used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A sociable undertaker, lacking the indispensable humour of his brethren, bitterly complained that he rarely inquired after a friend's health without being suspected of business motives.
speak to
From this reading That he should personally, or by letter, deplore the necessity of crape caps, would suggest waning affection; while a congratulatory address laid him open to the charge--which this especial widow would certainly make--of unseemly dancing on a newly-made grave.
a positive feeling of liking
From this reading That he should personally, or by letter, deplore the necessity of crape caps, would suggest waning affection; while a congratulatory address laid him open to the charge--which this especial widow would certainly make--of unseemly dancing on a newly-made grave.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading A sociable undertaker, lacking the indispensable humour of his brethren, bitterly complained that he rarely inquired after a friend's health without being suspected of business motives.
AskewadjectiveUS /əsˈkjuː/
turned or twisted toward one side
From this reading Ex-lieutenant Harry Askew found himself in a similar predicament, since his desire to marry a widow precluded him from offering sympathy.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading A sociable undertaker, lacking the indispensable humour of his brethren, bitterly complained that he rarely inquired after a friend's health without being suspected of business motives.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading With laboured wisdom Askew dropped between the horns of this dilemma.
with bitterness; in a resentful manner
From this reading A sociable undertaker, lacking the indispensable humour of his brethren, bitterly complained that he rarely inquired after a friend's health without being suspected of business motives.
brethrennounUS /ˈbreðrən/
(plural) the lay members of a male religious order
From this reading A sociable undertaker, lacking the indispensable humour of his brethren, bitterly complained that he rarely inquired after a friend's health without being suspected of business motives.
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading A sociable undertaker, lacking the indispensable humour of his brethren, bitterly complained that he rarely inquired after a friend's health without being suspected of business motives.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading That he should personally, or by letter, deplore the necessity of crape caps, would suggest waning affection; while a congratulatory address laid him open to the charge--which this especial widow would certainly make--of unseemly dancing on a newly-made grave.
capsnounUS /kæps/
plural of “cap” — a tight-fitting headdress
From this reading That he should personally, or by letter, deplore the necessity of crape caps, would suggest waning affection; while a congratulatory address laid him open to the charge--which this especial widow would certainly make--of unseemly dancing on a newly-made grave.
one of a set of small pieces of stiff paper marked in various ways and used for playing games or for telling fortunes
From this reading Paying no visit, writing no letter, he compromised by leaving a card.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading That he should personally, or by letter, deplore the necessity of crape caps, would suggest waning affection; while a congratulatory address laid him open to the charge--which this especial widow would certainly make--of unseemly dancing on a newly-made grave.
to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle
From this reading That he should personally, or by letter, deplore the necessity of crape caps, would suggest waning affection; while a congratulatory address laid him open to the charge--which this especial widow would certainly make--of unseemly dancing on a newly-made grave.
complainedverbUS /kəmˈpleɪnd/
past form of “complain” — express complaints, discontent, displeasure, or unhappiness
From this reading A sociable undertaker, lacking the indispensable humour of his brethren, bitterly complained that he rarely inquired after a friend's health without being suspected of business motives.
compromisedverbUS /ˈkɑːmprəmaɪzd/
past form of “compromise” — make a compromise; arrive at a compromise
From this reading Paying no visit, writing no letter, he compromised by leaving a card.
congratulatoryadjectiveUS /kənˈɡrætʃələtɔːri/
expressive of sympathetic pleasure or joy on account of someone's success or good fortune
From this reading That he should personally, or by letter, deplore the necessity of crape caps, would suggest waning affection; while a congratulatory address laid him open to the charge--which this especial widow would certainly make--of unseemly dancing on a newly-made grave.
crapenoun
small very thin pancake
From this reading That he should personally, or by letter, deplore the necessity of crape caps, would suggest waning affection; while a congratulatory address laid him open to the charge--which this especial widow would certainly make--of unseemly dancing on a newly-made grave.
taking a series of rhythmical steps (and movements) in time to music
From this reading That he should personally, or by letter, deplore the necessity of crape caps, would suggest waning affection; while a congratulatory address laid him open to the charge--which this especial widow would certainly make--of unseemly dancing on a newly-made grave.
deploreverbUS /dɪˈplɔːr/
express strong disapproval of
From this reading That he should personally, or by letter, deplore the necessity of crape caps, would suggest waning affection; while a congratulatory address laid him open to the charge--which this especial widow would certainly make--of unseemly dancing on a newly-made grave.
