Chapter II

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

From this reading A STORM.

engaged in or accustomed to close observation

From this reading A tap, and the door of their own room opened; and entered the beadle, Joseph Smiley, a little ferrety-looking man with sharp restless eyes, that seemed as though they would squint in their alert impatience to look at everything at once.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

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

From this reading The rumble of the stage coach past the window died away down the street, and silence fell on the room we have been considering.

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

From this reading A tap, and the door of their own room opened; and entered the beadle, Joseph Smiley, a little ferrety-looking man with sharp restless eyes, that seemed as though they would squint in their alert impatience to look at everything at once.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At length there sounded the shuffling of feet and the opening and closing of a door.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading The rumble of the stage coach past the window died away down the street, and silence fell on the room we have been considering.

a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

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

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

a minor parish official who serves a ceremonial function

From this reading A tap, and the door of their own room opened; and entered the beadle, Joseph Smiley, a little ferrety-looking man with sharp restless eyes, that seemed as though they would squint in their alert impatience to look at everything at once.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The rumble of the stage coach past the window died away down the street, and silence fell on the room we have been considering.

an onerous or difficult concern

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

a vertical flue that provides a path through which smoke from a fire is carried away through the wall or roof of a building

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

the act of closing something

From this reading At length there sounded the shuffling of feet and the opening and closing of a door.

teach and supervise (someone); act as a trainer or coach (to), as in sports

From this reading The rumble of the stage coach past the window died away down the street, and silence fell on the room we have been considering.

plural of “coal” — fossil fuel consisting of carbonized vegetable matter deposited in the Carboniferous period

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

-ing form of “consider” — deem to be

From this reading The rumble of the stage coach past the window died away down the street, and silence fell on the room we have been considering.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

coming down or downward

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading The rumble of the stage coach past the window died away down the street, and silence fell on the room we have been considering.

having the place or position changed

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

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

From this reading At length there sounded the shuffling of feet and the opening and closing of a door.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The rumble of the stage coach past the window died away down the street, and silence fell on the room we have been considering.

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading A tap, and the door of their own room opened; and entered the beadle, Joseph Smiley, a little ferrety-looking man with sharp restless eyes, that seemed as though they would squint in their alert impatience to look at everything at once.

having escaped, especially from confinement

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading A tap, and the door of their own room opened; and entered the beadle, Joseph Smiley, a little ferrety-looking man with sharp restless eyes, that seemed as though they would squint in their alert impatience to look at everything at once.

opinion or judgment

From this reading A tap, and the door of their own room opened; and entered the beadle, Joseph Smiley, a little ferrety-looking man with sharp restless eyes, that seemed as though they would squint in their alert impatience to look at everything at once.

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

From this reading At length there sounded the shuffling of feet and the opening and closing of a door.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading The rumble of the stage coach past the window died away down the street, and silence fell on the room we have been considering.

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

From this reading A tap, and the door of their own room opened; and entered the beadle, Joseph Smiley, a little ferrety-looking man with sharp restless eyes, that seemed as though they would squint in their alert impatience to look at everything at once.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

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

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

a strong current of air

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The rumble of the stage coach past the window died away down the street, and silence fell on the room we have been considering.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

make a sharp hissing sound, as if to show disapproval

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

a lack of patience; irritation with anything that causes delay

From this reading A tap, and the door of their own room opened; and entered the beadle, Joseph Smiley, a little ferrety-looking man with sharp restless eyes, that seemed as though they would squint in their alert impatience to look at everything at once.

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

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

leader of the Nez Perce in their retreat from United States troops (1840-1904)

From this reading A tap, and the door of their own room opened; and entered the beadle, Joseph Smiley, a little ferrety-looking man with sharp restless eyes, that seemed as though they would squint in their alert impatience to look at everything at once.

a girl or young woman who is unmarried

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place

From this reading At length there sounded the shuffling of feet and the opening and closing of a door.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading A tap, and the door of their own room opened; and entered the beadle, Joseph Smiley, a little ferrety-looking man with sharp restless eyes, that seemed as though they would squint in their alert impatience to look at everything at once.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading A tap, and the door of their own room opened; and entered the beadle, Joseph Smiley, a little ferrety-looking man with sharp restless eyes, that seemed as though they would squint in their alert impatience to look at everything at once.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading A tap, and the door of their own room opened; and entered the beadle, Joseph Smiley, a little ferrety-looking man with sharp restless eyes, that seemed as though they would squint in their alert impatience to look at everything at once.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

lasting for a markedly brief time

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The rumble of the stage coach past the window died away down the street, and silence fell on the room we have been considering.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The rumble of the stage coach past the window died away down the street, and silence fell on the room we have been considering.

on one occasion

From this reading A tap, and the door of their own room opened; and entered the beadle, Joseph Smiley, a little ferrety-looking man with sharp restless eyes, that seemed as though they would squint in their alert impatience to look at everything at once.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading A tap, and the door of their own room opened; and entered the beadle, Joseph Smiley, a little ferrety-looking man with sharp restless eyes, that seemed as though they would squint in their alert impatience to look at everything at once.

