used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A DEAD-LOCK.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading On the evening of the ball it occupied the whole conversation, as the sole topic on which tongues could run and brains work.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading On the evening of the ball it occupied the whole conversation, as the sole topic on which tongues could run and brains work.
round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games
From this reading On the evening of the ball it occupied the whole conversation, as the sole topic on which tongues could run and brains work.
brainsnounUS /breɪnz/
plural of “brain” — that part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers; enclosed within the skull; continuous with the spinal cord
From this reading On the evening of the ball it occupied the whole conversation, as the sole topic on which tongues could run and brains work.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It was a subject that was thrashed by a hundred tongues of the dancers.
chatterverbUS /ˈtʃætər/
click repeatedly or uncontrollably
From this reading I say tongues run and brains work and not brains work and tongues run, for the former is the natural order in chatter.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading On the evening of the ball it occupied the whole conversation, as the sole topic on which tongues could run and brains work.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading On the evening of the ball it occupied the whole conversation, as the sole topic on which tongues could run and brains work.
dancersnounUS /ˈdænsərz/
plural of “dancer” — a performer who dances professionally
From this reading It was a subject that was thrashed by a hundred tongues of the dancers.
DEAD-LOCK
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A DEAD-LOCK.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading On the evening of the ball it occupied the whole conversation, as the sole topic on which tongues could run and brains work.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading I say tongues run and brains work and not brains work and tongues run, for the former is the natural order in chatter.
referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)
From this reading I say tongues run and brains work and not brains work and tongues run, for the former is the natural order in chatter.
ten 10s
From this reading It was a subject that was thrashed by a hundred tongues of the dancers.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I say tongues run and brains work and not brains work and tongues run, for the former is the natural order in chatter.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading I say tongues run and brains work and not brains work and tongues run, for the former is the natural order in chatter.
a single distinct event
From this reading The incident of the jewellery of Lady Knighton occasioned much talk.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I say tongues run and brains work and not brains work and tongues run, for the former is the natural order in chatter.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading On the evening of the ball it occupied the whole conversation, as the sole topic on which tongues could run and brains work.
jewellerynoun
an adornment (as a bracelet or ring or necklace) made of precious metals and set with gems (or imitation gems)
From this reading The incident of the jewellery of Lady Knighton occasioned much talk.
Knighton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The incident of the jewellery of Lady Knighton occasioned much talk.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading The incident of the jewellery of Lady Knighton occasioned much talk.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading The incident of the jewellery of Lady Knighton occasioned much talk.
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading I say tongues run and brains work and not brains work and tongues run, for the former is the natural order in chatter.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading I say tongues run and brains work and not brains work and tongues run, for the former is the natural order in chatter.
occasionedverbUS /əˈkeɪʒənd/
past form of “occasion” — give occasion to
From this reading The incident of the jewellery of Lady Knighton occasioned much talk.
held or filled or in use
From this reading On the evening of the ball it occupied the whole conversation, as the sole topic on which tongues could run and brains work.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The incident of the jewellery of Lady Knighton occasioned much talk.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On the evening of the ball it occupied the whole conversation, as the sole topic on which tongues could run and brains work.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading I say tongues run and brains work and not brains work and tongues run, for the former is the natural order in chatter.
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading On the evening of the ball it occupied the whole conversation, as the sole topic on which tongues could run and brains work.
express in words
From this reading I say tongues run and brains work and not brains work and tongues run, for the former is the natural order in chatter.
solenounUS /soʊl/
the underside of footwear or a golf club
From this reading On the evening of the ball it occupied the whole conversation, as the sole topic on which tongues could run and brains work.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading It was a subject that was thrashed by a hundred tongues of the dancers.
exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading The incident of the jewellery of Lady Knighton occasioned much talk.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was a subject that was thrashed by a hundred tongues of the dancers.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The incident of the jewellery of Lady Knighton occasioned much talk.
thrashedverbUS /θræʃt/
past form of “thrash” — give a thrashing to; beat hard
From this reading It was a subject that was thrashed by a hundred tongues of the dancers.
tonguesnounUS /tʌŋz/
plural of “tongue” — a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity
From this reading On the evening of the ball it occupied the whole conversation, as the sole topic on which tongues could run and brains work.
topicnounUS /ˈtɑːpɪk/
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading On the evening of the ball it occupied the whole conversation, as the sole topic on which tongues could run and brains work.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was a subject that was thrashed by a hundred tongues of the dancers.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading On the evening of the ball it occupied the whole conversation, as the sole topic on which tongues could run and brains work.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading On the evening of the ball it occupied the whole conversation, as the sole topic on which tongues could run and brains work.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading On the evening of the ball it occupied the whole conversation, as the sole topic on which tongues could run and brains work.
