Chapter XIV · What Magdalen Found in the Garret

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

From this reading It seemed to her as if some powerful influence was urging her on toward the garret, while a still more powerful influence to which she gave no name was constantly holding her back.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Of one thing, however, she felt certain; if there _was_ a paper secreted in the garret, old Hester knew of it, and had had a hand in hiding it; and once she thought of quizzing Aleck to see if he too knew about it.

take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

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

From this reading Of one thing, however, she felt certain; if there _was_ a paper secreted in the garret, old Hester knew of it, and had had a hand in hiding it; and once she thought of quizzing Aleck to see if he too knew about it.

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

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

any thing at all

From this reading She had puzzled over the loose plank, and dreamed of it, and speculated upon it, and wondered if there was anything under it, and if so, was it—, she never quite said _what_, even to herself, for it seemed to her that she should in some way be wronging Roger if she breathed the name of _will_.

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

From this reading It seemed to her as if some powerful influence was urging her on toward the garret, while a still more powerful influence to which she gave no name was constantly holding her back.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading It seemed to her as if some powerful influence was urging her on toward the garret, while a still more powerful influence to which she gave no name was constantly holding her back.

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

From this reading She had puzzled over the loose plank, and dreamed of it, and speculated upon it, and wondered if there was anything under it, and if so, was it—, she never quite said _what_, even to herself, for it seemed to her that she should in some way be wronging Roger if she breathed the name of _will_.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

uttered without voice

From this reading She had puzzled over the loose plank, and dreamed of it, and speculated upon it, and wondered if there was anything under it, and if so, was it—, she never quite said _what_, even to herself, for it seemed to her that she should in some way be wronging Roger if she breathed the name of _will_.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading Of one thing, however, she felt certain; if there _was_ a paper secreted in the garret, old Hester knew of it, and had had a hand in hiding it; and once she thought of quizzing Aleck to see if he too knew about it.

without variation or change, in every case

From this reading It seemed to her as if some powerful influence was urging her on toward the garret, while a still more powerful influence to which she gave no name was constantly holding her back.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading She could not have done much with him, for had he known of the will, he would, if questioned with regard to it, have been so deaf that everybody in the house would have heard the conversation.

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

From this reading She could not have done much with him, for had he known of the will, he would, if questioned with regard to it, have been so deaf that everybody in the house would have heard the conversation.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

lacking or deprived of the sense of hearing wholly or in part

From this reading She could not have done much with him, for had he known of the will, he would, if questioned with regard to it, have been so deaf that everybody in the house would have heard the conversation.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading She could not have done much with him, for had he known of the will, he would, if questioned with regard to it, have been so deaf that everybody in the house would have heard the conversation.

conceived of or imagined or hoped for

From this reading She had puzzled over the loose plank, and dreamed of it, and speculated upon it, and wondered if there was anything under it, and if so, was it—, she never quite said _what_, even to herself, for it seemed to her that she should in some way be wronging Roger if she breathed the name of _will_.

divisible by two

From this reading She had puzzled over the loose plank, and dreamed of it, and speculated upon it, and wondered if there was anything under it, and if so, was it—, she never quite said _what_, even to herself, for it seemed to her that she should in some way be wronging Roger if she breathed the name of _will_.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

every person

From this reading She could not have done much with him, for had he known of the will, he would, if questioned with regard to it, have been so deaf that everybody in the house would have heard the conversation.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading Of one thing, however, she felt certain; if there _was_ a paper secreted in the garret, old Hester knew of it, and had had a hand in hiding it; and once she thought of quizzing Aleck to see if he too knew about it.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading She had puzzled over the loose plank, and dreamed of it, and speculated upon it, and wondered if there was anything under it, and if so, was it—, she never quite said _what_, even to herself, for it seemed to her that she should in some way be wronging Roger if she breathed the name of _will_.

Not remembered; lapsed from memory.

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

floor consisting of open space at the top of a house just below roof; often used for storage

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading It seemed to her as if some powerful influence was urging her on toward the garret, while a still more powerful influence to which she gave no name was constantly holding her back.

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

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading Of one thing, however, she felt certain; if there _was_ a paper secreted in the garret, old Hester knew of it, and had had a hand in hiding it; and once she thought of quizzing Aleck to see if he too knew about it.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading She could not have done much with him, for had he known of the will, he would, if questioned with regard to it, have been so deaf that everybody in the house would have heard the conversation.

