Chapter I

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

From this reading It was a decided uncompromising rainy day.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

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

From this reading The gutters were brimming streams, and the sidewalks were glazed with thin sheets of water.

weapons considered collectively

From this reading The naked trees, that, during the earlier hours of the deluge had seemed to shiver for the immature leaf-buds, so unfit to endure the rough handling of the storm, now held out still, patient arms, the rising sap curdled within their hearts.

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

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The block of buildings before which our story pauses, was, as a glance would have showed the initiated in the grades of Gotham life, highly respectable, even in the rain.

a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)

From this reading The block of buildings before which our story pauses, was, as a glance would have showed the initiated in the grades of Gotham life, highly respectable, even in the rain.

comparative of “bright” — emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

filled to capacity

From this reading The gutters were brimming streams, and the sidewalks were glazed with thin sheets of water.

plural of “building” — a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading The block of buildings before which our story pauses, was, as a glance would have showed the initiated in the grades of Gotham life, highly respectable, even in the rain.

the act of burning something

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

a line of units following one after another

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

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

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

transformed from a liquid into a soft semisolid or solid mass

From this reading The naked trees, that, during the earlier hours of the deluge had seemed to shiver for the immature leaf-buds, so unfit to endure the rough handling of the storm, now held out still, patient arms, the rising sap curdled within their hearts.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading It was a decided uncompromising rainy day.

recognizable; marked

From this reading It was a decided uncompromising rainy day.

an overwhelming number or amount

From this reading The naked trees, that, during the earlier hours of the deluge had seemed to shiver for the immature leaf-buds, so unfit to endure the rough handling of the storm, now held out still, patient arms, the rising sap curdled within their hearts.

fraught with uncertainty or doubt

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading The naked trees, that, during the earlier hours of the deluge had seemed to shiver for the immature leaf-buds, so unfit to endure the rough handling of the storm, now held out still, patient arms, the rising sap curdled within their hearts.

earlier in time; previously

From this reading The naked trees, that, during the earlier hours of the deluge had seemed to shiver for the immature leaf-buds, so unfit to endure the rough handling of the storm, now held out still, patient arms, the rising sap curdled within their hearts.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

put up with something or somebody unpleasant

From this reading The naked trees, that, during the earlier hours of the deluge had seemed to shiver for the immature leaf-buds, so unfit to endure the rough handling of the storm, now held out still, patient arms, the rising sap curdled within their hearts.

divisible by two

From this reading The block of buildings before which our story pauses, was, as a glance would have showed the initiated in the grades of Gotham life, highly respectable, even in the rain.

a wide scope

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The naked trees, that, during the earlier hours of the deluge had seemed to shiver for the immature leaf-buds, so unfit to endure the rough handling of the storm, now held out still, patient arms, the rising sap curdled within their hearts.

throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading The block of buildings before which our story pauses, was, as a glance would have showed the initiated in the grades of Gotham life, highly respectable, even in the rain.

(used of eyes) lacking liveliness

From this reading The gutters were brimming streams, and the sidewalks were glazed with thin sheets of water.

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

From this reading The block of buildings before which our story pauses, was, as a glance would have showed the initiated in the grades of Gotham life, highly respectable, even in the rain.

plural of “grade” — a body of students who are taught together

From this reading The block of buildings before which our story pauses, was, as a glance would have showed the initiated in the grades of Gotham life, highly respectable, even in the rain.

inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

plural of “gutter” — a channel along the eaves or on the roof; collects and carries away rainwater

From this reading The gutters were brimming streams, and the sidewalks were glazed with thin sheets of water.

