used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
acknowledgeverbUS /ækˈnɑːlɪdʒ/
declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of
From this reading "Toby has made an impression," explained Alice, "and he's too modest to acknowledge it."
affordedverbUS /əˈfɔːrdəd/
past form of “afford” — be able to spare or give up
From this reading As usual, he was looking serene and pleasant, but it seemed to Kit that his smile at this moment was more the result of habit than of any entertainment that the chaff afforded him.
Alice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Toby has made an impression," explained Alice, "and he's too modest to acknowledge it."
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading "Toby has made an impression," explained Alice, "and he's too modest to acknowledge it."
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading As usual, he was looking serene and pleasant, but it seemed to Kit that his smile at this moment was more the result of habit than of any entertainment that the chaff afforded him.
a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
From this reading "Dear Toby, you made an excellent impression," said Kit, taking his arm, as he stood rather hot and stiff under the chandelier.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As usual, he was looking serene and pleasant, but it seemed to Kit that his smile at this moment was more the result of habit than of any entertainment that the chaff afforded him.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading As usual, he was looking serene and pleasant, but it seemed to Kit that his smile at this moment was more the result of habit than of any entertainment that the chaff afforded him.
chaffverbUS /tʃæf/
be silly or tease one another
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
chandeliernounUS /ʃændəˈlɪr/
branched lighting fixture; often ornate; hangs from the ceiling
From this reading "Dear Toby, you made an excellent impression," said Kit, taking his arm, as he stood rather hot and stiff under the chandelier.
dearly loved
From this reading "Dear Toby, you made an excellent impression," said Kit, taking his arm, as he stood rather hot and stiff under the chandelier.
the act of departing
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
entertainmentnounUS /ˌentərˈteɪnmənt/
an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention
From this reading As usual, he was looking serene and pleasant, but it seemed to Kit that his smile at this moment was more the result of habit than of any entertainment that the chaff afforded him.
very good; of the highest quality
From this reading "Dear Toby, you made an excellent impression," said Kit, taking his arm, as he stood rather hot and stiff under the chandelier.
past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible
From this reading "Toby has made an impression," explained Alice, "and he's too modest to acknowledge it."
firedadjectiveUS /ˈfaɪərd/
having lost your job
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
an established custom
From this reading As usual, he was looking serene and pleasant, but it seemed to Kit that his smile at this moment was more the result of habit than of any entertainment that the chaff afforded him.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "Toby has made an impression," explained Alice, "and he's too modest to acknowledge it."
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading As usual, he was looking serene and pleasant, but it seemed to Kit that his smile at this moment was more the result of habit than of any entertainment that the chaff afforded him.
he's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Toby has made an impression," explained Alice, "and he's too modest to acknowledge it."
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading As usual, he was looking serene and pleasant, but it seemed to Kit that his smile at this moment was more the result of habit than of any entertainment that the chaff afforded him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading As usual, he was looking serene and pleasant, but it seemed to Kit that his smile at this moment was more the result of habit than of any entertainment that the chaff afforded him.
used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
From this reading "Dear Toby, you made an excellent impression," said Kit, taking his arm, as he stood rather hot and stiff under the chandelier.
I'll
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I'm very much pleased with you, and I'll remember you in my will."
I'm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I'm very much pleased with you, and I'll remember you in my will."
a vague idea in which some confidence is placed
From this reading "Toby has made an impression," explained Alice, "and he's too modest to acknowledge it."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading As usual, he was looking serene and pleasant, but it seemed to Kit that his smile at this moment was more the result of habit than of any entertainment that the chaff afforded him.
KitnounUS /kɪt/
a case for containing a set of articles
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading As usual, he was looking serene and pleasant, but it seemed to Kit that his smile at this moment was more the result of habit than of any entertainment that the chaff afforded him.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading "Toby has made an impression," explained Alice, "and he's too modest to acknowledge it."
