Chapter V · Chapter 5

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

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.

a concept or idea not associated with any specific instance

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.

matters of personal concern

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

be able to spare or give up

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

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

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

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

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

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

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Stealing glances at herself in the glass opposite, she could not help observing the expression on Miss Bruce's face.

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

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The light was in it once more that had been so quenched by her father's death.

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

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.

possessive form of “bruce” — Australian physician and bacteriologist who described the bacterium that causes undulant fever or brucellosis (1855-1931)

From this reading Stealing glances at herself in the glass opposite, she could not help observing the expression on Miss Bruce's face.

touched lightly in passing; grazed against

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.

complete victory

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.

carefully weighed

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

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

From this reading Stealing glances at herself in the glass opposite, she could not help observing the expression on Miss Bruce's face.

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

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.

a female human offspring

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading The light was in it once more that had been so quenched by her father's death.

past form of “designate” — assign a name or title to

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

characterized by great determination

From this reading A true lady's-maid, she determined to hazard the inquiry.

past form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

at any time

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading Stealing glances at herself in the glass opposite, she could not help observing the expression on Miss Bruce's face.

with specific intentions; for the express purpose

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading Stealing glances at herself in the glass opposite, she could not help observing the expression on Miss Bruce's face.

a social unit living together

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading The light was in it once more that had been so quenched by her father's death.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

plural of “glance” — a quick look

From this reading Stealing glances at herself in the glass opposite, she could not help observing the expression on Miss Bruce's face.

a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure

From this reading Stealing glances at herself in the glass opposite, she could not help observing the expression on Miss Bruce's face.

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

From this reading The light was in it once more that had been so quenched by her father's death.

a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune

From this reading A true lady's-maid, she determined to hazard the inquiry.

a female heir

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading Stealing glances at herself in the glass opposite, she could not help observing the expression on Miss Bruce's face.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading Stealing glances at herself in the glass opposite, she could not help observing the expression on Miss Bruce's face.

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

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

occurring every hour or payable by the hour

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

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

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

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

From this reading Stealing glances at herself in the glass opposite, she could not help observing the expression on Miss Bruce's face.

a search for knowledge

From this reading A true lady's-maid, she determined to hazard the inquiry.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The light was in it once more that had been so quenched by her father's death.

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

From this reading A true lady's-maid, she determined to hazard the inquiry.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading The light was in it once more that had been so quenched by her father's death.

found pleasant or attractive; often used as a combining form

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.

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

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.

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

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

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

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.

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

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading The light was in it once more that had been so quenched by her father's death.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Stealing glances at herself in the glass opposite, she could not help observing the expression on Miss Bruce's face.

quick to notice; showing quick and keen perception

From this reading Stealing glances at herself in the glass opposite, she could not help observing the expression on Miss Bruce's face.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Stealing glances at herself in the glass opposite, she could not help observing the expression on Miss Bruce's face.

on one occasion

From this reading The light was in it once more that had been so quenched by her father's death.

being directly across from each other; facing

From this reading Stealing glances at herself in the glass opposite, she could not help observing the expression on Miss Bruce's face.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.

the act of having and controlling property

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

plural of “possession” — the act of having and controlling property

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

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

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.

filled with bewilderment

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.

allayed

From this reading The light was in it once more that had been so quenched by her father's death.

obtain or seize by violence

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

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

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The light was in it once more that had been so quenched by her father's death.

experiencing or marked by or expressing sorrow especially that associated with irreparable loss

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

the act of taking something from someone unlawfully

From this reading Stealing glances at herself in the glass opposite, she could not help observing the expression on Miss Bruce's face.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The light was in it once more that had been so quenched by her father's death.

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

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.

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

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.

male cat

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading A true lady's-maid, she determined to hazard the inquiry.

too much to be measured

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

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

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.

the state of being rich and affluent; having a plentiful supply of material goods and money

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.

during the time that

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.

which person or people

From this reading Puckers, who, in the housekeeper's room, had discussed the affairs of the family almost hourly ever since that sorrowful event, considered that it must have left his daughter in the possession of untold wealth, and that "the young man from town," as she designated Tom Ryfe, was sent down expressly to afford the heiress an estimate of her possessions.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading THE CRACKSMAN'S CHECKMATE Puckers, or Miss Puckers, as she liked to be called below-stairs, was a little puzzled by her young mistress's abstraction, while she brushed out Maud's wealth of raven hair for the night.