AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
accordingadjectiveUS /əˈkɔːrdɪŋ/
(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
actualadjectiveUS /ˈæktʃəwəl/
presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
anotherdeterminerUS /əˈnʌðər/
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading And they watched one another with crafty eyes that had long lost the power to see anything but the faults and defects in the property of others.
anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/
any thing at all
From this reading And they watched one another with crafty eyes that had long lost the power to see anything but the faults and defects in the property of others.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
auctionnounUS /ˈɑːkʃən/
a variety of bridge in which tricks made in excess of the contract are scored toward game; now generally superseded by contract bridge
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
auctioneer's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was the auctioneer's scavenger, snapping up the dishonoured, broken remnants disdained by the others, buying for a song the job lots on the way to the rubbish-heap.
battlenounUS /ˈbætəl/
a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
bloodnounUS /blʌd/
The red fluid that circulates in the heart and blood vessels.
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
brokenadjectiveUS /ˈbroʊkən/
physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split
From this reading She was the auctioneer's scavenger, snapping up the dishonoured, broken remnants disdained by the others, buying for a song the job lots on the way to the rubbish-heap.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading And they watched one another with crafty eyes that had long lost the power to see anything but the faults and defects in the property of others.
buyersnounUS /ˈbaɪərz/
plural of “buyer” — a person who buys
From this reading Those who had commissions from buyers marked the chosen lots in their catalogue with a stumpy pencil.
buyingnounUS /ˈbaɪɪŋ/
the act of buying
From this reading She was the auctioneer's scavenger, snapping up the dishonoured, broken remnants disdained by the others, buying for a song the job lots on the way to the rubbish-heap.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
catalogueverbUS /ˈkætəlɔːɡ/
make an itemized list or catalog of; classify
From this reading Those who had commissions from buyers marked the chosen lots in their catalogue with a stumpy pencil.
chaffering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
chosennounUS /ˈtʃoʊzən/
one who is the object of choice; who is given preference
From this reading Those who had commissions from buyers marked the chosen lots in their catalogue with a stumpy pencil.
commissionsnounUS /kəˈmɪʃənz/
plural of “commission” — a special group delegated to consider some matter
From this reading Those who had commissions from buyers marked the chosen lots in their catalogue with a stumpy pencil.
cornernounUS /ˈkɔːrnər/
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
craftyadjectiveUS /ˈkræfti/
marked by skill in deception
From this reading And they watched one another with crafty eyes that had long lost the power to see anything but the faults and defects in the property of others.
crowdverbUS /kraʊd/
cause to herd, drive, or crowd together
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
dealersnounUS /ˈdiːlərz/
plural of “dealer” — someone who purchases and maintains an inventory of goods to be sold
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
defectsnounUS /ˈdiːfekts/
plural of “defect” — an imperfection in a bodily system
From this reading And they watched one another with crafty eyes that had long lost the power to see anything but the faults and defects in the property of others.
disdainedverbUS /dɪsˈdeɪnd/
past form of “disdain” — look down on with disdain
From this reading She was the auctioneer's scavenger, snapping up the dishonoured, broken remnants disdained by the others, buying for a song the job lots on the way to the rubbish-heap.
dishonoured
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was the auctioneer's scavenger, snapping up the dishonoured, broken remnants disdained by the others, buying for a song the job lots on the way to the rubbish-heap.
eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
eyesnounUS /aɪz/
opinion or judgment
From this reading And they watched one another with crafty eyes that had long lost the power to see anything but the faults and defects in the property of others.
fallingadjectiveUS /ˈfɑːlɪŋ/
decreasing in amount or degree
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
faultsnounUS /fɔːlts/
plural of “fault” — a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
ferret-eyed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Those who had commissions from buyers marked the chosen lots in their catalogue with a stumpy pencil.
fulladjectiveUS /fʊl/
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
furniturenounUS /ˈfɜːrnɪtʃər/
furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
glanceverbUS /ɡlæns/
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
groundsnounUS /ɡraʊndz/
your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
HANDnounUS /hænd/
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
hereditaryadjectiveUS /hərˈedəteri/
occurring among members of a family usually by heredity
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
hiddenadjectiveUS /ˈhɪdən/
not accessible to view
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
hook-nosedadjective
having an aquiline nose
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
housenounUS /haʊs/
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
invadedverbUS /ˌɪnˈveɪdəd/
past form of “invade” — march aggressively into another's territory by military force for the purposes of conquest and occupation
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
Jenkins
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mother Jenkins was one of these.
jobnounUS /dʒɑːb/
the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money
From this reading She was the auctioneer's scavenger, snapping up the dishonoured, broken remnants disdained by the others, buying for a song the job lots on the way to the rubbish-heap.
joynounUS /dʒɔɪ/
the emotion of great happiness
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
judgingnounUS /ˈdʒʌdʒɪŋ/
the cognitive process of reaching a decision or drawing conclusions
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
LENDSverbUS /lendz/
third-person singular of “lend” — bestow a quality on
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading And they watched one another with crafty eyes that had long lost the power to see anything but the faults and defects in the property of others.
lostadjectiveUS /lɔːst/
no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered
From this reading And they watched one another with crafty eyes that had long lost the power to see anything but the faults and defects in the property of others.
lotnounUS /lɑːt/
(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
lotsnounUS /lɑːts/
a large number or amount
From this reading Those who had commissions from buyers marked the chosen lots in their catalogue with a stumpy pencil.
markedadjectiveUS /mɑːrkt/
strongly marked; easily noticeable
From this reading Those who had commissions from buyers marked the chosen lots in their catalogue with a stumpy pencil.
morningnounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
MothernounUS /ˈmʌðər/
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading Mother Jenkins was one of these.
