used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A couple of common-looking men with their hats and greatcoats on, were standing, notebooks in hand, in the centre of a handsomely appointed room, and the eye of experience would have seen at once what they were doing there.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading They were taking an inventory of the furniture.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A couple of common-looking men with their hats and greatcoats on, were standing, notebooks in hand, in the centre of a handsomely appointed room, and the eye of experience would have seen at once what they were doing there.
subject to appointment
From this reading A couple of common-looking men with their hats and greatcoats on, were standing, notebooks in hand, in the centre of a handsomely appointed room, and the eye of experience would have seen at once what they were doing there.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A couple of common-looking men with their hats and greatcoats on, were standing, notebooks in hand, in the centre of a handsomely appointed room, and the eye of experience would have seen at once what they were doing there.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
see with attention
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
black-robed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
the two together, not just one
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
a low-lying region in central France
From this reading A couple of common-looking men with their hats and greatcoats on, were standing, notebooks in hand, in the centre of a handsomely appointed room, and the eye of experience would have seen at once what they were doing there.
common-looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A couple of common-looking men with their hats and greatcoats on, were standing, notebooks in hand, in the centre of a handsomely appointed room, and the eye of experience would have seen at once what they were doing there.
a pair who associate with one another
From this reading A couple of common-looking men with their hats and greatcoats on, were standing, notebooks in hand, in the centre of a handsomely appointed room, and the eye of experience would have seen at once what they were doing there.
-ing form of “do” — engage in
From this reading A couple of common-looking men with their hats and greatcoats on, were standing, notebooks in hand, in the centre of a handsomely appointed room, and the eye of experience would have seen at once what they were doing there.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
undergo or live through a difficult experience
From this reading A couple of common-looking men with their hats and greatcoats on, were standing, notebooks in hand, in the centre of a handsomely appointed room, and the eye of experience would have seen at once what they were doing there.
the organ of sight
From this reading A couple of common-looking men with their hats and greatcoats on, were standing, notebooks in hand, in the centre of a handsomely appointed room, and the eye of experience would have seen at once what they were doing there.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy
From this reading They were taking an inventory of the furniture.
greatcoats
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A couple of common-looking men with their hats and greatcoats on, were standing, notebooks in hand, in the centre of a handsomely appointed room, and the eye of experience would have seen at once what they were doing there.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading A couple of common-looking men with their hats and greatcoats on, were standing, notebooks in hand, in the centre of a handsomely appointed room, and the eye of experience would have seen at once what they were doing there.
handsomelyadverbUS /ˈhænsəmli/
in an attractively handsome manner
From this reading A couple of common-looking men with their hats and greatcoats on, were standing, notebooks in hand, in the centre of a handsomely appointed room, and the eye of experience would have seen at once what they were doing there.
hatsnounUS /hæts/
plural of “hat” — headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim
From this reading A couple of common-looking men with their hats and greatcoats on, were standing, notebooks in hand, in the centre of a handsomely appointed room, and the eye of experience would have seen at once what they were doing there.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading A couple of common-looking men with their hats and greatcoats on, were standing, notebooks in hand, in the centre of a handsomely appointed room, and the eye of experience would have seen at once what they were doing there.
plural of “head” — the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A couple of common-looking men with their hats and greatcoats on, were standing, notebooks in hand, in the centre of a handsomely appointed room, and the eye of experience would have seen at once what they were doing there.
inventorynounUS /ˌɪnvənˈtɔːri/
a detailed list of all the items in stock
From this reading They were taking an inventory of the furniture.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "Is that the widow?"
the force of workers available
From this reading A couple of common-looking men with their hats and greatcoats on, were standing, notebooks in hand, in the centre of a handsomely appointed room, and the eye of experience would have seen at once what they were doing there.
momentarilyadverbUS /ˌmoʊmənˈterəli/
for an instant or moment
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
inflected form of “nod” — express or signify by nodding
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
notebooksnounUS /ˈnoʊtbʊks/
plural of “notebook” — a book with blank pages for recording notes or memoranda
From this reading A couple of common-looking men with their hats and greatcoats on, were standing, notebooks in hand, in the centre of a handsomely appointed room, and the eye of experience would have seen at once what they were doing there.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A couple of common-looking men with their hats and greatcoats on, were standing, notebooks in hand, in the centre of a handsomely appointed room, and the eye of experience would have seen at once what they were doing there.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading ON THE STATION PLATFORM.
on one occasion
From this reading A couple of common-looking men with their hats and greatcoats on, were standing, notebooks in hand, in the centre of a handsomely appointed room, and the eye of experience would have seen at once what they were doing there.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
an open or empty space in or between things
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
a raised horizontal surface
From this reading ON THE STATION PLATFORM.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading A couple of common-looking men with their hats and greatcoats on, were standing, notebooks in hand, in the centre of a handsomely appointed room, and the eye of experience would have seen at once what they were doing there.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading A couple of common-looking men with their hats and greatcoats on, were standing, notebooks in hand, in the centre of a handsomely appointed room, and the eye of experience would have seen at once what they were doing there.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
having a supporting base
From this reading A couple of common-looking men with their hats and greatcoats on, were standing, notebooks in hand, in the centre of a handsomely appointed room, and the eye of experience would have seen at once what they were doing there.
a facility equipped with special equipment and personnel for a particular purpose
From this reading ON THE STATION PLATFORM.
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
come to a halt, stop moving
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
suspendedadjectiveUS /səˈspendɪd/
(of undissolved particles in a fluid) supported or kept from sinking or falling by buoyancy and without apparent attachment
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading They were taking an inventory of the furniture.
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "Is that the widow?"
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading ON THE STATION PLATFORM.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading A couple of common-looking men with their hats and greatcoats on, were standing, notebooks in hand, in the centre of a handsomely appointed room, and the eye of experience would have seen at once what they were doing there.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
in or at that place or location
From this reading A couple of common-looking men with their hats and greatcoats on, were standing, notebooks in hand, in the centre of a handsomely appointed room, and the eye of experience would have seen at once what they were doing there.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A couple of common-looking men with their hats and greatcoats on, were standing, notebooks in hand, in the centre of a handsomely appointed room, and the eye of experience would have seen at once what they were doing there.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
vanishverbUS /ˈvænɪʃ/
get lost, as without warning or explanation
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A couple of common-looking men with their hats and greatcoats on, were standing, notebooks in hand, in the centre of a handsomely appointed room, and the eye of experience would have seen at once what they were doing there.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading A couple of common-looking men with their hats and greatcoats on, were standing, notebooks in hand, in the centre of a handsomely appointed room, and the eye of experience would have seen at once what they were doing there.
whereupon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Their task had been momentarily suspended by the opening of the door, and both heads had turned to behold a slight, black-robed figure step forward, then, at the sight of themselves, stop short, turn and vanish--whereupon the one put the above question and the other nodded for reply.
a woman whose husband is dead especially one who has not remarried
From this reading "Is that the widow?"
in the company of; together with
From this reading A couple of common-looking men with their hats and greatcoats on, were standing, notebooks in hand, in the centre of a handsomely appointed room, and the eye of experience would have seen at once what they were doing there.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading A couple of common-looking men with their hats and greatcoats on, were standing, notebooks in hand, in the centre of a handsomely appointed room, and the eye of experience would have seen at once what they were doing there.
