phillips was a long time away.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading While he stood looking over the banisters he learned that the fire had been made up downstairs.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading While he stood looking over the banisters he learned that the fire had been made up downstairs.
necksnounUS /neks/
plural of “neck” — the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body
From this reading There were sundry bottles, too, with gold foil about the necks, and when the hamper had been emptied Foster repaired to the kitchen and presently reappeared with a tray laden with plates and dishes, the requisite number of glasses and knives and forks, and a tablecloth.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading There were sundry bottles, too, with gold foil about the necks, and when the hamper had been emptied Foster repaired to the kitchen and presently reappeared with a tray laden with plates and dishes, the requisite number of glasses and knives and forks, and a tablecloth.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading With grim amusement he watched Foster open the hamper and take from it certain delicacies which formed the foundation of what promised to be an exceedingly good supper.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading With grim amusement he watched Foster open the hamper and take from it certain delicacies which formed the foundation of what promised to be an exceedingly good supper.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading While he stood looking over the banisters he learned that the fire had been made up downstairs.
Phillips
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE EAVESDROPPERS To Fielden, waiting, it seemed that Phillips was a long time away.
platesnounUS /pleɪts/
plural of “plate” — (baseball) base consisting of a rubber slab where the batter stands; it must be touched by a base runner in order to score
From this reading There were sundry bottles, too, with gold foil about the necks, and when the hamper had been emptied Foster repaired to the kitchen and presently reappeared with a tray laden with plates and dishes, the requisite number of glasses and knives and forks, and a tablecloth.
preparingverbUS /priˈperɪŋ/
-ing form of “prepare” — make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc
From this reading Judging from the smell, Copley was smoking in the dining-room whilst his accomplice was preparing the supper.
in the near future
From this reading There were sundry bottles, too, with gold foil about the necks, and when the hamper had been emptied Foster repaired to the kitchen and presently reappeared with a tray laden with plates and dishes, the requisite number of glasses and knives and forks, and a tablecloth.
past form of “promise” — make a promise or commitment
From this reading With grim amusement he watched Foster open the hamper and take from it certain delicacies which formed the foundation of what promised to be an exceedingly good supper.
reappearedverbUS /ˌriːəˈpɪrd/
past form of “reappear” — appear again
From this reading There were sundry bottles, too, with gold foil about the necks, and when the hamper had been emptied Foster repaired to the kitchen and presently reappeared with a tray laden with plates and dishes, the requisite number of glasses and knives and forks, and a tablecloth.
repairedverbUS /rɪˈperd/
past form of “repair” — restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken
From this reading There were sundry bottles, too, with gold foil about the necks, and when the hamper had been emptied Foster repaired to the kitchen and presently reappeared with a tray laden with plates and dishes, the requisite number of glasses and knives and forks, and a tablecloth.
requisitenounUS /ˈrekwəzət/
anything indispensable
From this reading There were sundry bottles, too, with gold foil about the necks, and when the hamper had been emptied Foster repaired to the kitchen and presently reappeared with a tray laden with plates and dishes, the requisite number of glasses and knives and forks, and a tablecloth.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading THE EAVESDROPPERS To Fielden, waiting, it seemed that Phillips was a long time away.
the sensation that results when olfactory receptors in the nose are stimulated by particular chemicals in gaseous form
From this reading Judging from the smell, Copley was smoking in the dining-room whilst his accomplice was preparing the supper.
the act of smoking tobacco or other substances
From this reading Judging from the smell, Copley was smoking in the dining-room whilst his accomplice was preparing the supper.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading While he stood looking over the banisters he learned that the fire had been made up downstairs.
sundryadjectiveUS /ˈsʌndri/
consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds
From this reading There were sundry bottles, too, with gold foil about the necks, and when the hamper had been emptied Foster repaired to the kitchen and presently reappeared with a tray laden with plates and dishes, the requisite number of glasses and knives and forks, and a tablecloth.
a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime
From this reading With grim amusement he watched Foster open the hamper and take from it certain delicacies which formed the foundation of what promised to be an exceedingly good supper.
tableclothnounUS /ˈteɪbəlklɔːθ/
a covering spread over a dining table
From this reading There were sundry bottles, too, with gold foil about the necks, and when the hamper had been emptied Foster repaired to the kitchen and presently reappeared with a tray laden with plates and dishes, the requisite number of glasses and knives and forks, and a tablecloth.
carry out
From this reading With grim amusement he watched Foster open the hamper and take from it certain delicacies which formed the foundation of what promised to be an exceedingly good supper.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE EAVESDROPPERS To Fielden, waiting, it seemed that Phillips was a long time away.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE EAVESDROPPERS To Fielden, waiting, it seemed that Phillips was a long time away.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There were sundry bottles, too, with gold foil about the necks, and when the hamper had been emptied Foster repaired to the kitchen and presently reappeared with a tray laden with plates and dishes, the requisite number of glasses and knives and forks, and a tablecloth.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading THE EAVESDROPPERS To Fielden, waiting, it seemed that Phillips was a long time away.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE EAVESDROPPERS To Fielden, waiting, it seemed that Phillips was a long time away.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading There were sundry bottles, too, with gold foil about the necks, and when the hamper had been emptied Foster repaired to the kitchen and presently reappeared with a tray laden with plates and dishes, the requisite number of glasses and knives and forks, and a tablecloth.
traynounUS /treɪ/
an open receptacle for holding or displaying or serving articles or food
From this reading There were sundry bottles, too, with gold foil about the necks, and when the hamper had been emptied Foster repaired to the kitchen and presently reappeared with a tray laden with plates and dishes, the requisite number of glasses and knives and forks, and a tablecloth.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading While he stood looking over the banisters he learned that the fire had been made up downstairs.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading THE EAVESDROPPERS To Fielden, waiting, it seemed that Phillips was a long time away.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE EAVESDROPPERS To Fielden, waiting, it seemed that Phillips was a long time away.
past form of “watch” — look attentively
From this reading With grim amusement he watched Foster open the hamper and take from it certain delicacies which formed the foundation of what promised to be an exceedingly good supper.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There were sundry bottles, too, with gold foil about the necks, and when the hamper had been emptied Foster repaired to the kitchen and presently reappeared with a tray laden with plates and dishes, the requisite number of glasses and knives and forks, and a tablecloth.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading With grim amusement he watched Foster open the hamper and take from it certain delicacies which formed the foundation of what promised to be an exceedingly good supper.
at the time that
From this reading There were sundry bottles, too, with gold foil about the necks, and when the hamper had been emptied Foster repaired to the kitchen and presently reappeared with a tray laden with plates and dishes, the requisite number of glasses and knives and forks, and a tablecloth.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading With grim amusement he watched Foster open the hamper and take from it certain delicacies which formed the foundation of what promised to be an exceedingly good supper.
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading While he stood looking over the banisters he learned that the fire had been made up downstairs.
an old and formal word for “while”
From this reading Judging from the smell, Copley was smoking in the dining-room whilst his accomplice was preparing the supper.
in the company of; together with
From this reading With grim amusement he watched Foster open the hamper and take from it certain delicacies which formed the foundation of what promised to be an exceedingly good supper.
