used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading And the captain’s presence, which had always comforted her, was now a perpetual blessing.
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading No longer did she hurry past his door, with her fingers ready, at the slightest alarm, to act as compressers to her ears; no, the captain’s language, though not exactly religious, was eminently proper.
fear resulting from the awareness of danger
From this reading No longer did she hurry past his door, with her fingers ready, at the slightest alarm, to act as compressers to her ears; no, the captain’s language, though not exactly religious, was eminently proper.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading All the coal-scuttles and water-pails in the house might occupy the stairway at night, but the captain could safely thread his way among them.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading And the captain’s presence, which had always comforted her, was now a perpetual blessing.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading All the coal-scuttles and water-pails in the house might occupy the stairway at night, but the captain could safely thread his way among them.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading And the captain’s presence, which had always comforted her, was now a perpetual blessing.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Always pleasant, kind, and courteous, as of old, but oh, so different!
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading All the coal-scuttles and water-pails in the house might occupy the stairway at night, but the captain could safely thread his way among them.
blessingnounUS /ˈblesɪŋ/
the formal act of approving
From this reading And the captain’s presence, which had always comforted her, was now a perpetual blessing.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Always pleasant, kind, and courteous, as of old, but oh, so different!
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading All the coal-scuttles and water-pails in the house might occupy the stairway at night, but the captain could safely thread his way among them.
captain'snounUS /ˈkæptənz/
possessive form of “captain” — an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading And the captain’s presence, which had always comforted her, was now a perpetual blessing.
cheerfullyadverbUS /ˈtʃɪrfəli/
in a cheerful manner
From this reading He was at home so much evenings, that his lamp consumed more oil in a week than it used to in months; but the old lady cheerfully refilled it, and complained not that the captain’s goodness was costly.
coal-scuttles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All the coal-scuttles and water-pails in the house might occupy the stairway at night, but the captain could safely thread his way among them.
comfortedadjectiveUS /ˈkʌmfərtɪd/
made comfortable or more comfortable in a time of distress
From this reading And the captain’s presence, which had always comforted her, was now a perpetual blessing.
complainedverbUS /kəmˈpleɪnd/
past form of “complain” — express complaints, discontent, displeasure, or unhappiness
From this reading He was at home so much evenings, that his lamp consumed more oil in a week than it used to in months; but the old lady cheerfully refilled it, and complained not that the captain’s goodness was costly.
compressers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No longer did she hurry past his door, with her fingers ready, at the slightest alarm, to act as compressers to her ears; no, the captain’s language, though not exactly religious, was eminently proper.
consumedverbUS /kənˈsuːmd/
past form of “consume” — eat up completely, as with great appetite
From this reading He was at home so much evenings, that his lamp consumed more oil in a week than it used to in months; but the old lady cheerfully refilled it, and complained not that the captain’s goodness was costly.
costlyadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːstli/
entailing great loss or sacrifice
From this reading He was at home so much evenings, that his lamp consumed more oil in a week than it used to in months; but the old lady cheerfully refilled it, and complained not that the captain’s goodness was costly.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading All the coal-scuttles and water-pails in the house might occupy the stairway at night, but the captain could safely thread his way among them.
courteousadjectiveUS /ˈkɜːrtiəs/
exhibiting courtesy and politeness
From this reading Always pleasant, kind, and courteous, as of old, but oh, so different!
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading No longer did she hurry past his door, with her fingers ready, at the slightest alarm, to act as compressers to her ears; no, the captain’s language, though not exactly religious, was eminently proper.
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading Always pleasant, kind, and courteous, as of old, but oh, so different!
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading No longer did she hurry past his door, with her fingers ready, at the slightest alarm, to act as compressers to her ears; no, the captain’s language, though not exactly religious, was eminently proper.
plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
From this reading No longer did she hurry past his door, with her fingers ready, at the slightest alarm, to act as compressers to her ears; no, the captain’s language, though not exactly religious, was eminently proper.
eminentlyadverbUS /ˈemənəntli/
in an eminent manner
From this reading No longer did she hurry past his door, with her fingers ready, at the slightest alarm, to act as compressers to her ears; no, the captain’s language, though not exactly religious, was eminently proper.
