Chapter VI

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

From this reading A handkerchief could be discovered and pulled out, an open blind could be shut, but a sliver once separated from the wood of the casement, nothing could replace it or even cover it up without itself attracting attention.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading A handkerchief could be discovered and pulled out, an open blind could be shut, but a sliver once separated from the wood of the casement, nothing could replace it or even cover it up without itself attracting attention.

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

From this reading A handkerchief could be discovered and pulled out, an open blind could be shut, but a sliver once separated from the wood of the casement, nothing could replace it or even cover it up without itself attracting attention.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Taking out my knife, I glanced at the door leading into the hall, found it still shut and everything quiet behind it.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading A handkerchief could be discovered and pulled out, an open blind could be shut, but a sliver once separated from the wood of the casement, nothing could replace it or even cover it up without itself attracting attention.

-ing form of “attract” — direct toward itself or oneself by means of some psychological power or physical attributes

From this reading A handkerchief could be discovered and pulled out, an open blind could be shut, but a sliver once separated from the wood of the casement, nothing could replace it or even cover it up without itself attracting attention.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading A handkerchief could be discovered and pulled out, an open blind could be shut, but a sliver once separated from the wood of the casement, nothing could replace it or even cover it up without itself attracting attention.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading Taking out my knife, I glanced at the door leading into the hall, found it still shut and everything quiet behind it.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading This last seemed by much the best device.

a small piece or quantity of something

From this reading Then I took a look into the shrubs and bushes of the yard outside, and, observing nothing to disturb me, snipped off a bit from one of the outer edges of the slats and then carefully reclosed the blinds and the window.

people who have severe visual impairments, considered as a group

From this reading A handkerchief could be discovered and pulled out, an open blind could be shut, but a sliver once separated from the wood of the casement, nothing could replace it or even cover it up without itself attracting attention.

plural of “blind” — people who have severe visual impairments, considered as a group

From this reading Then I took a look into the shrubs and bushes of the yard outside, and, observing nothing to disturb me, snipped off a bit from one of the outer edges of the slats and then carefully reclosed the blinds and the window.

plural of “bush” — a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems

From this reading Then I took a look into the shrubs and bushes of the yard outside, and, observing nothing to disturb me, snipped off a bit from one of the outer edges of the slats and then carefully reclosed the blinds and the window.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading A handkerchief could be discovered and pulled out, an open blind could be shut, but a sliver once separated from the wood of the casement, nothing could replace it or even cover it up without itself attracting attention.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading This last seemed by much the best device.

taking care or paying attention

From this reading Then I took a look into the shrubs and bushes of the yard outside, and, observing nothing to disturb me, snipped off a bit from one of the outer edges of the slats and then carefully reclosed the blinds and the window.

a window sash that is hinged (usually on one side)

From this reading A handkerchief could be discovered and pulled out, an open blind could be shut, but a sliver once separated from the wood of the casement, nothing could replace it or even cover it up without itself attracting attention.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading A handkerchief could be discovered and pulled out, an open blind could be shut, but a sliver once separated from the wood of the casement, nothing could replace it or even cover it up without itself attracting attention.

provide with a covering or cause to be covered

From this reading A handkerchief could be discovered and pulled out, an open blind could be shut, but a sliver once separated from the wood of the casement, nothing could replace it or even cover it up without itself attracting attention.

traveling across

From this reading I was crossing the threshold when I heard a rapid footstep in the hall.

an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose

From this reading This last seemed by much the best device.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading A handkerchief could be discovered and pulled out, an open blind could be shut, but a sliver once separated from the wood of the casement, nothing could replace it or even cover it up without itself attracting attention.

move deeply

From this reading Then I took a look into the shrubs and bushes of the yard outside, and, observing nothing to disturb me, snipped off a bit from one of the outer edges of the slats and then carefully reclosed the blinds and the window.

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

From this reading Taking out my knife, I glanced at the door leading into the hall, found it still shut and everything quiet behind it.

plural of “edge” — the boundary of a surface

From this reading Then I took a look into the shrubs and bushes of the yard outside, and, observing nothing to disturb me, snipped off a bit from one of the outer edges of the slats and then carefully reclosed the blinds and the window.

divisible by two

From this reading A handkerchief could be discovered and pulled out, an open blind could be shut, but a sliver once separated from the wood of the casement, nothing could replace it or even cover it up without itself attracting attention.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading Taking out my knife, I glanced at the door leading into the hall, found it still shut and everything quiet behind it.

the sound of a step of someone walking

From this reading I was crossing the threshold when I heard a rapid footstep in the hall.

set up or found

From this reading Taking out my knife, I glanced at the door leading into the hall, found it still shut and everything quiet behind it.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading A handkerchief could be discovered and pulled out, an open blind could be shut, but a sliver once separated from the wood of the casement, nothing could replace it or even cover it up without itself attracting attention.

