used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Seek the Women Late that night,—in fact it was about midnight, when the onyx lobby was practically deserted save for an occasional late home-comer,—the two detectives arrived for a confab with Bob Moore.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Seek the Women Late that night,—in fact it was about midnight, when the onyx lobby was practically deserted save for an occasional late home-comer,—the two detectives arrived for a confab with Bob Moore.
(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 But I don’t think that,—at least, I think you are willing to tell all you know, if you haven’t already done so.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading But I don’t think that,—at least, I think you are willing to tell all you know, if you haven’t already done so.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Seek the Women Late that night,—in fact it was about midnight, when the onyx lobby was practically deserted save for an occasional late home-comer,—the two detectives arrived for a confab with Bob Moore.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading This greatly pleased the night porter for he hoped to be looked upon as a sort of assistant detective, and felt sure he could be of valuable help.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading “You know, Moore,” Gibbs began, “there are people who are looking askance at you, with a sort of half-formed suspicion that you know more about this thing than you have told.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading Seek the Women Late that night,—in fact it was about midnight, when the onyx lobby was practically deserted save for an occasional late home-comer,—the two detectives arrived for a confab with Bob Moore.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading This greatly pleased the night porter for he hoped to be looked upon as a sort of assistant detective, and felt sure he could be of valuable help.
askanceadverbUS /əˈskæns/
with suspicion or disapproval
From this reading “You know, Moore,” Gibbs began, “there are people who are looking askance at you, with a sort of half-formed suspicion that you know more about this thing than you have told.
assistantnounUS /əˈsɪstənt/
a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
From this reading This greatly pleased the night porter for he hoped to be looked upon as a sort of assistant detective, and felt sure he could be of valuable help.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading “You know, Moore,” Gibbs began, “there are people who are looking askance at you, with a sort of half-formed suspicion that you know more about this thing than you have told.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading This greatly pleased the night porter for he hoped to be looked upon as a sort of assistant detective, and felt sure he could be of valuable help.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading “You know, Moore,” Gibbs began, “there are people who are looking askance at you, with a sort of half-formed suspicion that you know more about this thing than you have told.
move up and down repeatedly
From this reading Seek the Women Late that night,—in fact it was about midnight, when the onyx lobby was practically deserted save for an occasional late home-comer,—the two detectives arrived for a confab with Bob Moore.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But I don’t think that,—at least, I think you are willing to tell all you know, if you haven’t already done so.
confabverb
talk socially without exchanging too much information
From this reading Seek the Women Late that night,—in fact it was about midnight, when the onyx lobby was practically deserted save for an occasional late home-comer,—the two detectives arrived for a confab with Bob Moore.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading This greatly pleased the night porter for he hoped to be looked upon as a sort of assistant detective, and felt sure he could be of valuable help.
forsaken by owner or inhabitants
From this reading Seek the Women Late that night,—in fact it was about midnight, when the onyx lobby was practically deserted save for an occasional late home-comer,—the two detectives arrived for a confab with Bob Moore.
a police officer who investigates crimes
From this reading This greatly pleased the night porter for he hoped to be looked upon as a sort of assistant detective, and felt sure he could be of valuable help.
detectivesnounUS /dɪˈtektɪvz/
plural of “detective” — a police officer who investigates crimes
From this reading Seek the Women Late that night,—in fact it was about midnight, when the onyx lobby was practically deserted save for an occasional late home-comer,—the two detectives arrived for a confab with Bob Moore.
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But I don’t think that,—at least, I think you are willing to tell all you know, if you haven’t already done so.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading But I don’t think that,—at least, I think you are willing to tell all you know, if you haven’t already done so.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading Seek the Women Late that night,—in fact it was about midnight, when the onyx lobby was practically deserted save for an occasional late home-comer,—the two detectives arrived for a confab with Bob Moore.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading This greatly pleased the night porter for he hoped to be looked upon as a sort of assistant detective, and felt sure he could be of valuable help.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Seek the Women Late that night,—in fact it was about midnight, when the onyx lobby was practically deserted save for an occasional late home-comer,—the two detectives arrived for a confab with Bob Moore.
