Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

matters of personal concern

From this reading This was the colonel's business office, where he conducted the affairs of the estate--a room remote from the great house and never entered except on the colonel's special invitation and only then when business of importance necessitated its use.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading St. George and Harry were in one corner--Harry backed against the wall.

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

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

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

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading That business of the very highest importance--not in any way connected with the colonel, though of the very gravest moment--was being enacted here to-night, could be seen the instant Teackle, with Gilbert at his heels, threw open the door.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading That business of the very highest importance--not in any way connected with the colonel, though of the very gravest moment--was being enacted here to-night, could be seen the instant Teackle, with Gilbert at his heels, threw open the door.

having a back or backing, usually of a specified type

From this reading St. George and Harry were in one corner--Harry backed against the wall.

large room used mainly for dancing

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

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

From this reading That business of the very highest importance--not in any way connected with the colonel, though of the very gravest moment--was being enacted here to-night, could be seen the instant Teackle, with Gilbert at his heels, threw open the door.

filled with wonder and delight

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading This was the colonel's business office, where he conducted the affairs of the estate--a room remote from the great house and never entered except on the colonel's special invitation and only then when business of importance necessitated its use.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

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

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

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 That business of the very highest importance--not in any way connected with the colonel, though of the very gravest moment--was being enacted here to-night, could be seen the instant Teackle, with Gilbert at his heels, threw open the door.

possessive form of “colonel” — 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 When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

past form of “conduct” — direct the course of; manage or control

From this reading This was the colonel's business office, where he conducted the affairs of the estate--a room remote from the great house and never entered except on the colonel's special invitation and only then when business of importance necessitated its use.

being joined in close association

From this reading That business of the very highest importance--not in any way connected with the colonel, though of the very gravest moment--was being enacted here to-night, could be seen the instant Teackle, with Gilbert at his heels, threw open the door.

without stop or interruption

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

very opposed in nature or character or purpose

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading St. George and Harry were in one corner--Harry backed against the wall.

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

From this reading That business of the very highest importance--not in any way connected with the colonel, though of the very gravest moment--was being enacted here to-night, could be seen the instant Teackle, with Gilbert at his heels, threw open the door.

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

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

the habitation of wild animals

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

past form of “dive” — drop steeply

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

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

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

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

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

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

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

past form of “enact” — order by virtue of superior authority; decree

From this reading That business of the very highest importance--not in any way connected with the colonel, though of the very gravest moment--was being enacted here to-night, could be seen the instant Teackle, with Gilbert at his heels, threw open the door.

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

From this reading This was the colonel's business office, where he conducted the affairs of the estate--a room remote from the great house and never entered except on the colonel's special invitation and only then when business of importance necessitated its use.

everything you own; all of your assets (whether real property or personal property) and liabilities

From this reading This was the colonel's business office, where he conducted the affairs of the estate--a room remote from the great house and never entered except on the colonel's special invitation and only then when business of importance necessitated its use.

apart from; not including

From this reading This was the colonel's business office, where he conducted the affairs of the estate--a room remote from the great house and never entered except on the colonel's special invitation and only then when business of importance necessitated its use.

opinion or judgment

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

a formation of aircraft in flight

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading This was the colonel's business office, where he conducted the affairs of the estate--a room remote from the great house and never entered except on the colonel's special invitation and only then when business of importance necessitated its use.

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

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)

From this reading St. George and Harry were in one corner--Harry backed against the wall.

a unit of magnetomotive force equal to 0.7958 ampere-turns

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

superlative of “grave” — dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises

From this reading That business of the very highest importance--not in any way connected with the colonel, though of the very gravest moment--was being enacted here to-night, could be seen the instant Teackle, with Gilbert at his heels, threw open the door.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading This was the colonel's business office, where he conducted the affairs of the estate--a room remote from the great house and never entered except on the colonel's special invitation and only then when business of importance necessitated its use.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

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

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

annoy continually or chronically

From this reading St. George and Harry were in one corner--Harry backed against the wall.

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

From this reading This was the colonel's business office, where he conducted the affairs of the estate--a room remote from the great house and never entered except on the colonel's special invitation and only then when business of importance necessitated its use.

plural of “heel” — the bottom of a shoe or boot; the back part of a shoe or boot that touches the ground and provides elevation

From this reading That business of the very highest importance--not in any way connected with the colonel, though of the very gravest moment--was being enacted here to-night, could be seen the instant Teackle, with Gilbert at his heels, threw open the door.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading That business of the very highest importance--not in any way connected with the colonel, though of the very gravest moment--was being enacted here to-night, could be seen the instant Teackle, with Gilbert at his heels, threw open the door.

superlative of “high” — greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading That business of the very highest importance--not in any way connected with the colonel, though of the very gravest moment--was being enacted here to-night, could be seen the instant Teackle, with Gilbert at his heels, threw open the door.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

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

From this reading That business of the very highest importance--not in any way connected with the colonel, though of the very gravest moment--was being enacted here to-night, could be seen the instant Teackle, with Gilbert at his heels, threw open the door.

used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading This was the colonel's business office, where he conducted the affairs of the estate--a room remote from the great house and never entered except on the colonel's special invitation and only then when business of importance necessitated its use.

the quality of being important and worthy of note

From this reading This was the colonel's business office, where he conducted the affairs of the estate--a room remote from the great house and never entered except on the colonel's special invitation and only then when business of importance necessitated its use.