an open or empty space in or between things

From this reading At length there sounded the shuffling of feet and the opening and closing of a door.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading A tap, and the door of their own room opened; and entered the beadle, Joseph Smiley, a little ferrety-looking man with sharp restless eyes, that seemed as though they would squint in their alert impatience to look at everything at once.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading The rumble of the stage coach past the window died away down the street, and silence fell on the room we have been considering.

a writing implement with a point from which ink flows

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

worried and uneasy

From this reading A tap, and the door of their own room opened; and entered the beadle, Joseph Smiley, a little ferrety-looking man with sharp restless eyes, that seemed as though they would squint in their alert impatience to look at everything at once.

make a loud noise, as of wind, water, or vehicles

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

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

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading The rumble of the stage coach past the window died away down the street, and silence fell on the room we have been considering.

make a low noise

From this reading The rumble of the stage coach past the window died away down the street, and silence fell on the room we have been considering.

except for; apart from

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

a harsh noise made by scraping

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

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

From this reading A tap, and the door of their own room opened; and entered the beadle, Joseph Smiley, a little ferrety-looking man with sharp restless eyes, that seemed as though they would squint in their alert impatience to look at everything at once.

an address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service)

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading A tap, and the door of their own room opened; and entered the beadle, Joseph Smiley, a little ferrety-looking man with sharp restless eyes, that seemed as though they would squint in their alert impatience to look at everything at once.

walking with a slow dragging motion without lifting your feet

From this reading At length there sounded the shuffling of feet and the opening and closing of a door.

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading The rumble of the stage coach past the window died away down the street, and silence fell on the room we have been considering.

an emoticon of a smiling face

From this reading A tap, and the door of their own room opened; and entered the beadle, Joseph Smiley, a little ferrety-looking man with sharp restless eyes, that seemed as though they would squint in their alert impatience to look at everything at once.

past form of “sound” — appear in a certain way

From this reading At length there sounded the shuffling of feet and the opening and closing of a door.

cross one's eyes as if in strabismus

From this reading A tap, and the door of their own room opened; and entered the beadle, Joseph Smiley, a little ferrety-looking man with sharp restless eyes, that seemed as though they would squint in their alert impatience to look at everything at once.

any distinct time period in a sequence of events

From this reading The rumble of the stage coach past the window died away down the street, and silence fell on the room we have been considering.

(poetic) tranquil silence

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

behave violently, as if in state of a great anger

From this reading A STORM.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading The rumble of the stage coach past the window died away down the street, and silence fell on the room we have been considering.

the failure to develop some part or organ

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

cut a female screw thread with a tap

From this reading A tap, and the door of their own room opened; and entered the beadle, Joseph Smiley, a little ferrety-looking man with sharp restless eyes, that seemed as though they would squint in their alert impatience to look at everything at once.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

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

From this reading The rumble of the stage coach past the window died away down the street, and silence fell on the room we have been considering.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading A tap, and the door of their own room opened; and entered the beadle, Joseph Smiley, a little ferrety-looking man with sharp restless eyes, that seemed as though they would squint in their alert impatience to look at everything at once.

in or at that place or location

From this reading At length there sounded the shuffling of feet and the opening and closing of a door.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading A tap, and the door of their own room opened; and entered the beadle, Joseph Smiley, a little ferrety-looking man with sharp restless eyes, that seemed as though they would squint in their alert impatience to look at everything at once.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading A tap, and the door of their own room opened; and entered the beadle, Joseph Smiley, a little ferrety-looking man with sharp restless eyes, that seemed as though they would squint in their alert impatience to look at everything at once.

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

From this reading A tap, and the door of their own room opened; and entered the beadle, Joseph Smiley, a little ferrety-looking man with sharp restless eyes, that seemed as though they would squint in their alert impatience to look at everything at once.

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

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

filled with water

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading The rumble of the stage coach past the window died away down the street, and silence fell on the room we have been considering.

at the time that

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

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

From this reading The scratching of Roderick's pen could be heard in the stillness, save when lost in the momentary roar of a gust descending the chimney, followed by the hiss of its watery burden on the coals, or when a bar of 'The Lass o' Gowrie' escaped for an instant from the suppression in which it was held that the sermon might not be disturbed.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading The rumble of the stage coach past the window died away down the street, and silence fell on the room we have been considering.

in the company of; together with

From this reading A tap, and the door of their own room opened; and entered the beadle, Joseph Smiley, a little ferrety-looking man with sharp restless eyes, that seemed as though they would squint in their alert impatience to look at everything at once.

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

From this reading A tap, and the door of their own room opened; and entered the beadle, Joseph Smiley, a little ferrety-looking man with sharp restless eyes, that seemed as though they would squint in their alert impatience to look at everything at once.