Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading The Lessways household, consisting of Hilda and her widowed mother, was temporarily without a servant.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

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

From this reading The Lessways household, consisting of Hilda and her widowed mother, was temporarily without a servant.

a garment of cloth or leather or plastic that is tied about the waist and worn to protect your clothing

From this reading Even the apron which she had worn was hung in concealment behind the scullery door.

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

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

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

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

for the reason that

From this reading Hilda hated domestic work, and because she hated it she often did it passionately and thoroughly.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading Even the apron which she had worn was hung in concealment behind the scullery door.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The lobby clock, which stood over six feet high and had to be wound up every night by hauling on a rope, was noisily getting ready to strike two.

a timepiece that shows the time of day

From this reading The lobby clock, which stood over six feet high and had to be wound up every night by hauling on a rope, was noisily getting ready to strike two.

the condition of being concealed or hidden

From this reading Even the apron which she had worn was hung in concealment behind the scullery door.

-ing form of “consist” — originate

From this reading The Lessways household, consisting of Hilda and her widowed mother, was temporarily without a servant.

every day; without missing a day

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

boldly resisting authority or an opposing force

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

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

From this reading Hilda hated domestic work, and because she hated it she often did it passionately and thoroughly.

of concern to or concerning the internal affairs of a nation

From this reading Hilda hated domestic work, and because she hated it she often did it passionately and thoroughly.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Even the apron which she had worn was hung in concealment behind the scullery door.

past form of “emerge” — come out into view, as from concealment

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

divisible by two

From this reading Even the apron which she had worn was hung in concealment behind the scullery door.

at any time

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading The lobby clock, which stood over six feet high and had to be wound up every night by hauling on a rope, was noisily getting ready to strike two.

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

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading The lobby clock, which stood over six feet high and had to be wound up every night by hauling on a rope, was noisily getting ready to strike two.

any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

the act of acquiring something

From this reading The lobby clock, which stood over six feet high and had to be wound up every night by hauling on a rope, was noisily getting ready to strike two.

not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

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

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

treated with dislike or contempt

From this reading Hilda hated domestic work, and because she hated it she often did it passionately and thoroughly.

the activity of transporting goods by truck

From this reading The lobby clock, which stood over six feet high and had to be wound up every night by hauling on a rope, was noisily getting ready to strike two.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading The Lessways household, consisting of Hilda and her widowed mother, was temporarily without a servant.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The lobby clock, which stood over six feet high and had to be wound up every night by hauling on a rope, was noisily getting ready to strike two.

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

From this reading The Lessways household, consisting of Hilda and her widowed mother, was temporarily without a servant.

a social unit living together

From this reading The Lessways household, consisting of Hilda and her widowed mother, was temporarily without a servant.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading Even the apron which she had worn was hung in concealment behind the scullery door.

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

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

something that serves to indicate or suggest

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

free of guilt; not subject to blame

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Hilda hated domestic work, and because she hated it she often did it passionately and thoroughly.

a room equipped for preparing meals

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

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

From this reading The Lessways household, consisting of Hilda and her widowed mother, was temporarily without a servant.

a large entrance or reception room or area

From this reading The lobby clock, which stood over six feet high and had to be wound up every night by hauling on a rope, was noisily getting ready to strike two.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading The Lessways household, consisting of Hilda and her widowed mother, was temporarily without a servant.

possessive form of “nature” — the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading The lobby clock, which stood over six feet high and had to be wound up every night by hauling on a rope, was noisily getting ready to strike two.

with much noise or loud and unpleasant sound

From this reading The lobby clock, which stood over six feet high and had to be wound up every night by hauling on a rope, was noisily getting ready to strike two.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The Lessways household, consisting of Hilda and her widowed mother, was temporarily without a servant.

many times at short intervals

From this reading Hilda hated domestic work, and because she hated it she often did it passionately and thoroughly.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The lobby clock, which stood over six feet high and had to be wound up every night by hauling on a rope, was noisily getting ready to strike two.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

above and across; more than

From this reading The lobby clock, which stood over six feet high and had to be wound up every night by hauling on a rope, was noisily getting ready to strike two.

with passion

From this reading Hilda hated domestic work, and because she hated it she often did it passionately and thoroughly.

perfected or made shiny and smooth

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

-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 That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading The lobby clock, which stood over six feet high and had to be wound up every night by hauling on a rope, was noisily getting ready to strike two.

a strong line

From this reading The lobby clock, which stood over six feet high and had to be wound up every night by hauling on a rope, was noisily getting ready to strike two.

the contentment one feels when one has fulfilled a desire, need, or expectation

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

a small room (in large old British houses) next to the kitchen; where kitchen utensils are cleaned and kept and other rough household jobs are done

From this reading Even the apron which she had worn was hung in concealment behind the scullery door.

a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading The Lessways household, consisting of Hilda and her widowed mother, was temporarily without a servant.

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

From this reading Hilda hated domestic work, and because she hated it she often did it passionately and thoroughly.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

From this reading The lobby clock, which stood over six feet high and had to be wound up every night by hauling on a rope, was noisily getting ready to strike two.

superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading The lobby clock, which stood over six feet high and had to be wound up every night by hauling on a rope, was noisily getting ready to strike two.

deliver a sharp blow, as with the hand, fist, or weapon

From this reading The lobby clock, which stood over six feet high and had to be wound up every night by hauling on a rope, was noisily getting ready to strike two.

for a limited time only; not permanently

From this reading The Lessways household, consisting of Hilda and her widowed mother, was temporarily without a servant.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

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

From this reading The Lessways household, consisting of Hilda and her widowed mother, was temporarily without a servant.

in an exhaustive manner

From this reading Hilda hated domestic work, and because she hated it she often did it passionately and thoroughly.

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

From this reading The lobby clock, which stood over six feet high and had to be wound up every night by hauling on a rope, was noisily getting ready to strike two.

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

From this reading The lobby clock, which stood over six feet high and had to be wound up every night by hauling on a rope, was noisily getting ready to strike two.

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

From this reading The lobby clock, which stood over six feet high and had to be wound up every night by hauling on a rope, was noisily getting ready to strike two.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

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

From this reading The Lessways household, consisting of Hilda and her widowed mother, was temporarily without a servant.

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

From this reading Even the apron which she had worn was hung in concealment behind the scullery door.

single because of death of the spouse

From this reading The Lessways household, consisting of Hilda and her widowed mother, was temporarily without a servant.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading The Lessways household, consisting of Hilda and her widowed mother, was temporarily without a servant.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading Hilda hated domestic work, and because she hated it she often did it passionately and thoroughly.

Damaged or thinned by continuous use.

From this reading Even the apron which she had worn was hung in concealment behind the scullery door.

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

From this reading That afternoon, as she emerged from the kitchen, her dark, defiant face was full of grim satisfaction in the fact that she had left a kitchen polished and irreproachable, a kitchen without the slightest indication that it ever had been or ever would be used for preparing human nature's daily food; a show kitchen.

an injury to living tissue (especially an injury involving a cut or break in the skin)

From this reading The lobby clock, which stood over six feet high and had to be wound up every night by hauling on a rope, was noisily getting ready to strike two.