used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading As Bill reached the desk and lifted the top, another gray-haired old man, possibly the same age as Lightnin', though larger and huskier in build, stole in through the street door and stood there doubtfully, puffing a cigar.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading He looked about fearfully, evidently ready to decamp at an instant's notice; but his glance, traveling back to the figure at the desk, bespoke a childlike trustfulness in Bill Jones.
how long something has existed
From this reading As Bill reached the desk and lifted the top, another gray-haired old man, possibly the same age as Lightnin', though larger and huskier in build, stole in through the street door and stood there doubtfully, puffing a cigar.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He looked about fearfully, evidently ready to decamp at an instant's notice; but his glance, traveling back to the figure at the desk, bespoke a childlike trustfulness in Bill Jones.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading As Bill reached the desk and lifted the top, another gray-haired old man, possibly the same age as Lightnin', though larger and huskier in build, stole in through the street door and stood there doubtfully, puffing a cigar.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading As Bill reached the desk and lifted the top, another gray-haired old man, possibly the same age as Lightnin', though larger and huskier in build, stole in through the street door and stood there doubtfully, puffing a cigar.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As Bill reached the desk and lifted the top, another gray-haired old man, possibly the same age as Lightnin', though larger and huskier in build, stole in through the street door and stood there doubtfully, puffing a cigar.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He looked about fearfully, evidently ready to decamp at an instant's notice; but his glance, traveling back to the figure at the desk, bespoke a childlike trustfulness in Bill Jones.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading He looked about fearfully, evidently ready to decamp at an instant's notice; but his glance, traveling back to the figure at the desk, bespoke a childlike trustfulness in Bill Jones.
batteredadjectiveUS /ˈbætərd/
damaged by blows or hard usage
From this reading This gentleman's clothes were as disreputable as might be, as was his battered slouch-hat.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading This gentleman's clothes were as disreputable as might be, as was his battered slouch-hat.
bespokeadjectiveUS /bʊˈspoʊk/
(of clothing) custom-made
From this reading He looked about fearfully, evidently ready to decamp at an instant's notice; but his glance, traveling back to the figure at the desk, bespoke a childlike trustfulness in Bill Jones.
a statute in draft before it becomes law
From this reading As Bill reached the desk and lifted the top, another gray-haired old man, possibly the same age as Lightnin', though larger and huskier in build, stole in through the street door and stood there doubtfully, puffing a cigar.
make by combining materials and parts
From this reading As Bill reached the desk and lifted the top, another gray-haired old man, possibly the same age as Lightnin', though larger and huskier in build, stole in through the street door and stood there doubtfully, puffing a cigar.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He looked about fearfully, evidently ready to decamp at an instant's notice; but his glance, traveling back to the figure at the desk, bespoke a childlike trustfulness in Bill Jones.
childlikeadjectiveUS /ˈtʃaɪldlaɪk/
befitting a young child
From this reading He looked about fearfully, evidently ready to decamp at an instant's notice; but his glance, traveling back to the figure at the desk, bespoke a childlike trustfulness in Bill Jones.
cigarnounUS /sɪˈɡɑːr/
a roll of tobacco for smoking
From this reading As Bill reached the desk and lifted the top, another gray-haired old man, possibly the same age as Lightnin', though larger and huskier in build, stole in through the street door and stood there doubtfully, puffing a cigar.
clothing in general
From this reading This gentleman's clothes were as disreputable as might be, as was his battered slouch-hat.
comicaladjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmɪkəl/
arousing or provoking laughter
From this reading His face was very red and very unshaven, and his expression was a comical mixture of uncertainty as to his welcome on the premises and maudlin kindliness toward the world at large.
decampverbUS /dəˈkæmp/
leave a camp
From this reading He looked about fearfully, evidently ready to decamp at an instant's notice; but his glance, traveling back to the figure at the desk, bespoke a childlike trustfulness in Bill Jones.
a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments
From this reading As Bill reached the desk and lifted the top, another gray-haired old man, possibly the same age as Lightnin', though larger and huskier in build, stole in through the street door and stood there doubtfully, puffing a cigar.