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

From this reading Taking out my knife, I glanced at the door leading into the hall, found it still shut and everything quiet behind it.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading Taking out my knife, I glanced at the door leading into the hall, found it still shut and everything quiet behind it.

a square piece of cloth used for wiping the eyes or nose or as a costume accessory

From this reading A handkerchief could be discovered and pulled out, an open blind could be shut, but a sliver once separated from the wood of the casement, nothing could replace it or even cover it up without itself attracting attention.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading I was crossing the threshold when I heard a rapid footstep in the hall.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading Taking out my knife, I glanced at the door leading into the hall, found it still shut and everything quiet behind it.

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

From this reading I was crossing the threshold when I heard a rapid footstep in the hall.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Taking out my knife, I glanced at the door leading into the hall, found it still shut and everything quiet behind it.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading A handkerchief could be discovered and pulled out, an open blind could be shut, but a sliver once separated from the wood of the casement, nothing could replace it or even cover it up without itself attracting attention.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading A handkerchief could be discovered and pulled out, an open blind could be shut, but a sliver once separated from the wood of the casement, nothing could replace it or even cover it up without itself attracting attention.

edge tool used as a cutting instrument; has a pointed blade with a sharp edge and a handle

From this reading Taking out my knife, I glanced at the door leading into the hall, found it still shut and everything quiet behind it.

immediately past

From this reading This last seemed by much the best device.

indicating the most important performer or role

From this reading Taking out my knife, I glanced at the door leading into the hall, found it still shut and everything quiet behind it.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Then I took a look into the shrubs and bushes of the yard outside, and, observing nothing to disturb me, snipped off a bit from one of the outer edges of the slats and then carefully reclosed the blinds and the window.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Then I took a look into the shrubs and bushes of the yard outside, and, observing nothing to disturb me, snipped off a bit from one of the outer edges of the slats and then carefully reclosed the blinds and the window.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading This last seemed by much the best device.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Taking out my knife, I glanced at the door leading into the hall, found it still shut and everything quiet behind it.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading A handkerchief could be discovered and pulled out, an open blind could be shut, but a sliver once separated from the wood of the casement, nothing could replace it or even cover it up without itself attracting attention.

quick to notice; showing quick and keen perception

From this reading Then I took a look into the shrubs and bushes of the yard outside, and, observing nothing to disturb me, snipped off a bit from one of the outer edges of the slats and then carefully reclosed the blinds and the window.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A handkerchief could be discovered and pulled out, an open blind could be shut, but a sliver once separated from the wood of the casement, nothing could replace it or even cover it up without itself attracting attention.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Then I took a look into the shrubs and bushes of the yard outside, and, observing nothing to disturb me, snipped off a bit from one of the outer edges of the slats and then carefully reclosed the blinds and the window.

on one occasion

From this reading A handkerchief could be discovered and pulled out, an open blind could be shut, but a sliver once separated from the wood of the casement, nothing could replace it or even cover it up without itself attracting attention.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Then I took a look into the shrubs and bushes of the yard outside, and, observing nothing to disturb me, snipped off a bit from one of the outer edges of the slats and then carefully reclosed the blinds and the window.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading A handkerchief could be discovered and pulled out, an open blind could be shut, but a sliver once separated from the wood of the casement, nothing could replace it or even cover it up without itself attracting attention.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading A handkerchief could be discovered and pulled out, an open blind could be shut, but a sliver once separated from the wood of the casement, nothing could replace it or even cover it up without itself attracting attention.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading A handkerchief could be discovered and pulled out, an open blind could be shut, but a sliver once separated from the wood of the casement, nothing could replace it or even cover it up without itself attracting attention.

being on the outside or further from a center

From this reading Then I took a look into the shrubs and bushes of the yard outside, and, observing nothing to disturb me, snipped off a bit from one of the outer edges of the slats and then carefully reclosed the blinds and the window.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading Then I took a look into the shrubs and bushes of the yard outside, and, observing nothing to disturb me, snipped off a bit from one of the outer edges of the slats and then carefully reclosed the blinds and the window.

past form of “pull” — cause to move by pulling

From this reading A handkerchief could be discovered and pulled out, an open blind could be shut, but a sliver once separated from the wood of the casement, nothing could replace it or even cover it up without itself attracting attention.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading Taking out my knife, I glanced at the door leading into the hall, found it still shut and everything quiet behind it.

done or occurring in a brief period of time

From this reading I was crossing the threshold when I heard a rapid footstep in the hall.