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

From this reading The naked trees, that, during the earlier hours of the deluge had seemed to shiver for the immature leaf-buds, so unfit to endure the rough handling of the storm, now held out still, patient arms, the rising sap curdled within their hearts.

manual (or mechanical) carrying or moving or delivering or working with something

From this reading The naked trees, that, during the earlier hours of the deluge had seemed to shiver for the immature leaf-buds, so unfit to endure the rough handling of the storm, now held out still, patient arms, the rising sap curdled within their hearts.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The block of buildings before which our story pauses, was, as a glance would have showed the initiated in the grades of Gotham life, highly respectable, even in the rain.

a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades

From this reading The naked trees, that, during the earlier hours of the deluge had seemed to shiver for the immature leaf-buds, so unfit to endure the rough handling of the storm, now held out still, patient arms, the rising sap curdled within their hearts.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading The naked trees, that, during the earlier hours of the deluge had seemed to shiver for the immature leaf-buds, so unfit to endure the rough handling of the storm, now held out still, patient arms, the rising sap curdled within their hearts.

to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect

From this reading The block of buildings before which our story pauses, was, as a glance would have showed the initiated in the grades of Gotham life, highly respectable, even in the rain.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading The naked trees, that, during the earlier hours of the deluge had seemed to shiver for the immature leaf-buds, so unfit to endure the rough handling of the storm, now held out still, patient arms, the rising sap curdled within their hearts.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

characteristic of a lack of maturity

From this reading The naked trees, that, during the earlier hours of the deluge had seemed to shiver for the immature leaf-buds, so unfit to endure the rough handling of the storm, now held out still, patient arms, the rising sap curdled within their hearts.

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

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

past form of “initiate” — bring into being

From this reading The block of buildings before which our story pauses, was, as a glance would have showed the initiated in the grades of Gotham life, highly respectable, even in the rain.

the color of freshly broken cast iron

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was a decided uncompromising rainy day.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

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

From this reading The naked trees, that, during the earlier hours of the deluge had seemed to shiver for the immature leaf-buds, so unfit to endure the rough handling of the storm, now held out still, patient arms, the rising sap curdled within their hearts.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading The block of buildings before which our story pauses, was, as a glance would have showed the initiated in the grades of Gotham life, highly respectable, even in the rain.

plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

a protective covering that protects an inside surface

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

plural of “mist” — a thin fog with condensation near the ground

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

completely unclothed

From this reading The naked trees, that, during the earlier hours of the deluge had seemed to shiver for the immature leaf-buds, so unfit to endure the rough handling of the storm, now held out still, patient arms, the rising sap curdled within their hearts.

not any; not one

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

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

From this reading The naked trees, that, during the earlier hours of the deluge had seemed to shiver for the immature leaf-buds, so unfit to endure the rough handling of the storm, now held out still, patient arms, the rising sap curdled within their hearts.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading The block of buildings before which our story pauses, was, as a glance would have showed the initiated in the grades of Gotham life, highly respectable, even in the rain.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The naked trees, that, during the earlier hours of the deluge had seemed to shiver for the immature leaf-buds, so unfit to endure the rough handling of the storm, now held out still, patient arms, the rising sap curdled within their hearts.

a person who requires medical care

From this reading The naked trees, that, during the earlier hours of the deluge had seemed to shiver for the immature leaf-buds, so unfit to endure the rough handling of the storm, now held out still, patient arms, the rising sap curdled within their hearts.

plural of “pause” — a time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something

From this reading The block of buildings before which our story pauses, was, as a glance would have showed the initiated in the grades of Gotham life, highly respectable, even in the rain.

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

(of weather) wet by periods of rain

From this reading It was a decided uncompromising rainy day.

characterized by socially or conventionally acceptable morals

From this reading The block of buildings before which our story pauses, was, as a glance would have showed the initiated in the grades of Gotham life, highly respectable, even in the rain.

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status

From this reading The naked trees, that, during the earlier hours of the deluge had seemed to shiver for the immature leaf-buds, so unfit to endure the rough handling of the storm, now held out still, patient arms, the rising sap curdled within their hearts.

having or caused by an irregular surface

From this reading The naked trees, that, during the earlier hours of the deluge had seemed to shiver for the immature leaf-buds, so unfit to endure the rough handling of the storm, now held out still, patient arms, the rising sap curdled within their hearts.

deplete

From this reading The naked trees, that, during the earlier hours of the deluge had seemed to shiver for the immature leaf-buds, so unfit to endure the rough handling of the storm, now held out still, patient arms, the rising sap curdled within their hearts.

