Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
adeterminerUS /ə/
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.
affairs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading St. George and Harry were in one corner--Harry backed against the wall.
Alec
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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.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
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.
anothernounUS /ˈanother/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
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.
any
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.
atprepositionUS /æt/
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.
backed
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.
ballroom
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.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
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.
beguiled
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.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
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.
business
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
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.
Cobden
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.
colonel
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.
colonel's
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.
conducted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
connected
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.
continuednounUS /ˈcontinued/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
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.
contrary
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.
corner
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.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
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.
Cruz
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.
dark
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.
den
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.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
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.
dived
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.
door
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.
Dorsey
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.
dozen
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.
Dr
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.
enacted
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.
entered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
estate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
exceptprepositionUS /ɪkˈsept/
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.
eyes
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.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
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.
flight
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.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
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.
Gatchell
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.
George
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.
Gilbert
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.
gravest
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.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
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.
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.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
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.
halfnounUS /half/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
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.
Harry
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.
hepronounUS /hiː/
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.
heels
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.
herenounUS /here/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
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.
highest
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.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
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.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
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.
hot
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.
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
importance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
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.
instant
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.
invitation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
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.
John
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.
just
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.
leading
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.
level
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.
lips
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.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
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.
Madeira
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.
Mark
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.
men
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.
moment
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.
mounted
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.
Murdoch
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.
necessitated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
nevernounUS /never/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
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.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
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.
occupied
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.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
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.
office
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
old
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.
older
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.
OnprepositionUS /ɑːn/
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.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
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.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/
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.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
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.
passagenounUS /ˈpassage/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
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
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.
punch
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.
Purviance
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.
reached
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.
relay
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.
remote
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
room
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.
rum
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.
Santa
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.
second
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.
seen
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.
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.
serving
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.
shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔrt/
brief or direct in expression
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.
shut
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.
smacking
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.
small
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.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
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.
special
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
St
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.
steeped
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.
steps
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.
stillnounUS /still/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
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.
tables
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.
tarry
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.
Teackle
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.
terrapin
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.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
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.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
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.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
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.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
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.
ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
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.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
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.
threw
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.
throughnounUS /ˈthrough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
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.
toparticleUS /tuː/
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.
to-night
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.
two
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.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
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.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
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.
use
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
very
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.
wall
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.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
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.
way
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.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
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.
WhenconjunctionUS /wen/
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.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
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.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
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.
whopronounUS /huː/
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.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
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.