GibbsnounUS /ɡɪbz/
United States chemist (1839-1903)
From this reading “You know, Moore,” Gibbs began, “there are people who are looking askance at you, with a sort of half-formed suspicion that you know more about this thing than you have told.
to an extraordinary extent or degree
From this reading This greatly pleased the night porter for he hoped to be looked upon as a sort of assistant detective, and felt sure he could be of valuable help.
half-formed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “You know, Moore,” Gibbs began, “there are people who are looking askance at you, with a sort of half-formed suspicion that you know more about this thing than you have told.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading “You know, Moore,” Gibbs began, “there are people who are looking askance at you, with a sort of half-formed suspicion that you know more about this thing than you have told.
haven't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But I don’t think that,—at least, I think you are willing to tell all you know, if you haven’t already done so.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading This greatly pleased the night porter for he hoped to be looked upon as a sort of assistant detective, and felt sure he could be of valuable help.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading This greatly pleased the night porter for he hoped to be looked upon as a sort of assistant detective, and felt sure he could be of valuable help.
home-comer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Seek the Women Late that night,—in fact it was about midnight, when the onyx lobby was practically deserted save for an occasional late home-comer,—the two detectives arrived for a confab with Bob Moore.
past form of “hope” — expect and wish
From this reading This greatly pleased the night porter for he hoped to be looked upon as a sort of assistant detective, and felt sure he could be of valuable help.
How
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How about it?”
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading But I don’t think that,—at least, I think you are willing to tell all you know, if you haven’t already done so.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading But I don’t think that,—at least, I think you are willing to tell all you know, if you haven’t already done so.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Seek the Women Late that night,—in fact it was about midnight, when the onyx lobby was practically deserted save for an occasional late home-comer,—the two detectives arrived for a confab with Bob Moore.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Seek the Women Late that night,—in fact it was about midnight, when the onyx lobby was practically deserted save for an occasional late home-comer,—the two detectives arrived for a confab with Bob Moore.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading “You know, Moore,” Gibbs began, “there are people who are looking askance at you, with a sort of half-formed suspicion that you know more about this thing than you have told.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading Seek the Women Late that night,—in fact it was about midnight, when the onyx lobby was practically deserted save for an occasional late home-comer,—the two detectives arrived for a confab with Bob Moore.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading But I don’t think that,—at least, I think you are willing to tell all you know, if you haven’t already done so.
lobbynounUS /ˈlɑːbi/
a large entrance or reception room or area
From this reading Seek the Women Late that night,—in fact it was about midnight, when the onyx lobby was practically deserted save for an occasional late home-comer,—the two detectives arrived for a confab with Bob Moore.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading This greatly pleased the night porter for he hoped to be looked upon as a sort of assistant detective, and felt sure he could be of valuable help.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading “You know, Moore,” Gibbs began, “there are people who are looking askance at you, with a sort of half-formed suspicion that you know more about this thing than you have told.
12 o'clock at night; the middle of the night
From this reading Seek the Women Late that night,—in fact it was about midnight, when the onyx lobby was practically deserted save for an occasional late home-comer,—the two detectives arrived for a confab with Bob Moore.
MoorenounUS /mʊr/
United States composer of works noted for their use of the American vernacular (1893-1969)
From this reading Seek the Women Late that night,—in fact it was about midnight, when the onyx lobby was practically deserted save for an occasional late home-comer,—the two detectives arrived for a confab with Bob Moore.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading “You know, Moore,” Gibbs began, “there are people who are looking askance at you, with a sort of half-formed suspicion that you know more about this thing than you have told.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading Seek the Women Late that night,—in fact it was about midnight, when the onyx lobby was practically deserted save for an occasional late home-comer,—the two detectives arrived for a confab with Bob Moore.
occasionaladjectiveUS /əˈkeɪʒənəl/
occurring from time to time
From this reading Seek the Women Late that night,—in fact it was about midnight, when the onyx lobby was practically deserted save for an occasional late home-comer,—the two detectives arrived for a confab with Bob Moore.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading This greatly pleased the night porter for he hoped to be looked upon as a sort of assistant detective, and felt sure he could be of valuable help.
onyxnounUS /ˈɑːnɪks/
a chalcedony with alternating black and white bands; used in making cameos
From this reading Seek the Women Late that night,—in fact it was about midnight, when the onyx lobby was practically deserted save for an occasional late home-comer,—the two detectives arrived for a confab with Bob Moore.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading “You know, Moore,” Gibbs began, “there are people who are looking askance at you, with a sort of half-formed suspicion that you know more about this thing than you have told.
experiencing or manifesting pleasure
From this reading This greatly pleased the night porter for he hoped to be looked upon as a sort of assistant detective, and felt sure he could be of valuable help.