eveningsnounUS /ˈiːvnɪŋz/
plural of “evening” — the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading He was at home so much evenings, that his lamp consumed more oil in a week than it used to in months; but the old lady cheerfully refilled it, and complained not that the captain’s goodness was costly.
indicating exactness or preciseness
From this reading No longer did she hurry past his door, with her fingers ready, at the slightest alarm, to act as compressers to her ears; no, the captain’s language, though not exactly religious, was eminently proper.
plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)
From this reading No longer did she hurry past his door, with her fingers ready, at the slightest alarm, to act as compressers to her ears; no, the captain’s language, though not exactly religious, was eminently proper.
that which is pleasing or valuable or useful
From this reading He was at home so much evenings, that his lamp consumed more oil in a week than it used to in months; but the old lady cheerfully refilled it, and complained not that the captain’s goodness was costly.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading And the captain’s presence, which had always comforted her, was now a perpetual blessing.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was at home so much evenings, that his lamp consumed more oil in a week than it used to in months; but the old lady cheerfully refilled it, and complained not that the captain’s goodness was costly.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading And the captain’s presence, which had always comforted her, was now a perpetual blessing.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading All the coal-scuttles and water-pails in the house might occupy the stairway at night, but the captain could safely thread his way among them.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading He was at home so much evenings, that his lamp consumed more oil in a week than it used to in months; but the old lady cheerfully refilled it, and complained not that the captain’s goodness was costly.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading All the coal-scuttles and water-pails in the house might occupy the stairway at night, but the captain could safely thread his way among them.
a condition of urgency making it necessary to hurry
From this reading No longer did she hurry past his door, with her fingers ready, at the slightest alarm, to act as compressers to her ears; no, the captain’s language, though not exactly religious, was eminently proper.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading All the coal-scuttles and water-pails in the house might occupy the stairway at night, but the captain could safely thread his way among them.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He was at home so much evenings, that his lamp consumed more oil in a week than it used to in months; but the old lady cheerfully refilled it, and complained not that the captain’s goodness was costly.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading Always pleasant, kind, and courteous, as of old, but oh, so different!
a polite name for any woman
From this reading He was at home so much evenings, that his lamp consumed more oil in a week than it used to in months; but the old lady cheerfully refilled it, and complained not that the captain’s goodness was costly.
an artificial source of visible illumination
From this reading He was at home so much evenings, that his lamp consumed more oil in a week than it used to in months; but the old lady cheerfully refilled it, and complained not that the captain’s goodness was costly.
a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols
From this reading No longer did she hurry past his door, with her fingers ready, at the slightest alarm, to act as compressers to her ears; no, the captain’s language, though not exactly religious, was eminently proper.
for more time
From this reading No longer did she hurry past his door, with her fingers ready, at the slightest alarm, to act as compressers to her ears; no, the captain’s language, though not exactly religious, was eminently proper.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading All the coal-scuttles and water-pails in the house might occupy the stairway at night, but the captain could safely thread his way among them.
plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading He was at home so much evenings, that his lamp consumed more oil in a week than it used to in months; but the old lady cheerfully refilled it, and complained not that the captain’s goodness was costly.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading He was at home so much evenings, that his lamp consumed more oil in a week than it used to in months; but the old lady cheerfully refilled it, and complained not that the captain’s goodness was costly.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading He was at home so much evenings, that his lamp consumed more oil in a week than it used to in months; but the old lady cheerfully refilled it, and complained not that the captain’s goodness was costly.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading All the coal-scuttles and water-pails in the house might occupy the stairway at night, but the captain could safely thread his way among them.
not any; not one
From this reading No longer did she hurry past his door, with her fingers ready, at the slightest alarm, to act as compressers to her ears; no, the captain’s language, though not exactly religious, was eminently proper.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading No longer did she hurry past his door, with her fingers ready, at the slightest alarm, to act as compressers to her ears; no, the captain’s language, though not exactly religious, was eminently proper.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading And the captain’s presence, which had always comforted her, was now a perpetual blessing.
occupyverbUS /ˈɑːkjəpaɪ/
keep busy with
From this reading All the coal-scuttles and water-pails in the house might occupy the stairway at night, but the captain could safely thread his way among them.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Always pleasant, kind, and courteous, as of old, but oh, so different!
a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region
From this reading Always pleasant, kind, and courteous, as of old, but oh, so different!