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

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

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

From this reading That business of the very highest importance--not in any way connected with the colonel, though of the very gravest moment--was being enacted here to-night, could be seen the instant Teackle, with Gilbert at his heels, threw open the door.

a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something

From this reading This was the colonel's business office, where he conducted the affairs of the estate--a room remote from the great house and never entered except on the colonel's special invitation and only then when business of importance necessitated its use.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading This was the colonel's business office, where he conducted the affairs of the estate--a room remote from the great house and never entered except on the colonel's special invitation and only then when business of importance necessitated its use.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

and nothing more

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

indicating the most important performer or role

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

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 When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

a Brazilian river; tributary of the Amazon River

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

attach a tag or label to

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

the force of workers available

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

a particular point in time

From this reading That business of the very highest importance--not in any way connected with the colonel, though of the very gravest moment--was being enacted here to-night, could be seen the instant Teackle, with Gilbert at his heels, threw open the door.

assembled for use; especially by being attached to a support

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

United States publisher (born in Australia in 1931)

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

past form of “necessitate” — require as useful, just, or proper

From this reading This was the colonel's business office, where he conducted the affairs of the estate--a room remote from the great house and never entered except on the colonel's special invitation and only then when business of importance necessitated its use.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading This was the colonel's business office, where he conducted the affairs of the estate--a room remote from the great house and never entered except on the colonel's special invitation and only then when business of importance necessitated its use.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

held or filled or in use

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading This was the colonel's business office, where he conducted the affairs of the estate--a room remote from the great house and never entered except on the colonel's special invitation and only then when business of importance necessitated its use.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading St. George and Harry were in one corner--Harry backed against the wall.

and nothing more

From this reading This was the colonel's business office, where he conducted the affairs of the estate--a room remote from the great house and never entered except on the colonel's special invitation and only then when business of importance necessitated its use.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading That business of the very highest importance--not in any way connected with the colonel, though of the very gravest moment--was being enacted here to-night, could be seen the instant Teackle, with Gilbert at his heels, threw open the door.

above and across; more than

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

deliver a quick blow to

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

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

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

the act of passing something along from one person or group to another

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

located far away spatially

From this reading This was the colonel's business office, where he conducted the affairs of the estate--a room remote from the great house and never entered except on the colonel's special invitation and only then when business of importance necessitated its use.

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

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

liquor distilled from fermented molasses

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

the legendary patron saint of children; an imaginary being who is thought to bring presents to children at Christmas

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading That business of the very highest importance--not in any way connected with the colonel, though of the very gravest moment--was being enacted here to-night, could be seen the instant Teackle, with Gilbert at his heels, threw open the door.

past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

an individual quantity of food or drink taken as part of a meal

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

the act of smacking something; a blow delivered with an open hand

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

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

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading This was the colonel's business office, where he conducted the affairs of the estate--a room remote from the great house and never entered except on the colonel's special invitation and only then when business of importance necessitated its use.

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

From this reading St. George and Harry were in one corner--Harry backed against the wall.

past form of “steep” — devote (oneself) fully to

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

not in physical motion

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

plural of “table” — a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

be about

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

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

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

any of various edible North American web-footed turtles living in fresh or brackish water

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

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

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading This was the colonel's business office, where he conducted the affairs of the estate--a room remote from the great house and never entered except on the colonel's special invitation and only then when business of importance necessitated its use.

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

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading This was the colonel's business office, where he conducted the affairs of the estate--a room remote from the great house and never entered except on the colonel's special invitation and only then when business of importance necessitated its use.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading That business of the very highest importance--not in any way connected with the colonel, though of the very gravest moment--was being enacted here to-night, could be seen the instant Teackle, with Gilbert at his heels, threw open the door.

inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading That business of the very highest importance--not in any way connected with the colonel, though of the very gravest moment--was being enacted here to-night, could be seen the instant Teackle, with Gilbert at his heels, threw open the door.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

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

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

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

From this reading That business of the very highest importance--not in any way connected with the colonel, though of the very gravest moment--was being enacted here to-night, could be seen the instant Teackle, with Gilbert at his heels, threw open the door.

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

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

up to a particular time

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

the act of using

From this reading This was the colonel's business office, where he conducted the affairs of the estate--a room remote from the great house and never entered except on the colonel's special invitation and only then when business of importance necessitated its use.

precisely as stated

From this reading That business of the very highest importance--not in any way connected with the colonel, though of the very gravest moment--was being enacted here to-night, could be seen the instant Teackle, with Gilbert at his heels, threw open the door.

an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading St. George and Harry were in one corner--Harry backed against the wall.

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

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading That business of the very highest importance--not in any way connected with the colonel, though of the very gravest moment--was being enacted here to-night, could be seen the instant Teackle, with Gilbert at his heels, threw open the door.

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

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

at the time that

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

in or at the place that

From this reading This was the colonel's business office, where he conducted the affairs of the estate--a room remote from the great house and never entered except on the colonel's special invitation and only then when business of importance necessitated its use.

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

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

which person or people

From this reading When Dr. Teackle shut the door of the ballroom upon himself and Mark Gilbert the two did not tarry long in the colonel's den, which was still occupied by half a dozen of the older men, who were being beguiled by a relay of hot terrapin that Alec had just served.

in the company of; together with

From this reading On the contrary, they continued on past the serving tables, past old Cobden Dorsey, who was steeped to the eyes in Santa Cruz rum punch; past John Purviance, and Gatchell and Murdoch, smacking their lips over the colonel's Madeira, dived through a door leading first to a dark passage, mounted to a short flight of steps leading to another dark passage, and so on through a second door until they reached a small room level with the ground.