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

From this reading The naked trees, that, during the earlier hours of the deluge had seemed to shiver for the immature leaf-buds, so unfit to endure the rough handling of the storm, now held out still, patient arms, the rising sap curdled within their hearts.

100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

plural of “sheet” — any broad thin expanse or surface

From this reading The gutters were brimming streams, and the sidewalks were glazed with thin sheets of water.

tremble convulsively, as from fear or excitement

From this reading The naked trees, that, during the earlier hours of the deluge had seemed to shiver for the immature leaf-buds, so unfit to endure the rough handling of the storm, now held out still, patient arms, the rising sap curdled within their hearts.

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

From this reading The block of buildings before which our story pauses, was, as a glance would have showed the initiated in the grades of Gotham life, highly respectable, even in the rain.

plural of “shower” — a plumbing fixture that sprays water over you

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

plural of “sidewalk” — walk consisting of a paved area for pedestrians; usually beside a street or roadway

From this reading The gutters were brimming streams, and the sidewalks were glazed with thin sheets of water.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The naked trees, that, during the earlier hours of the deluge had seemed to shiver for the immature leaf-buds, so unfit to endure the rough handling of the storm, now held out still, patient arms, the rising sap curdled within their hearts.

make steady

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

not in physical motion

From this reading The naked trees, that, during the earlier hours of the deluge had seemed to shiver for the immature leaf-buds, so unfit to endure the rough handling of the storm, now held out still, patient arms, the rising sap curdled within their hearts.

behave violently, as if in state of a great anger

From this reading The naked trees, that, during the earlier hours of the deluge had seemed to shiver for the immature leaf-buds, so unfit to endure the rough handling of the storm, now held out still, patient arms, the rising sap curdled within their hearts.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading The block of buildings before which our story pauses, was, as a glance would have showed the initiated in the grades of Gotham life, highly respectable, even in the rain.

successive (without a break)

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

plural of “stream” — a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading The gutters were brimming streams, and the sidewalks were glazed with thin sheets of water.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

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

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading The gutters were brimming streams, and the sidewalks were glazed with thin sheets of water.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

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

From this reading The naked trees, that, during the earlier hours of the deluge had seemed to shiver for the immature leaf-buds, so unfit to endure the rough handling of the storm, now held out still, patient arms, the rising sap curdled within their hearts.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading The naked trees, that, during the earlier hours of the deluge had seemed to shiver for the immature leaf-buds, so unfit to endure the rough handling of the storm, now held out still, patient arms, the rising sap curdled within their hearts.

not making concessions

From this reading It was a decided uncompromising rainy day.

below the required standards for a purpose

From this reading The naked trees, that, during the earlier hours of the deluge had seemed to shiver for the immature leaf-buds, so unfit to endure the rough handling of the storm, now held out still, patient arms, the rising sap curdled within their hearts.

always the same; showing a single form or character in all occurrences

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

the act of turning aside suddenly

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

acting with or marked by or resulting from great force or energy or emotional intensity

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

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

From this reading It was a decided uncompromising rainy day.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading The gutters were brimming streams, and the sidewalks were glazed with thin sheets of water.

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

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

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

From this reading The block of buildings before which our story pauses, was, as a glance would have showed the initiated in the grades of Gotham life, highly respectable, even in the rain.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

plural of “wind” — air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

in the company of; together with

From this reading There were no showers, coquetted with by veering winds or dubious mists, that at times grew brighter, as if the sun were burning away their lining; but a uniform expanse of iron-gray clouds--kept in close, grim column by a steady, although not violent east wind--sent straight lines of heavy rain upon the earth.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading The naked trees, that, during the earlier hours of the deluge had seemed to shiver for the immature leaf-buds, so unfit to endure the rough handling of the storm, now held out still, patient arms, the rising sap curdled within their hearts.

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

From this reading The block of buildings before which our story pauses, was, as a glance would have showed the initiated in the grades of Gotham life, highly respectable, even in the rain.