Chapter II

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

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

(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 The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.

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

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

plural of “arrival” — accomplishment of an objective

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

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

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

a minor parish official who serves a ceremonial function

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading My uncle was a little below middle height, but very upright and spare, so that he looked taller than he was.

a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces

From this reading I saw Sir Paget raise his hat, bow slightly, and speak one sentence.

of a stringed instrument; sounded by stroking with a bow

From this reading The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

cause to herd, drive, or crowd together

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

cause to become detached or separated; take off

From this reading One did quietly detach himself from the group and walked up to where my uncle stood on the top step.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading One did quietly detach himself from the group and walked up to where my uncle stood on the top step.

distributed or spread over a considerable extent

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

open to doubt or suspicion

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.

past form of “dwindle” — become smaller or lose substance

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

plural of “fellow” — a boy or man

From this reading The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading One did quietly detach himself from the group and walked up to where my uncle stood on the top step.

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

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

a half of an hour

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

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

From this reading I saw Sir Paget raise his hat, bow slightly, and speak one sentence.

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

From this reading My uncle was a little below middle height, but very upright and spare, so that he looked taller than he was.

the vertical dimension of extension; distance from the base of something to the top

From this reading My uncle was a little below middle height, but very upright and spare, so that he looked taller than he was.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

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

From this reading One did quietly detach himself from the group and walked up to where my uncle stood on the top step.

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

From this reading I saw Sir Paget raise his hat, bow slightly, and speak one sentence.

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

From this reading I saw Sir Paget raise his hat, bow slightly, and speak one sentence.

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

From this reading The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading My uncle was a little below middle height, but very upright and spare, so that he looked taller than he was.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading My uncle was a little below middle height, but very upright and spare, so that he looked taller than he was.

lowest in rank or importance

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.

an area that is approximately central within some larger region

From this reading My uncle was a little below middle height, but very upright and spare, so that he looked taller than he was.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading One did quietly detach himself from the group and walked up to where my uncle stood on the top step.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

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

From this reading The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

plural of “onlooker” — someone who looks on

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

and nothing more

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

English pathologist who discovered the cause of trichinosis (1814-1899)

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

with little or no delay

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

with low volume

From this reading One did quietly detach himself from the group and walked up to where my uncle stood on the top step.

raise the level or amount of something

From this reading I saw Sir Paget raise his hat, bow slightly, and speak one sentence.

the manner in which something is greeted

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

past form of “rejoin” — join again

From this reading The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.

plural of “reporter” — a person who investigates and reports or edits news stories

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.

feeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or offenses

From this reading The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.

cut with a saw

From this reading I saw Sir Paget raise his hat, bow slightly, and speak one sentence.

a string of words satisfying the grammatical rules of a language

From this reading I saw Sir Paget raise his hat, bow slightly, and speak one sentence.

plural of “shrug” — a gesture involving the shoulders

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

term of address for a man

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading I saw Sir Paget raise his hat, bow slightly, and speak one sentence.

change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure

From this reading The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.

plural of “smile” — a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading My uncle was a little below middle height, but very upright and spare, so that he looked taller than he was.

refrain from harming

From this reading My uncle was a little below middle height, but very upright and spare, so that he looked taller than he was.

express in speech

From this reading I saw Sir Paget raise his hat, bow slightly, and speak one sentence.

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

plural of “straggler” — someone who strays or falls behind

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

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

From this reading The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.

the person who plays that position on a football team

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

an exchange of ideas via conversation

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

comparative of “tall” — great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading My uncle was a little below middle height, but very upright and spare, so that he looked taller than he was.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading My uncle was a little below middle height, but very upright and spare, so that he looked taller than he was.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading My uncle was a little below middle height, but very upright and spare, so that he looked taller than he was.

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

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

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

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading The man bowed in return, and rejoined his fellows with a rueful smile; then all of them made off together down the street.

the upper part of anything

From this reading One did quietly detach himself from the group and walked up to where my uncle stood on the top step.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading One did quietly detach himself from the group and walked up to where my uncle stood on the top step.

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

From this reading One did quietly detach himself from the group and walked up to where my uncle stood on the top step.

in a vertical position; not sloping

From this reading My uncle was a little below middle height, but very upright and spare, so that he looked taller than he was.

precisely as stated

From this reading My uncle was a little below middle height, but very upright and spare, so that he looked taller than he was.

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

From this reading One did quietly detach himself from the group and walked up to where my uncle stood on the top step.

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

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

in or at the place that

From this reading One did quietly detach himself from the group and walked up to where my uncle stood on the top step.

make whistling sounds

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

which person or people

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading THE SIGNAL BY now it was past the half-hour; the arrivals dwindled to a few late stragglers, who were promptly turned away by the beadle; the crowd of onlookers dispersed with smiles, shrugs, and a whistle or two: only a group of reporters stood on the lowest step, talking to one another and glancing at Sir Paget, as though they would like to tackle him but were doubtful of their reception.