disreputableadjectiveUS /dɪsˈrepjətəbəl/
lacking respectability in character or behavior or appearance
From this reading This gentleman's clothes were as disreputable as might be, as was his battered slouch-hat.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading As Bill reached the desk and lifted the top, another gray-haired old man, possibly the same age as Lightnin', though larger and huskier in build, stole in through the street door and stood there doubtfully, puffing a cigar.
doubtfullyadverb
in a doubtful manner
From this reading As Bill reached the desk and lifted the top, another gray-haired old man, possibly the same age as Lightnin', though larger and huskier in build, stole in through the street door and stood there doubtfully, puffing a cigar.
down-and-outnoun
a person who is destitute
From this reading He rejoiced in the name of "Zeb," and was a down-and-out prospector, a relic of the past.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading He looked about fearfully, evidently ready to decamp at an instant's notice; but his glance, traveling back to the figure at the desk, bespoke a childlike trustfulness in Bill Jones.
the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading His face was very red and very unshaven, and his expression was a comical mixture of uncertainty as to his welcome on the premises and maudlin kindliness toward the world at large.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading His face was very red and very unshaven, and his expression was a comical mixture of uncertainty as to his welcome on the premises and maudlin kindliness toward the world at large.
fearfullyadverb
in fear
From this reading He looked about fearfully, evidently ready to decamp at an instant's notice; but his glance, traveling back to the figure at the desk, bespoke a childlike trustfulness in Bill Jones.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading He looked about fearfully, evidently ready to decamp at an instant's notice; but his glance, traveling back to the figure at the desk, bespoke a childlike trustfulness in Bill Jones.
gentleman'snounUS /ˈdʒentəlmʌnz/
possessive form of “gentleman” — a man of refinement
From this reading This gentleman's clothes were as disreputable as might be, as was his battered slouch-hat.
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading He looked about fearfully, evidently ready to decamp at an instant's notice; but his glance, traveling back to the figure at the desk, bespoke a childlike trustfulness in Bill Jones.
gray-hairedadjective
showing characteristics of age, especially having grey or white hair
From this reading As Bill reached the desk and lifted the top, another gray-haired old man, possibly the same age as Lightnin', though larger and huskier in build, stole in through the street door and stood there doubtfully, puffing a cigar.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He looked about fearfully, evidently ready to decamp at an instant's notice; but his glance, traveling back to the figure at the desk, bespoke a childlike trustfulness in Bill Jones.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He looked about fearfully, evidently ready to decamp at an instant's notice; but his glance, traveling back to the figure at the desk, bespoke a childlike trustfulness in Bill Jones.
huskier
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As Bill reached the desk and lifted the top, another gray-haired old man, possibly the same age as Lightnin', though larger and huskier in build, stole in through the street door and stood there doubtfully, puffing a cigar.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading As Bill reached the desk and lifted the top, another gray-haired old man, possibly the same age as Lightnin', though larger and huskier in build, stole in through the street door and stood there doubtfully, puffing a cigar.
instant's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He looked about fearfully, evidently ready to decamp at an instant's notice; but his glance, traveling back to the figure at the desk, bespoke a childlike trustfulness in Bill Jones.
United States labor leader (born in Ireland) who helped to found the Industrial Workers of the World (1830-1930)
From this reading He looked about fearfully, evidently ready to decamp at an instant's notice; but his glance, traveling back to the figure at the desk, bespoke a childlike trustfulness in Bill Jones.
kindlinessnoun
friendliness evidence by a kindly and helpful disposition
From this reading His face was very red and very unshaven, and his expression was a comical mixture of uncertainty as to his welcome on the premises and maudlin kindliness toward the world at large.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading His face was very red and very unshaven, and his expression was a comical mixture of uncertainty as to his welcome on the premises and maudlin kindliness toward the world at large.
large or big relative to something else
From this reading As Bill reached the desk and lifted the top, another gray-haired old man, possibly the same age as Lightnin', though larger and huskier in build, stole in through the street door and stood there doubtfully, puffing a cigar.
held up in the air
From this reading As Bill reached the desk and lifted the top, another gray-haired old man, possibly the same age as Lightnin', though larger and huskier in build, stole in through the street door and stood there doubtfully, puffing a cigar.
