Chapter VI · Chapter 6

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

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

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

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading "Why do you travel?" would be the question he must expect from suspicious leaders of any plot that might be hatching, if he journeyed from one Nile village to another without the excuse of business.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading "Why do you travel?" would be the question he must expect from suspicious leaders of any plot that might be hatching, if he journeyed from one Nile village to another without the excuse of business.

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

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

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

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading At Denderah, Luxor, and two or three other places there had been "incidents," small but troublesome.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

put or pin the blame on

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

a committee having supervisory powers

From this reading Fenton had seized upon the idea that, as Egyptian lecturer and conductor--a sort of super-dragoman--on board Lark's Nile boat, he might find a plausible pretext for his secret errand.

a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading Fenton had seized upon the idea that, as Egyptian lecturer and conductor--a sort of super-dragoman--on board Lark's Nile boat, he might find a plausible pretext for his secret errand.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading At Denderah, Luxor, and two or three other places there had been "incidents," small but troublesome.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

a town at the southern tip of Illinois at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

past form of “complain” — express complaints, discontent, displeasure, or unhappiness

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

the person who leads a musical group

From this reading Fenton had seized upon the idea that, as Egyptian lecturer and conductor--a sort of super-dragoman--on board Lark's Nile boat, he might find a plausible pretext for his secret errand.

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

From this reading At Denderah, Luxor, and two or three other places there had been "incidents," small but troublesome.

an expression of lack of respect

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

having the place or position changed

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading "Why do you travel?" would be the question he must expect from suspicious leaders of any plot that might be hatching, if he journeyed from one Nile village to another without the excuse of business.

put on clothes

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

a native or inhabitant of Egypt

From this reading Fenton had seized upon the idea that, as Egyptian lecturer and conductor--a sort of super-dragoman--on board Lark's Nile boat, he might find a plausible pretext for his secret errand.

plural of “egyptian” — a native or inhabitant of Egypt

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

a short trip that is taken in the performance of a necessary task or mission

From this reading Fenton had seized upon the idea that, as Egyptian lecturer and conductor--a sort of super-dragoman--on board Lark's Nile boat, he might find a plausible pretext for his secret errand.

divisible by two

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

accept an excuse for

From this reading "Why do you travel?" would be the question he must expect from suspicious leaders of any plot that might be hatching, if he journeyed from one Nile village to another without the excuse of business.

regard something as probable or likely

From this reading "Why do you travel?" would be the question he must expect from suspicious leaders of any plot that might be hatching, if he journeyed from one Nile village to another without the excuse of business.

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

From this reading Fenton had seized upon the idea that, as Egyptian lecturer and conductor--a sort of super-dragoman--on board Lark's Nile boat, he might find a plausible pretext for his secret errand.

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

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Fenton had seized upon the idea that, as Egyptian lecturer and conductor--a sort of super-dragoman--on board Lark's Nile boat, he might find a plausible pretext for his secret errand.

plural of “foreigner” — a person who comes from a foreign country; someone who does not owe allegiance to your country

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading "Why do you travel?" would be the question he must expect from suspicious leaders of any plot that might be hatching, if he journeyed from one Nile village to another without the excuse of business.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

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

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

the production of young from an egg

From this reading "Why do you travel?" would be the question he must expect from suspicious leaders of any plot that might be hatching, if he journeyed from one Nile village to another without the excuse of business.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Fenton had seized upon the idea that, as Egyptian lecturer and conductor--a sort of super-dragoman--on board Lark's Nile boat, he might find a plausible pretext for his secret errand.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Fenton had seized upon the idea that, as Egyptian lecturer and conductor--a sort of super-dragoman--on board Lark's Nile boat, he might find a plausible pretext for his secret errand.