porternounUS /ˈpɔːrtər/
a person employed to carry luggage and supplies
From this reading This greatly pleased the night porter for he hoped to be looked upon as a sort of assistant detective, and felt sure he could be of valuable help.
practicallyadverbUS /ˈpræktɪkli/
almost; nearly
From this reading Seek the Women Late that night,—in fact it was about midnight, when the onyx lobby was practically deserted save for an occasional late home-comer,—the two detectives arrived for a confab with Bob Moore.
except for; apart from
From this reading Seek the Women Late that night,—in fact it was about midnight, when the onyx lobby was practically deserted save for an occasional late home-comer,—the two detectives arrived for a confab with Bob Moore.
try to get or reach
From this reading Seek the Women Late that night,—in fact it was about midnight, when the onyx lobby was practically deserted save for an occasional late home-comer,—the two detectives arrived for a confab with Bob Moore.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading But I don’t think that,—at least, I think you are willing to tell all you know, if you haven’t already done so.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading This greatly pleased the night porter for he hoped to be looked upon as a sort of assistant detective, and felt sure he could be of valuable help.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading This greatly pleased the night porter for he hoped to be looked upon as a sort of assistant detective, and felt sure he could be of valuable help.
an impression that something might be the case
From this reading “You know, Moore,” Gibbs began, “there are people who are looking askance at you, with a sort of half-formed suspicion that you know more about this thing than you have told.
express in words
From this reading But I don’t think that,—at least, I think you are willing to tell all you know, if you haven’t already done so.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading “You know, Moore,” Gibbs began, “there are people who are looking askance at you, with a sort of half-formed suspicion that you know more about this thing than you have told.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Seek the Women Late that night,—in fact it was about midnight, when the onyx lobby was practically deserted save for an occasional late home-comer,—the two detectives arrived for a confab with Bob Moore.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Seek the Women Late that night,—in fact it was about midnight, when the onyx lobby was practically deserted save for an occasional late home-comer,—the two detectives arrived for a confab with Bob Moore.
in or at that place or location
From this reading “You know, Moore,” Gibbs began, “there are people who are looking askance at you, with a sort of half-formed suspicion that you know more about this thing than you have told.
a special situation
From this reading “You know, Moore,” Gibbs began, “there are people who are looking askance at you, with a sort of half-formed suspicion that you know more about this thing than you have told.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading But I don’t think that,—at least, I think you are willing to tell all you know, if you haven’t already done so.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This greatly pleased the night porter for he hoped to be looked upon as a sort of assistant detective, and felt sure he could be of valuable help.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading This greatly pleased the night porter for he hoped to be looked upon as a sort of assistant detective, and felt sure he could be of valuable help.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading “You know, Moore,” Gibbs began, “there are people who are looking askance at you, with a sort of half-formed suspicion that you know more about this thing than you have told.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Seek the Women Late that night,—in fact it was about midnight, when the onyx lobby was practically deserted save for an occasional late home-comer,—the two detectives arrived for a confab with Bob Moore.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading This greatly pleased the night porter for he hoped to be looked upon as a sort of assistant detective, and felt sure he could be of valuable help.
having great material or monetary value especially for use or exchange
From this reading This greatly pleased the night porter for he hoped to be looked upon as a sort of assistant detective, and felt sure he could be of valuable help.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Seek the Women Late that night,—in fact it was about midnight, when the onyx lobby was practically deserted save for an occasional late home-comer,—the two detectives arrived for a confab with Bob Moore.
at the time that
From this reading Seek the Women Late that night,—in fact it was about midnight, when the onyx lobby was practically deserted save for an occasional late home-comer,—the two detectives arrived for a confab with Bob Moore.
which person or people
From this reading “You know, Moore,” Gibbs began, “there are people who are looking askance at you, with a sort of half-formed suspicion that you know more about this thing than you have told.
disposed or inclined toward
From this reading But I don’t think that,—at least, I think you are willing to tell all you know, if you haven’t already done so.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Seek the Women Late that night,—in fact it was about midnight, when the onyx lobby was practically deserted save for an occasional late home-comer,—the two detectives arrived for a confab with Bob Moore.
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading Seek the Women Late that night,—in fact it was about midnight, when the onyx lobby was practically deserted save for an occasional late home-comer,—the two detectives arrived for a confab with Bob Moore.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “You know, Moore,” Gibbs began, “there are people who are looking askance at you, with a sort of half-formed suspicion that you know more about this thing than you have told.