Lightnin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As Bill reached the desk and lifted the top, another gray-haired old man, possibly the same age as Lightnin', though larger and huskier in build, stole in through the street door and stood there doubtfully, puffing a cigar.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading He looked about fearfully, evidently ready to decamp at an instant's notice; but his glance, traveling back to the figure at the desk, bespoke a childlike trustfulness in Bill Jones.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading As Bill reached the desk and lifted the top, another gray-haired old man, possibly the same age as Lightnin', though larger and huskier in build, stole in through the street door and stood there doubtfully, puffing a cigar.
maudlinadjectiveUS /ˈmɔːdlɪn/
effusively or insincerely emotional
From this reading His face was very red and very unshaven, and his expression was a comical mixture of uncertainty as to his welcome on the premises and maudlin kindliness toward the world at large.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading This gentleman's clothes were as disreputable as might be, as was his battered slouch-hat.
mixturenounUS /ˈmɪkstʃər/
(chemistry) a substance consisting of two or more substances mixed together (not in fixed proportions and not with chemical bonding)
From this reading His face was very red and very unshaven, and his expression was a comical mixture of uncertainty as to his welcome on the premises and maudlin kindliness toward the world at large.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading He rejoiced in the name of "Zeb," and was a down-and-out prospector, a relic of the past.
an announcement containing information about an event
From this reading He looked about fearfully, evidently ready to decamp at an instant's notice; but his glance, traveling back to the figure at the desk, bespoke a childlike trustfulness in Bill Jones.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading His face was very red and very unshaven, and his expression was a comical mixture of uncertainty as to his welcome on the premises and maudlin kindliness toward the world at large.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading As Bill reached the desk and lifted the top, another gray-haired old man, possibly the same age as Lightnin', though larger and huskier in build, stole in through the street door and stood there doubtfully, puffing a cigar.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading His face was very red and very unshaven, and his expression was a comical mixture of uncertainty as to his welcome on the premises and maudlin kindliness toward the world at large.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading He rejoiced in the name of "Zeb," and was a down-and-out prospector, a relic of the past.
by chance
From this reading As Bill reached the desk and lifted the top, another gray-haired old man, possibly the same age as Lightnin', though larger and huskier in build, stole in through the street door and stood there doubtfully, puffing a cigar.
premisesnounUS /ˈpreməsəz/
land and the buildings on it
From this reading His face was very red and very unshaven, and his expression was a comical mixture of uncertainty as to his welcome on the premises and maudlin kindliness toward the world at large.
prospectornounUS /ˈprɔːspektər/
someone who explores an area for mineral deposits
From this reading He rejoiced in the name of "Zeb," and was a down-and-out prospector, a relic of the past.
puffingnounUS /ˈpʌfɪŋ/
blowing tobacco smoke out into the air
From this reading As Bill reached the desk and lifted the top, another gray-haired old man, possibly the same age as Lightnin', though larger and huskier in build, stole in through the street door and stood there doubtfully, puffing a cigar.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading As Bill reached the desk and lifted the top, another gray-haired old man, possibly the same age as Lightnin', though larger and huskier in build, stole in through the street door and stood there doubtfully, puffing a cigar.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading He looked about fearfully, evidently ready to decamp at an instant's notice; but his glance, traveling back to the figure at the desk, bespoke a childlike trustfulness in Bill Jones.
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading His face was very red and very unshaven, and his expression was a comical mixture of uncertainty as to his welcome on the premises and maudlin kindliness toward the world at large.
rejoicedverbUS /rɪˈdʒɔɪst/
past form of “rejoice” — feel happiness or joy
From this reading He rejoiced in the name of "Zeb," and was a down-and-out prospector, a relic of the past.
relicnounUS /ˈrelɪk/
an antiquity that has survived from the distant past
From this reading He rejoiced in the name of "Zeb," and was a down-and-out prospector, a relic of the past.