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading Ex-lieutenant Harry Askew found himself in a similar predicament, since his desire to marry a widow precluded him from offering sympathy.
dilemmanounUS /dɪˈlemə/
state of uncertainty or perplexity especially as requiring a choice between equally unfavorable options
From this reading With laboured wisdom Askew dropped between the horns of this dilemma.
inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground
From this reading With laboured wisdom Askew dropped between the horns of this dilemma.
especialadjectiveUS /əˈspeʃəl/
surpassing what is common or usual or expected
From this reading That he should personally, or by letter, deplore the necessity of crape caps, would suggest waning affection; while a congratulatory address laid him open to the charge--which this especial widow would certainly make--of unseemly dancing on a newly-made grave.
Ex-lieutenant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ex-lieutenant Harry Askew found himself in a similar predicament, since his desire to marry a widow precluded him from offering sympathy.
set up or found
From this reading Ex-lieutenant Harry Askew found himself in a similar predicament, since his desire to marry a widow precluded him from offering sympathy.
friend'snounUS /frendz/
possessive form of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading A sociable undertaker, lacking the indispensable humour of his brethren, bitterly complained that he rarely inquired after a friend's health without being suspected of business motives.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Ex-lieutenant Harry Askew found himself in a similar predicament, since his desire to marry a widow precluded him from offering sympathy.
death of a person
From this reading That he should personally, or by letter, deplore the necessity of crape caps, would suggest waning affection; while a congratulatory address laid him open to the charge--which this especial widow would certainly make--of unseemly dancing on a newly-made grave.
annoy continually or chronically
From this reading Ex-lieutenant Harry Askew found himself in a similar predicament, since his desire to marry a widow precluded him from offering sympathy.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A sociable undertaker, lacking the indispensable humour of his brethren, bitterly complained that he rarely inquired after a friend's health without being suspected of business motives.
a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease
From this reading A sociable undertaker, lacking the indispensable humour of his brethren, bitterly complained that he rarely inquired after a friend's health without being suspected of business motives.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Ex-lieutenant Harry Askew found himself in a similar predicament, since his desire to marry a widow precluded him from offering sympathy.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Ex-lieutenant Harry Askew found himself in a similar predicament, since his desire to marry a widow precluded him from offering sympathy.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A sociable undertaker, lacking the indispensable humour of his brethren, bitterly complained that he rarely inquired after a friend's health without being suspected of business motives.
hornsnounUS /hɔːrnz/
plural of “horn” — a noisemaker (as at parties or games) that makes a loud noise when you blow through it
From this reading With laboured wisdom Askew dropped between the horns of this dilemma.
a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
From this reading A sociable undertaker, lacking the indispensable humour of his brethren, bitterly complained that he rarely inquired after a friend's health without being suspected of business motives.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Ex-lieutenant Harry Askew found himself in a similar predicament, since his desire to marry a widow precluded him from offering sympathy.
indispensableadjectiveUS /ˌɪndɪˈspensəbəl/
not to be dispensed with; essential
From this reading A sociable undertaker, lacking the indispensable humour of his brethren, bitterly complained that he rarely inquired after a friend's health without being suspected of business motives.
past form of “inquire” — address a question to and expect an answer from
From this reading A sociable undertaker, lacking the indispensable humour of his brethren, bitterly complained that he rarely inquired after a friend's health without being suspected of business motives.
labouredadjective
lacking natural ease
From this reading With laboured wisdom Askew dropped between the horns of this dilemma.