past form of “hustle” — cause to move furtively and hurriedly

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Fenton had seized upon the idea that, as Egyptian lecturer and conductor--a sort of super-dragoman--on board Lark's Nile boat, he might find a plausible pretext for his secret errand.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading "Why do you travel?" would be the question he must expect from suspicious leaders of any plot that might be hatching, if he journeyed from one Nile village to another without the excuse of business.

of great significance or value

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

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

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

plural of “incident” — a single distinct event

From this reading At Denderah, Luxor, and two or three other places there had been "incidents," small but troublesome.

plural of “inhabitant” — a person who inhabits a particular place

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

past form of “insult” — treat, mention, or speak to rudely

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

past form of “journey” — undertake a journey or trip

From this reading "Why do you travel?" would be the question he must expect from suspicious leaders of any plot that might be hatching, if he journeyed from one Nile village to another without the excuse of business.

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

From this reading Fenton had seized upon the idea that, as Egyptian lecturer and conductor--a sort of super-dragoman--on board Lark's Nile boat, he might find a plausible pretext for his secret errand.

the body of people who lead a group

From this reading "Why do you travel?" would be the question he must expect from suspicious leaders of any plot that might be hatching, if he journeyed from one Nile village to another without the excuse of business.

a public lecturer at certain universities

From this reading Fenton had seized upon the idea that, as Egyptian lecturer and conductor--a sort of super-dragoman--on board Lark's Nile boat, he might find a plausible pretext for his secret errand.

a city in central Egypt on the east bank of the Nile that is a center for visitors to the ruins of and around Thebes

From this reading At Denderah, Luxor, and two or three other places there had been "incidents," small but troublesome.

the force of workers available

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

and nothing more

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Fenton had seized upon the idea that, as Egyptian lecturer and conductor--a sort of super-dragoman--on board Lark's Nile boat, he might find a plausible pretext for his secret errand.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading "Why do you travel?" would be the question he must expect from suspicious leaders of any plot that might be hatching, if he journeyed from one Nile village to another without the excuse of business.

characteristic of or existing by virtue of geographic origin

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

the world's longest river (4150 miles); flows northward through eastern Africa into the Mediterranean; the Nile River valley in Egypt was the site of the world's first great civilization

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

people elected or appointed to administer a government

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Fenton had seized upon the idea that, as Egyptian lecturer and conductor--a sort of super-dragoman--on board Lark's Nile boat, he might find a plausible pretext for his secret errand.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading "Why do you travel?" would be the question he must expect from suspicious leaders of any plot that might be hatching, if he journeyed from one Nile village to another without the excuse of business.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading At Denderah, Luxor, and two or three other places there had been "incidents," small but troublesome.

plural of “order” — (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading At Denderah, Luxor, and two or three other places there had been "incidents," small but troublesome.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading At Denderah, Luxor, and two or three other places there had been "incidents," small but troublesome.

apparently reasonable and credible, and therefore convincing

From this reading Fenton had seized upon the idea that, as Egyptian lecturer and conductor--a sort of super-dragoman--on board Lark's Nile boat, he might find a plausible pretext for his secret errand.

a secret scheme to do something (especially something underhand or illegal)

From this reading "Why do you travel?" would be the question he must expect from suspicious leaders of any plot that might be hatching, if he journeyed from one Nile village to another without the excuse of business.

something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason

From this reading Fenton had seized upon the idea that, as Egyptian lecturer and conductor--a sort of super-dragoman--on board Lark's Nile boat, he might find a plausible pretext for his secret errand.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading "Why do you travel?" would be the question he must expect from suspicious leaders of any plot that might be hatching, if he journeyed from one Nile village to another without the excuse of business.