A viscous liquid derived from petroleum or plants, stored in large earthen jars.
From this reading He was at home so much evenings, that his lamp consumed more oil in a week than it used to in months; but the old lady cheerfully refilled it, and complained not that the captain’s goodness was costly.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Always pleasant, kind, and courteous, as of old, but oh, so different!
the time that has elapsed
From this reading No longer did she hurry past his door, with her fingers ready, at the slightest alarm, to act as compressers to her ears; no, the captain’s language, though not exactly religious, was eminently proper.
perpetualadjectiveUS /pərˈpetʃuːəl/
continuing forever or indefinitely
From this reading And the captain’s presence, which had always comforted her, was now a perpetual blessing.
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading Always pleasant, kind, and courteous, as of old, but oh, so different!
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading And the captain’s presence, which had always comforted her, was now a perpetual blessing.
marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness
From this reading No longer did she hurry past his door, with her fingers ready, at the slightest alarm, to act as compressers to her ears; no, the captain’s language, though not exactly religious, was eminently proper.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading No longer did she hurry past his door, with her fingers ready, at the slightest alarm, to act as compressers to her ears; no, the captain’s language, though not exactly religious, was eminently proper.
refilledverbUS /riˈfɪld/
past form of “refill” — fill something that had previously been emptied
From this reading He was at home so much evenings, that his lamp consumed more oil in a week than it used to in months; but the old lady cheerfully refilled it, and complained not that the captain’s goodness was costly.
concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church
From this reading No longer did she hurry past his door, with her fingers ready, at the slightest alarm, to act as compressers to her ears; no, the captain’s language, though not exactly religious, was eminently proper.
with safety; in a safe manner
From this reading All the coal-scuttles and water-pails in the house might occupy the stairway at night, but the captain could safely thread his way among them.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading No longer did she hurry past his door, with her fingers ready, at the slightest alarm, to act as compressers to her ears; no, the captain’s language, though not exactly religious, was eminently proper.
superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some
From this reading No longer did she hurry past his door, with her fingers ready, at the slightest alarm, to act as compressers to her ears; no, the captain’s language, though not exactly religious, was eminently proper.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Always pleasant, kind, and courteous, as of old, but oh, so different!
stairwaynounUS /ˈsterweɪ/
a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps
From this reading All the coal-scuttles and water-pails in the house might occupy the stairway at night, but the captain could safely thread his way among them.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading He was at home so much evenings, that his lamp consumed more oil in a week than it used to in months; but the old lady cheerfully refilled it, and complained not that the captain’s goodness was costly.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He was at home so much evenings, that his lamp consumed more oil in a week than it used to in months; but the old lady cheerfully refilled it, and complained not that the captain’s goodness was costly.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading And the captain’s presence, which had always comforted her, was now a perpetual blessing.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading All the coal-scuttles and water-pails in the house might occupy the stairway at night, but the captain could safely thread his way among them.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading No longer did she hurry past his door, with her fingers ready, at the slightest alarm, to act as compressers to her ears; no, the captain’s language, though not exactly religious, was eminently proper.
threadverbUS /θred/
to move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course
From this reading All the coal-scuttles and water-pails in the house might occupy the stairway at night, but the captain could safely thread his way among them.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading No longer did she hurry past his door, with her fingers ready, at the slightest alarm, to act as compressers to her ears; no, the captain’s language, though not exactly religious, was eminently proper.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading He was at home so much evenings, that his lamp consumed more oil in a week than it used to in months; but the old lady cheerfully refilled it, and complained not that the captain’s goodness was costly.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading And the captain’s presence, which had always comforted her, was now a perpetual blessing.
water-pails
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All the coal-scuttles and water-pails in the house might occupy the stairway at night, but the captain could safely thread his way among them.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading All the coal-scuttles and water-pails in the house might occupy the stairway at night, but the captain could safely thread his way among them.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading He was at home so much evenings, that his lamp consumed more oil in a week than it used to in months; but the old lady cheerfully refilled it, and complained not that the captain’s goodness was costly.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading And the captain’s presence, which had always comforted her, was now a perpetual blessing.
in the company of; together with
From this reading No longer did she hurry past his door, with her fingers ready, at the slightest alarm, to act as compressers to her ears; no, the captain’s language, though not exactly religious, was eminently proper.