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

From this reading Then I took a look into the shrubs and bushes of the yard outside, and, observing nothing to disturb me, snipped off a bit from one of the outer edges of the slats and then carefully reclosed the blinds and the window.

substitute a person or thing for (another that is broken or inefficient or lost or no longer working or yielding what is expected)

From this reading A handkerchief could be discovered and pulled out, an open blind could be shut, but a sliver once separated from the wood of the casement, nothing could replace it or even cover it up without itself attracting attention.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading This last seemed by much the best device.

being or feeling set or kept apart from others

From this reading A handkerchief could be discovered and pulled out, an open blind could be shut, but a sliver once separated from the wood of the casement, nothing could replace it or even cover it up without itself attracting attention.

plural of “shrub” — a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems

From this reading Then I took a look into the shrubs and bushes of the yard outside, and, observing nothing to disturb me, snipped off a bit from one of the outer edges of the slats and then carefully reclosed the blinds and the window.

move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut

From this reading A handkerchief could be discovered and pulled out, an open blind could be shut, but a sliver once separated from the wood of the casement, nothing could replace it or even cover it up without itself attracting attention.

plural of “slat” — a thin strip (wood or metal)

From this reading Then I took a look into the shrubs and bushes of the yard outside, and, observing nothing to disturb me, snipped off a bit from one of the outer edges of the slats and then carefully reclosed the blinds and the window.

divide into slivers or splinters

From this reading A handkerchief could be discovered and pulled out, an open blind could be shut, but a sliver once separated from the wood of the casement, nothing could replace it or even cover it up without itself attracting attention.

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

From this reading Then I took a look into the shrubs and bushes of the yard outside, and, observing nothing to disturb me, snipped off a bit from one of the outer edges of the slats and then carefully reclosed the blinds and the window.

not in physical motion

From this reading Taking out my knife, I glanced at the door leading into the hall, found it still shut and everything quiet behind it.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading Taking out my knife, I glanced at the door leading into the hall, found it still shut and everything quiet behind it.

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

From this reading This last seemed by much the best device.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then I took a look into the shrubs and bushes of the yard outside, and, observing nothing to disturb me, snipped off a bit from one of the outer edges of the slats and then carefully reclosed the blinds and the window.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading This last seemed by much the best device.

the starting point for a new state or experience

From this reading I was crossing the threshold when I heard a rapid footstep in the hall.

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

From this reading Then I took a look into the shrubs and bushes of the yard outside, and, observing nothing to disturb me, snipped off a bit from one of the outer edges of the slats and then carefully reclosed the blinds and the window.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading Then I took a look into the shrubs and bushes of the yard outside, and, observing nothing to disturb me, snipped off a bit from one of the outer edges of the slats and then carefully reclosed the blinds and the window.

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

From this reading A handkerchief could be discovered and pulled out, an open blind could be shut, but a sliver once separated from the wood of the casement, nothing could replace it or even cover it up without itself attracting attention.

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

From this reading I was crossing the threshold when I heard a rapid footstep in the hall.

at the time that

From this reading I was crossing the threshold when I heard a rapid footstep in the hall.

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 Then I took a look into the shrubs and bushes of the yard outside, and, observing nothing to disturb me, snipped off a bit from one of the outer edges of the slats and then carefully reclosed the blinds and the window.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading A handkerchief could be discovered and pulled out, an open blind could be shut, but a sliver once separated from the wood of the casement, nothing could replace it or even cover it up without itself attracting attention.

the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees

From this reading A handkerchief could be discovered and pulled out, an open blind could be shut, but a sliver once separated from the wood of the casement, nothing could replace it or even cover it up without itself attracting attention.

a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading Then I took a look into the shrubs and bushes of the yard outside, and, observing nothing to disturb me, snipped off a bit from one of the outer edges of the slats and then carefully reclosed the blinds and the window.