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

made known or told about; especially presented in a formal account

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

past form of “resent” — feel bitter or indignant about

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

no longer active in your work or profession

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

plural of “revelation” — the speech act of making something evident

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

a texture of a surface or edge that is not smooth but is irregular and uneven

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

plural of “rumour” — gossip (usually a mixture of truth and untruth) passed around by word of mouth

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading Fenton had seized upon the idea that, as Egyptian lecturer and conductor--a sort of super-dragoman--on board Lark's Nile boat, he might find a plausible pretext for his secret errand.

an illegal action inciting resistance to lawful authority and tending to cause the disruption or overthrow of the government

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

past form of “seize” — take hold of; grab

From this reading Fenton had seized upon the idea that, as Egyptian lecturer and conductor--a sort of super-dragoman--on board Lark's Nile boat, he might find a plausible pretext for his secret errand.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

plural of “sightseer” — a tourist who is visiting sights of interest

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

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

From this reading At Denderah, Luxor, and two or three other places there had been "incidents," small but troublesome.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading Fenton had seized upon the idea that, as Egyptian lecturer and conductor--a sort of super-dragoman--on board Lark's Nile boat, he might find a plausible pretext for his secret errand.

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

From this reading Fenton had seized upon the idea that, as Egyptian lecturer and conductor--a sort of super-dragoman--on board Lark's Nile boat, he might find a plausible pretext for his secret errand.

believed likely

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

openly distrustful and unwilling to confide

From this reading "Why do you travel?" would be the question he must expect from suspicious leaders of any plot that might be hatching, if he journeyed from one Nile village to another without the excuse of business.

plural of “symptom” — (medicine) any sensation or change in bodily function that is experienced by a patient and is associated with a particular disease

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

lacking or showing a lack of what is fitting and considerate in dealing with others

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Fenton had seized upon the idea that, as Egyptian lecturer and conductor--a sort of super-dragoman--on board Lark's Nile boat, he might find a plausible pretext for his secret errand.

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

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

in or at that place or location

From this reading At Denderah, Luxor, and two or three other places there had been "incidents," small but troublesome.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading At Denderah, Luxor, and two or three other places there had been "incidents," small but troublesome.

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

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

plural of “tourist” — someone who travels for pleasure

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

plural of “town” — an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading "Why do you travel?" would be the question he must expect from suspicious leaders of any plot that might be hatching, if he journeyed from one Nile village to another without the excuse of business.

causing difficulty or annoyance

From this reading At Denderah, Luxor, and two or three other places there had been "incidents," small but troublesome.

a fact that has been verified

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

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

From this reading At Denderah, Luxor, and two or three other places there had been "incidents," small but troublesome.

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

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Fenton had seized upon the idea that, as Egyptian lecturer and conductor--a sort of super-dragoman--on board Lark's Nile boat, he might find a plausible pretext for his secret errand.

a community of people smaller than a town

From this reading "Why do you travel?" would be the question he must expect from suspicious leaders of any plot that might be hatching, if he journeyed from one Nile village to another without the excuse of business.

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

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

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

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

at the time that

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

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

From this reading THE REVELATIONS OF A RETIRED COLONEL Fenton's orders were, when the Cairo business should be finished, to go slowly up the Nile in native dress, and get at the truth of certain rumours which had disturbed officialdom at Cairo.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading "Why do you travel?" would be the question he must expect from suspicious leaders of any plot that might be hatching, if he journeyed from one Nile village to another without the excuse of business.

in the company of; together with

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading "Why do you travel?" would be the question he must expect from suspicious leaders of any plot that might be hatching, if he journeyed from one Nile village to another without the excuse of business.

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

From this reading "Why do you travel?" would be the question he must expect from suspicious leaders of any plot that might be hatching, if he journeyed from one Nile village to another without the excuse of business.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Why do you travel?" would be the question he must expect from suspicious leaders of any plot that might be hatching, if he journeyed from one Nile village to another without the excuse of business.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading English sightseers had complained of being hustled, and even insulted by the inhabitants of several river towns, and it was important to find out whether the Egyptians or the foreigners had been more to blame; whether there were real symptoms of sedition, as reported, or whether the young men of the suspected places had merely resented with roughness some discourtesy of tactless tourists.