Identical; not different.
From this reading As Bill reached the desk and lifted the top, another gray-haired old man, possibly the same age as Lightnin', though larger and huskier in build, stole in through the street door and stood there doubtfully, puffing a cigar.
slouch-hat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This gentleman's clothes were as disreputable as might be, as was his battered slouch-hat.
a wide scarf worn about their shoulders by women
From this reading As Bill reached the desk and lifted the top, another gray-haired old man, possibly the same age as Lightnin', though larger and huskier in build, stole in through the street door and stood there doubtfully, puffing a cigar.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading As Bill reached the desk and lifted the top, another gray-haired old man, possibly the same age as Lightnin', though larger and huskier in build, stole in through the street door and stood there doubtfully, puffing a cigar.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading As Bill reached the desk and lifted the top, another gray-haired old man, possibly the same age as Lightnin', though larger and huskier in build, stole in through the street door and stood there doubtfully, puffing a cigar.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading As Bill reached the desk and lifted the top, another gray-haired old man, possibly the same age as Lightnin', though larger and huskier in build, stole in through the street door and stood there doubtfully, puffing a cigar.
in or at that place or location
From this reading As Bill reached the desk and lifted the top, another gray-haired old man, possibly the same age as Lightnin', though larger and huskier in build, stole in through the street door and stood there doubtfully, puffing a cigar.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This gentleman's clothes were as disreputable as might be, as was his battered slouch-hat.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading As Bill reached the desk and lifted the top, another gray-haired old man, possibly the same age as Lightnin', though larger and huskier in build, stole in through the street door and stood there doubtfully, puffing a cigar.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading As Bill reached the desk and lifted the top, another gray-haired old man, possibly the same age as Lightnin', though larger and huskier in build, stole in through the street door and stood there doubtfully, puffing a cigar.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He looked about fearfully, evidently ready to decamp at an instant's notice; but his glance, traveling back to the figure at the desk, bespoke a childlike trustfulness in Bill Jones.
the upper part of anything
From this reading As Bill reached the desk and lifted the top, another gray-haired old man, possibly the same age as Lightnin', though larger and huskier in build, stole in through the street door and stood there doubtfully, puffing a cigar.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading His face was very red and very unshaven, and his expression was a comical mixture of uncertainty as to his welcome on the premises and maudlin kindliness toward the world at large.
travelingnounUS /ˈtrævəlɪŋ/
the act of going from one place to another
From this reading He looked about fearfully, evidently ready to decamp at an instant's notice; but his glance, traveling back to the figure at the desk, bespoke a childlike trustfulness in Bill Jones.
trustfulnessnoun
the trait of believing in the honesty and reliability of others
From this reading He looked about fearfully, evidently ready to decamp at an instant's notice; but his glance, traveling back to the figure at the desk, bespoke a childlike trustfulness in Bill Jones.
uncertaintynounUS /ənˈsɜːrtənti/
being unsettled or in doubt or dependent on chance
From this reading His face was very red and very unshaven, and his expression was a comical mixture of uncertainty as to his welcome on the premises and maudlin kindliness toward the world at large.
unshavenadjectiveUS /ənˈʃeɪvən/
not shaved
From this reading His face was very red and very unshaven, and his expression was a comical mixture of uncertainty as to his welcome on the premises and maudlin kindliness toward the world at large.
precisely as stated
From this reading His face was very red and very unshaven, and his expression was a comical mixture of uncertainty as to his welcome on the premises and maudlin kindliness toward the world at large.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This gentleman's clothes were as disreputable as might be, as was his battered slouch-hat.
accept gladly
From this reading His face was very red and very unshaven, and his expression was a comical mixture of uncertainty as to his welcome on the premises and maudlin kindliness toward the world at large.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading This gentleman's clothes were as disreputable as might be, as was his battered slouch-hat.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading His face was very red and very unshaven, and his expression was a comical mixture of uncertainty as to his welcome on the premises and maudlin kindliness toward the world at large.
Zeb
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He rejoiced in the name of "Zeb," and was a down-and-out prospector, a relic of the past.