MISCARRIES
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
modestadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːdəst/
marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself
From this reading "Toby has made an impression," explained Alice, "and he's too modest to acknowledge it."
a particular point in time
From this reading As usual, he was looking serene and pleasant, but it seemed to Kit that his smile at this moment was more the result of habit than of any entertainment that the chaff afforded him.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading As usual, he was looking serene and pleasant, but it seemed to Kit that his smile at this moment was more the result of habit than of any entertainment that the chaff afforded him.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading "I'm very much pleased with you, and I'll remember you in my will."
Murchisons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading "I'm very much pleased with you, and I'll remember you in my will."
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading As usual, he was looking serene and pleasant, but it seemed to Kit that his smile at this moment was more the result of habit than of any entertainment that the chaff afforded him.
and nothing more
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading As usual, he was looking serene and pleasant, but it seemed to Kit that his smile at this moment was more the result of habit than of any entertainment that the chaff afforded him.
experiencing or manifesting pleasure
From this reading "I'm very much pleased with you, and I'll remember you in my will."
PLOTnounUS /plɑːt/
a secret scheme to do something (especially something underhand or illegal)
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
on the contrary
From this reading "Dear Toby, you made an excellent impression," said Kit, taking his arm, as he stood rather hot and stiff under the chandelier.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
To recall to mind.
From this reading "I'm very much pleased with you, and I'll remember you in my will."
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading As usual, he was looking serene and pleasant, but it seemed to Kit that his smile at this moment was more the result of habit than of any entertainment that the chaff afforded him.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "Dear Toby, you made an excellent impression," said Kit, taking his arm, as he stood rather hot and stiff under the chandelier.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
sereneadjectiveUS /sərˈiːn/
not agitated; without losing self-possession
From this reading As usual, he was looking serene and pleasant, but it seemed to Kit that his smile at this moment was more the result of habit than of any entertainment that the chaff afforded him.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading As usual, he was looking serene and pleasant, but it seemed to Kit that his smile at this moment was more the result of habit than of any entertainment that the chaff afforded him.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
not moving or operating freely
From this reading "Dear Toby, you made an excellent impression," said Kit, taking his arm, as he stood rather hot and stiff under the chandelier.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading "Dear Toby, you made an excellent impression," said Kit, taking his arm, as he stood rather hot and stiff under the chandelier.
successive (without a break)
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading "Dear Toby, you made an excellent impression," said Kit, taking his arm, as he stood rather hot and stiff under the chandelier.
targetnounUS /ˈtɑːrɡət/
a reference point to shoot at
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading As usual, he was looking serene and pleasant, but it seemed to Kit that his smile at this moment was more the result of habit than of any entertainment that the chaff afforded him.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading As usual, he was looking serene and pleasant, but it seemed to Kit that his smile at this moment was more the result of habit than of any entertainment that the chaff afforded him.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading As usual, he was looking serene and pleasant, but it seemed to Kit that his smile at this moment was more the result of habit than of any entertainment that the chaff afforded him.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
TobynounUS /ˈtoʊbi/
a drinking mug in the shape of a stout man wearing a three-cornered hat
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading "Toby has made an impression," explained Alice, "and he's too modest to acknowledge it."
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading "Dear Toby, you made an excellent impression," said Kit, taking his arm, as he stood rather hot and stiff under the chandelier.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading As usual, he was looking serene and pleasant, but it seemed to Kit that his smile at this moment was more the result of habit than of any entertainment that the chaff afforded him.
precisely as stated
From this reading "I'm very much pleased with you, and I'll remember you in my will."
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
at the time that
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading THE PLOT MISCARRIES Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading "I'm very much pleased with you, and I'll remember you in my will."
in the company of; together with
From this reading "I'm very much pleased with you, and I'll remember you in my will."
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "Dear Toby, you made an excellent impression," said Kit, taking his arm, as he stood rather hot and stiff under the chandelier.
