Chapter XXX

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading THE HAND OF GOD Vanulm, standing by the window, hat in hand, abstractedly watched the carriage swing smoothly down the street and stop, with a jingle of harness, in front of his door.

in an absentminded or preoccupied manner

From this reading THE HAND OF GOD Vanulm, standing by the window, hat in hand, abstractedly watched the carriage swing smoothly down the street and stop, with a jingle of harness, in front of his door.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

(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 Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading THE HAND OF GOD Vanulm, standing by the window, hat in hand, abstractedly watched the carriage swing smoothly down the street and stop, with a jingle of harness, in front of his door.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading "Begging your pardon, sir," he said, "but is there any chance?"

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

a solicitation for money or food (especially in the street by an apparently penniless person)

From this reading "Begging your pardon, sir," he said, "but is there any chance?"

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "Begging your pardon, sir," he said, "but is there any chance?"

showing who or what does the action

From this reading THE HAND OF GOD Vanulm, standing by the window, hat in hand, abstractedly watched the carriage swing smoothly down the street and stop, with a jingle of harness, in front of his door.

a railcar where passengers ride

From this reading THE HAND OF GOD Vanulm, standing by the window, hat in hand, abstractedly watched the carriage swing smoothly down the street and stop, with a jingle of harness, in front of his door.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading "Begging your pardon, sir," he said, "but is there any chance?"

a man who drives a coach (or carriage)

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading Vanulm, coming to himself with a start, glanced quickly up.

exhale abruptly, as when one has a chest cold or congestion

From this reading With a preliminary cough he touched his hat.

the skilled practice of a practical occupation

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

having or expressing dignity; especially formality or stateliness in bearing or appearance

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading THE HAND OF GOD Vanulm, standing by the window, hat in hand, abstractedly watched the carriage swing smoothly down the street and stop, with a jingle of harness, in front of his door.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading THE HAND OF GOD Vanulm, standing by the window, hat in hand, abstractedly watched the carriage swing smoothly down the street and stop, with a jingle of harness, in front of his door.

divisible by two

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading THE HAND OF GOD Vanulm, standing by the window, hat in hand, abstractedly watched the carriage swing smoothly down the street and stop, with a jingle of harness, in front of his door.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

past form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading Vanulm, coming to himself with a start, glanced quickly up.

the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions

From this reading THE HAND OF GOD Vanulm, standing by the window, hat in hand, abstractedly watched the carriage swing smoothly down the street and stop, with a jingle of harness, in front of his door.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading THE HAND OF GOD Vanulm, standing by the window, hat in hand, abstractedly watched the carriage swing smoothly down the street and stop, with a jingle of harness, in front of his door.

put a harness

From this reading THE HAND OF GOD Vanulm, standing by the window, hat in hand, abstractedly watched the carriage swing smoothly down the street and stop, with a jingle of harness, in front of his door.

headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim

From this reading THE HAND OF GOD Vanulm, standing by the window, hat in hand, abstractedly watched the carriage swing smoothly down the street and stop, with a jingle of harness, in front of his door.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Vanulm, coming to himself with a start, glanced quickly up.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading THE HAND OF GOD Vanulm, standing by the window, hat in hand, abstractedly watched the carriage swing smoothly down the street and stop, with a jingle of harness, in front of his door.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading THE HAND OF GOD Vanulm, standing by the window, hat in hand, abstractedly watched the carriage swing smoothly down the street and stop, with a jingle of harness, in front of his door.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading "Begging your pardon, sir," he said, "but is there any chance?"

a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

make a sound typical of metallic objects

From this reading THE HAND OF GOD Vanulm, standing by the window, hat in hand, abstractedly watched the carriage swing smoothly down the street and stop, with a jingle of harness, in front of his door.

immediately past

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

under a moral obligation to do something

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE HAND OF GOD Vanulm, standing by the window, hat in hand, abstractedly watched the carriage swing smoothly down the street and stop, with a jingle of harness, in front of his door.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

on one occasion

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

accept an excuse for

From this reading "Begging your pardon, sir," he said, "but is there any chance?"

denoting an action or event preceding or in preparation for something more important

From this reading With a preliminary cough he touched his hat.

with speed

From this reading Vanulm, coming to himself with a start, glanced quickly up.

the cognitive processes whereby past experience is remembered

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Begging your pardon, sir," he said, "but is there any chance?"

term of address for a man

From this reading "Begging your pardon, sir," he said, "but is there any chance?"

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

with no problems or difficulties

From this reading THE HAND OF GOD Vanulm, standing by the window, hat in hand, abstractedly watched the carriage swing smoothly down the street and stop, with a jingle of harness, in front of his door.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

express in speech

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

having a supporting base

From this reading THE HAND OF GOD Vanulm, standing by the window, hat in hand, abstractedly watched the carriage swing smoothly down the street and stop, with a jingle of harness, in front of his door.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Vanulm, coming to himself with a start, glanced quickly up.

past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

come to a halt, stop moving

From this reading THE HAND OF GOD Vanulm, standing by the window, hat in hand, abstractedly watched the carriage swing smoothly down the street and stop, with a jingle of harness, in front of his door.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading THE HAND OF GOD Vanulm, standing by the window, hat in hand, abstractedly watched the carriage swing smoothly down the street and stop, with a jingle of harness, in front of his door.

move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting

From this reading THE HAND OF GOD Vanulm, standing by the window, hat in hand, abstractedly watched the carriage swing smoothly down the street and stop, with a jingle of harness, in front of his door.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading THE HAND OF GOD Vanulm, standing by the window, hat in hand, abstractedly watched the carriage swing smoothly down the street and stop, with a jingle of harness, in front of his door.

in or at that place or location

From this reading "Begging your pardon, sir," he said, "but is there any chance?"

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

having come into contact

From this reading With a preliminary cough he touched his hat.

in the direction of

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

plural of “tradition” — an inherited pattern of thought or action

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Vanulm, coming to himself with a start, glanced quickly up.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE HAND OF GOD Vanulm, standing by the window, hat in hand, abstractedly watched the carriage swing smoothly down the street and stop, with a jingle of harness, in front of his door.

-ing form of “violate” — fail to agree with; be in violation of; as of rules or patterns

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading THE HAND OF GOD Vanulm, standing by the window, hat in hand, abstractedly watched the carriage swing smoothly down the street and stop, with a jingle of harness, in front of his door.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading THE HAND OF GOD Vanulm, standing by the window, hat in hand, abstractedly watched the carriage swing smoothly down the street and stop, with a jingle of harness, in front of his door.

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE HAND OF GOD Vanulm, standing by the window, hat in hand, abstractedly watched the carriage swing smoothly down the street and stop, with a jingle of harness, in front of his door.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading Abstractedly he walked slowly down the steps and out toward the street, and had even started to get into the carriage, for once without remembering his never-failing word to the coachman on the box, so that the dignified James, violating much against his will all the traditions of his craft, was at last obliged to speak without first being spoken to.

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Begging your pardon, sir," he said, "but is there any chance?"