used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
(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 JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading The asbestos curtain was already on its way down, which should have been reassuring: but then asbestos curtains never look the part.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
asbestosnounUS /æsˈbestəs/
a fibrous amphibole; used for making fireproof articles; inhaling fibers can cause asbestosis or lung cancer
From this reading The asbestos curtain was already on its way down, which should have been reassuring: but then asbestos curtains never look the part.
assembledverbUS /əˈsembəld/
past form of “assemble” — create by putting components or members together
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
a gathering of spectators or listeners at a (usually public) performance
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
authoritiesnounUS /əˈθɔːrətiz/
the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The asbestos curtain was already on its way down, which should have been reassuring: but then asbestos curtains never look the part.
blazenounUS /bleɪz/
a strong flame that burns brightly
From this reading To the lay eye they seem just the sort of thing that will blaze quickest.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The asbestos curtain was already on its way down, which should have been reassuring: but then asbestos curtains never look the part.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
communitynounUS /kəˈmjuːnəti/
a group of people living in a particular local area
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)
From this reading The asbestos curtain was already on its way down, which should have been reassuring: but then asbestos curtains never look the part.
curtainsnounUS /ˈkɜːrtənz/
plural of “curtain” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)
From this reading The asbestos curtain was already on its way down, which should have been reassuring: but then asbestos curtains never look the part.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading Moreover, it had not yet occurred to the man at the switchboard to turn up the house-lights, and the darkness was disconcerting.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
disconcertingadjectiveUS /ˌdɪskənˈsɜːrtɪŋ/
causing an emotional disturbance
From this reading Moreover, it had not yet occurred to the man at the switchboard to turn up the house-lights, and the darkness was disconcerting.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading The asbestos curtain was already on its way down, which should have been reassuring: but then asbestos curtains never look the part.
move gently or carefully
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
emergencynounUS /ɪˈmɜːrdʒənsi/
a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
emptiedverbUS /ˈemptid/
inflected form of “empty” — make void or empty of contents
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
encouraginglyadverb
in an encouraging manner
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
the act of escaping physically
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
exitnounUS /ˈeɡzɪt/
an opening that permits escape or release
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
the organ of sight
From this reading To the lay eye they seem just the sort of thing that will blaze quickest.
start firing a weapon
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
house-lights
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Moreover, it had not yet occurred to the man at the switchboard to turn up the house-lights, and the darkness was disconcerting.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
JILL
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
and nothing more
From this reading To the lay eye they seem just the sort of thing that will blaze quickest.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading To the lay eye they seem just the sort of thing that will blaze quickest.
LeicesternounUS /ˈlestər/
a largely agricultural county in central England
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading The asbestos curtain was already on its way down, which should have been reassuring: but then asbestos curtains never look the part.
no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Moreover, it had not yet occurred to the man at the switchboard to turn up the house-lights, and the darkness was disconcerting.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
in addition to what has just been said
From this reading Moreover, it had not yet occurred to the man at the switchboard to turn up the house-lights, and the darkness was disconcerting.
(superlative of “near” or “close”) within the shortest distance
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading The asbestos curtain was already on its way down, which should have been reassuring: but then asbestos curtains never look the part.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
noticesnounUS /ˈnoʊtəsəz/
plural of “notice” — an announcement containing information about an event
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
inflected form of “occur” — come to pass
From this reading Moreover, it had not yet occurred to the man at the switchboard to turn up the house-lights, and the darkness was disconcerting.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
old-timeadjective
attractively old-fashioned (but not necessarily authentic)
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The asbestos curtain was already on its way down, which should have been reassuring: but then asbestos curtains never look the part.
an open or empty space in or between things
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
palteringnoun
a trivial act of lying or being deliberately unclear
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading The asbestos curtain was already on its way down, which should have been reassuring: but then asbestos curtains never look the part.
performancenounUS /pərˈfɔːrməns/
a dramatic or musical entertainment
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
participate in games or sport
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
printedverbUS /ˈprɪntɪd/
past form of “print” — put into print
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
quickestadverbUS /ˈkwɪkɪst/
most quickly
From this reading To the lay eye they seem just the sort of thing that will blaze quickest.
reassuringadjectiveUS /ˌriːəˈʃʊrɪŋ/
restoring confidence and relieving anxiety
From this reading The asbestos curtain was already on its way down, which should have been reassuring: but then asbestos curtains never look the part.
reiterateverbUS /riˈɪtəreɪt/
to say, state, or perform again
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
express in words
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading To the lay eye they seem just the sort of thing that will blaze quickest.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading The asbestos curtain was already on its way down, which should have been reassuring: but then asbestos curtains never look the part.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading To the lay eye they seem just the sort of thing that will blaze quickest.
switchboardnounUS /ˈswɪtʃbɔːrd/
telephone central where circuits are completed with patchcords
From this reading Moreover, it had not yet occurred to the man at the switchboard to turn up the house-lights, and the darkness was disconcerting.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading The asbestos curtain was already on its way down, which should have been reassuring: but then asbestos curtains never look the part.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading To the lay eye they seem just the sort of thing that will blaze quickest.
a special situation
From this reading To the lay eye they seem just the sort of thing that will blaze quickest.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
a source of difficulty
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
a fact that has been verified
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading Moreover, it had not yet occurred to the man at the switchboard to turn up the house-lights, and the darkness was disconcerting.
not known
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Moreover, it had not yet occurred to the man at the switchboard to turn up the house-lights, and the darkness was disconcerting.
the act of traveling by foot
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
look attentively
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading The asbestos curtain was already on its way down, which should have been reassuring: but then asbestos curtains never look the part.
welfarenounUS /ˈwelfer/
governmental provision of economic assistance to persons in need
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
at the time that
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
which person or people
From this reading JILL AND THE UNKNOWN ESCAPE I In these days when the authorities who watch over the welfare of the community have taken the trouble to reiterate encouragingly in printed notices that a full house can be emptied in three minutes and that all an audience has to do in an emergency is to walk, not run, to the nearest exit, fire in the theatre has lost a good deal of its old-time terror.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading To the lay eye they seem just the sort of thing that will blaze quickest.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
someone who sees an event and reports what happened
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
but in spite of that
From this reading Yet it would be paltering with the truth to say that the audience which had assembled to witness the opening performance of the new play at the Leicester was entirely at its ease.