MrsnounUS /ˈmɪsɪz/
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading She was the auctioneer's scavenger, snapping up the dishonoured, broken remnants disdained by the others, buying for a song the job lots on the way to the rubbish-heap.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading And they watched one another with crafty eyes that had long lost the power to see anything but the faults and defects in the property of others.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And they watched one another with crafty eyes that had long lost the power to see anything but the faults and defects in the property of others.
ownverbUS /oʊn/
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
PARTRIDGEnounUS /ˈpɑːrtrədʒ/
flesh of either quail or grouse
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
pencilnounUS /ˈpensəl/
a thin cylindrical pointed writing implement; a rod of marking substance encased in wood
From this reading Those who had commissions from buyers marked the chosen lots in their catalogue with a stumpy pencil.
piecenounUS /piːs/
a separate part of a whole
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
powernounUS /ˈpaʊər/
possession of controlling influence
From this reading And they watched one another with crafty eyes that had long lost the power to see anything but the faults and defects in the property of others.
pricesnounUS /ˈpraɪsəz/
plural of “price” — the property of having material worth (often indicated by the amount of money something would bring if sold)
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
propertynounUS /ˈprɑːpərti/
something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone
From this reading And they watched one another with crafty eyes that had long lost the power to see anything but the faults and defects in the property of others.
pryingnounUS /ˈpraɪɪŋ/
offensive inquisitiveness
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
remnantsnounUS /ˈremnənts/
plural of “remnant” — a small part or portion that remains after the main part no longer exists
From this reading She was the auctioneer's scavenger, snapping up the dishonoured, broken remnants disdained by the others, buying for a song the job lots on the way to the rubbish-heap.
risingadjectiveUS /ˈraɪzɪŋ/
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
rubbish-heap
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was the auctioneer's scavenger, snapping up the dishonoured, broken remnants disdained by the others, buying for a song the job lots on the way to the rubbish-heap.
scavengernounUS /ˈskævəndʒər/
a chemical agent that is added to a chemical mixture to counteract the effects of impurities
From this reading She was the auctioneer's scavenger, snapping up the dishonoured, broken remnants disdained by the others, buying for a song the job lots on the way to the rubbish-heap.
searchingadjectiveUS /ˈsɜːrtʃɪŋ/
diligent and thorough in inquiry or investigation
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
seeverbUS /siː/
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading And they watched one another with crafty eyes that had long lost the power to see anything but the faults and defects in the property of others.
ShepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She was the auctioneer's scavenger, snapping up the dishonoured, broken remnants disdained by the others, buying for a song the job lots on the way to the rubbish-heap.
SinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
snappingverbUS /ˈsnæpɪŋ/
inflected form of “snap” — utter in an angry, sharp, or abrupt tone
From this reading She was the auctioneer's scavenger, snapping up the dishonoured, broken remnants disdained by the others, buying for a song the job lots on the way to the rubbish-heap.
songnounUS /sɔːŋ/
a short musical composition with words
From this reading She was the auctioneer's scavenger, snapping up the dishonoured, broken remnants disdained by the others, buying for a song the job lots on the way to the rubbish-heap.
standingadjectiveUS /ˈstændɪŋ/
having a supporting base
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
stirredadjectiveUS /stɜːrd/
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
stumpyadjective
short and thick; as e.g. having short legs and heavy musculature
From this reading Those who had commissions from buyers marked the chosen lots in their catalogue with a stumpy pencil.
surprisesnounUS /sərˈpraɪzɪz/
plural of “surprise” — the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
swarmnounUS /swɔːrm/
a moving crowd
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
tempernounUS /ˈtempər/
a sudden outburst of anger
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
tennounUS /ten/
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading And they watched one another with crafty eyes that had long lost the power to see anything but the faults and defects in the property of others.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Mother Jenkins was one of these.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading And they watched one another with crafty eyes that had long lost the power to see anything but the faults and defects in the property of others.
ThosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Those who had commissions from buyers marked the chosen lots in their catalogue with a stumpy pencil.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
upadjectiveUS /ʌp/
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading She was the auctioneer's scavenger, snapping up the dishonoured, broken remnants disdained by the others, buying for a song the job lots on the way to the rubbish-heap.
valuenounUS /ˈvæljuː/
a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Mother Jenkins was one of these.
watchedverbUS /wɑːtʃt/
past form of “watch” — look attentively
From this reading And they watched one another with crafty eyes that had long lost the power to see anything but the faults and defects in the property of others.
waynounUS /weɪ/
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading She was the auctioneer's scavenger, snapping up the dishonoured, broken remnants disdained by the others, buying for a song the job lots on the way to the rubbish-heap.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading Those who had commissions from buyers marked the chosen lots in their catalogue with a stumpy pencil.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Mrs PARTRIDGE LENDS A HAND Since ten o'clock in the morning the large house, standing in its own grounds, had been invaded by a swarm of dealers, hook-nosed and ferret-eyed, prying into every corner, searching each lot for hidden faults, judging at a glance the actual value of every piece of furniture, their blood stirred with the hereditary joy in chaffering, for an auction is as full of surprises as a battle, the prices rising and falling according to the temper of the crowd.