lackingadjectiveUS /ˈlækɪŋ/
inadequate in amount or degree
From this reading A sociable undertaker, lacking the indispensable humour of his brethren, bitterly complained that he rarely inquired after a friend's health without being suspected of business motives.
set down according to a plan
From this reading That he should personally, or by letter, deplore the necessity of crape caps, would suggest waning affection; while a congratulatory address laid him open to the charge--which this especial widow would certainly make--of unseemly dancing on a newly-made grave.
the act of departing
From this reading Paying no visit, writing no letter, he compromised by leaving a card.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading That he should personally, or by letter, deplore the necessity of crape caps, would suggest waning affection; while a congratulatory address laid him open to the charge--which this especial widow would certainly make--of unseemly dancing on a newly-made grave.
engage in
From this reading That he should personally, or by letter, deplore the necessity of crape caps, would suggest waning affection; while a congratulatory address laid him open to the charge--which this especial widow would certainly make--of unseemly dancing on a newly-made grave.
take in marriage
From this reading Ex-lieutenant Harry Askew found himself in a similar predicament, since his desire to marry a widow precluded him from offering sympathy.
motivesnounUS /ˈmoʊtɪvz/
plural of “motive” — the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior
From this reading A sociable undertaker, lacking the indispensable humour of his brethren, bitterly complained that he rarely inquired after a friend's health without being suspected of business motives.
the condition of being essential or indispensable
From this reading That he should personally, or by letter, deplore the necessity of crape caps, would suggest waning affection; while a congratulatory address laid him open to the charge--which this especial widow would certainly make--of unseemly dancing on a newly-made grave.
newly-made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That he should personally, or by letter, deplore the necessity of crape caps, would suggest waning affection; while a congratulatory address laid him open to the charge--which this especial widow would certainly make--of unseemly dancing on a newly-made grave.
not any; not one
From this reading Paying no visit, writing no letter, he compromised by leaving a card.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A sociable undertaker, lacking the indispensable humour of his brethren, bitterly complained that he rarely inquired after a friend's health without being suspected of business motives.
offeringnounUS /ˈɔːfərɪŋ/
something offered (as a proposal or bid)
From this reading Ex-lieutenant Harry Askew found himself in a similar predicament, since his desire to marry a widow precluded him from offering sympathy.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading That he should personally, or by letter, deplore the necessity of crape caps, would suggest waning affection; while a congratulatory address laid him open to the charge--which this especial widow would certainly make--of unseemly dancing on a newly-made grave.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading That he should personally, or by letter, deplore the necessity of crape caps, would suggest waning affection; while a congratulatory address laid him open to the charge--which this especial widow would certainly make--of unseemly dancing on a newly-made grave.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading That he should personally, or by letter, deplore the necessity of crape caps, would suggest waning affection; while a congratulatory address laid him open to the charge--which this especial widow would certainly make--of unseemly dancing on a newly-made grave.
yielding a fair profit
From this reading Paying no visit, writing no letter, he compromised by leaving a card.
personallyadverbUS /ˈpɜːrsənəli/
as yourself
From this reading That he should personally, or by letter, deplore the necessity of crape caps, would suggest waning affection; while a congratulatory address laid him open to the charge--which this especial widow would certainly make--of unseemly dancing on a newly-made grave.
precludedverbUS /prɪˈkluːdɪd/
past form of “preclude” — keep from happening or arising; make impossible
From this reading Ex-lieutenant Harry Askew found himself in a similar predicament, since his desire to marry a widow precluded him from offering sympathy.
predicamentnounUS /prɪˈdɪkəmənt/
a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one
From this reading Ex-lieutenant Harry Askew found himself in a similar predicament, since his desire to marry a widow precluded him from offering sympathy.
rarelyadverbUS /ˈrerli/
not often
From this reading A sociable undertaker, lacking the indispensable humour of his brethren, bitterly complained that he rarely inquired after a friend's health without being suspected of business motives.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading That he should personally, or by letter, deplore the necessity of crape caps, would suggest waning affection; while a congratulatory address laid him open to the charge--which this especial widow would certainly make--of unseemly dancing on a newly-made grave.
marked by correspondence or resemblance
From this reading Ex-lieutenant Harry Askew found himself in a similar predicament, since his desire to marry a widow precluded him from offering sympathy.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Ex-lieutenant Harry Askew found himself in a similar predicament, since his desire to marry a widow precluded him from offering sympathy.
sociableadjectiveUS /ˈsoʊʃəbəl/
inclined to or conducive to companionship with others
From this reading A sociable undertaker, lacking the indispensable humour of his brethren, bitterly complained that he rarely inquired after a friend's health without being suspected of business motives.
suggestverbUS /səˈdʒest/
make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading That he should personally, or by letter, deplore the necessity of crape caps, would suggest waning affection; while a congratulatory address laid him open to the charge--which this especial widow would certainly make--of unseemly dancing on a newly-made grave.
believed likely
From this reading A sociable undertaker, lacking the indispensable humour of his brethren, bitterly complained that he rarely inquired after a friend's health without being suspected of business motives.
an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion
From this reading Ex-lieutenant Harry Askew found himself in a similar predicament, since his desire to marry a widow precluded him from offering sympathy.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A sociable undertaker, lacking the indispensable humour of his brethren, bitterly complained that he rarely inquired after a friend's health without being suspected of business motives.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A sociable undertaker, lacking the indispensable humour of his brethren, bitterly complained that he rarely inquired after a friend's health without being suspected of business motives.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading That he should personally, or by letter, deplore the necessity of crape caps, would suggest waning affection; while a congratulatory address laid him open to the charge--which this especial widow would certainly make--of unseemly dancing on a newly-made grave.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Ex-lieutenant Harry Askew found himself in a similar predicament, since his desire to marry a widow precluded him from offering sympathy.
undertakernounUS /ˈʌndərteɪkər/
one whose business is the management of funerals
From this reading A sociable undertaker, lacking the indispensable humour of his brethren, bitterly complained that he rarely inquired after a friend's health without being suspected of business motives.
unseemlyadjectiveUS /ənˈsiːmli/
not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society
From this reading That he should personally, or by letter, deplore the necessity of crape caps, would suggest waning affection; while a congratulatory address laid him open to the charge--which this especial widow would certainly make--of unseemly dancing on a newly-made grave.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading Paying no visit, writing no letter, he compromised by leaving a card.
waningnounUS /ˈweɪnɪŋ/
a gradual decrease in magnitude or extent
From this reading That he should personally, or by letter, deplore the necessity of crape caps, would suggest waning affection; while a congratulatory address laid him open to the charge--which this especial widow would certainly make--of unseemly dancing on a newly-made grave.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading That he should personally, or by letter, deplore the necessity of crape caps, would suggest waning affection; while a congratulatory address laid him open to the charge--which this especial widow would certainly make--of unseemly dancing on a newly-made grave.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading That he should personally, or by letter, deplore the necessity of crape caps, would suggest waning affection; while a congratulatory address laid him open to the charge--which this especial widow would certainly make--of unseemly dancing on a newly-made grave.
a woman whose husband is dead especially one who has not remarried
From this reading Ex-lieutenant Harry Askew found himself in a similar predicament, since his desire to marry a widow precluded him from offering sympathy.
accumulated knowledge or erudition or enlightenment
From this reading With laboured wisdom Askew dropped between the horns of this dilemma.
in the company of; together with
From this reading With laboured wisdom Askew dropped between the horns of this dilemma.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading A sociable undertaker, lacking the indispensable humour of his brethren, bitterly complained that he rarely inquired after a friend's health without being suspected of business motives.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading That he should personally, or by letter, deplore the necessity of crape caps, would suggest waning affection; while a congratulatory address laid him open to the charge--which this especial widow would certainly make--of unseemly dancing on a newly-made grave.
the act of creating written works
From this reading Paying no visit, writing no letter, he compromised by leaving a card.