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

From this reading Of one thing, however, she felt certain; if there _was_ a paper secreted in the garret, old Hester knew of it, and had had a hand in hiding it; and once she thought of quizzing Aleck to see if he too knew about it.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading She could not have done much with him, for had he known of the will, he would, if questioned with regard to it, have been so deaf that everybody in the house would have heard the conversation.

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

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

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

From this reading She had puzzled over the loose plank, and dreamed of it, and speculated upon it, and wondered if there was anything under it, and if so, was it—, she never quite said _what_, even to herself, for it seemed to her that she should in some way be wronging Roger if she breathed the name of _will_.

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

From this reading Of one thing, however, she felt certain; if there _was_ a paper secreted in the garret, old Hester knew of it, and had had a hand in hiding it; and once she thought of quizzing Aleck to see if he too knew about it.

the activity of keeping something secret

From this reading Of one thing, however, she felt certain; if there _was_ a paper secreted in the garret, old Hester knew of it, and had had a hand in hiding it; and once she thought of quizzing Aleck to see if he too knew about it.

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

From this reading She could not have done much with him, for had he known of the will, he would, if questioned with regard to it, have been so deaf that everybody in the house would have heard the conversation.

the act of retaining something

From this reading It seemed to her as if some powerful influence was urging her on toward the garret, while a still more powerful influence to which she gave no name was constantly holding her back.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading She could not have done much with him, for had he known of the will, he would, if questioned with regard to it, have been so deaf that everybody in the house would have heard the conversation.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading Of one thing, however, she felt certain; if there _was_ a paper secreted in the garret, old Hester knew of it, and had had a hand in hiding it; and once she thought of quizzing Aleck to see if he too knew about it.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading It seemed to her as if some powerful influence was urging her on toward the garret, while a still more powerful influence to which she gave no name was constantly holding her back.

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

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc

From this reading It seemed to her as if some powerful influence was urging her on toward the garret, while a still more powerful influence to which she gave no name was constantly holding her back.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It seemed to her as if some powerful influence was urging her on toward the garret, while a still more powerful influence to which she gave no name was constantly holding her back.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Of one thing, however, she felt certain; if there _was_ a paper secreted in the garret, old Hester knew of it, and had had a hand in hiding it; and once she thought of quizzing Aleck to see if he too knew about it.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading She could not have done much with him, for had he known of the will, he would, if questioned with regard to it, have been so deaf that everybody in the house would have heard the conversation.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

not compact or dense in structure or arrangement

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

a reformed prostitute

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

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

From this reading It seemed to her as if some powerful influence was urging her on toward the garret, while a still more powerful influence to which she gave no name was constantly holding her back.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading She could not have done much with him, for had he known of the will, he would, if questioned with regard to it, have been so deaf that everybody in the house would have heard the conversation.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading It seemed to her as if some powerful influence was urging her on toward the garret, while a still more powerful influence to which she gave no name was constantly holding her back.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

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

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

not any; not one

From this reading It seemed to her as if some powerful influence was urging her on toward the garret, while a still more powerful influence to which she gave no name was constantly holding her back.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Of one thing, however, she felt certain; if there _was_ a paper secreted in the garret, old Hester knew of it, and had had a hand in hiding it; and once she thought of quizzing Aleck to see if he too knew about it.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It seemed to her as if some powerful influence was urging her on toward the garret, while a still more powerful influence to which she gave no name was constantly holding her back.

on one occasion

From this reading Of one thing, however, she felt certain; if there _was_ a paper secreted in the garret, old Hester knew of it, and had had a hand in hiding it; and once she thought of quizzing Aleck to see if he too knew about it.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Of one thing, however, she felt certain; if there _was_ a paper secreted in the garret, old Hester knew of it, and had had a hand in hiding it; and once she thought of quizzing Aleck to see if he too knew about it.

above and across; more than

From this reading She had puzzled over the loose plank, and dreamed of it, and speculated upon it, and wondered if there was anything under it, and if so, was it—, she never quite said _what_, even to herself, for it seemed to her that she should in some way be wronging Roger if she breathed the name of _will_.

a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses

From this reading Of one thing, however, she felt certain; if there _was_ a paper secreted in the garret, old Hester knew of it, and had had a hand in hiding it; and once she thought of quizzing Aleck to see if he too knew about it.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

cover with planks

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

having great power or force or potency or effect

From this reading It seemed to her as if some powerful influence was urging her on toward the garret, while a still more powerful influence to which she gave no name was constantly holding her back.

filled with bewilderment

From this reading She had puzzled over the loose plank, and dreamed of it, and speculated upon it, and wondered if there was anything under it, and if so, was it—, she never quite said _what_, even to herself, for it seemed to her that she should in some way be wronging Roger if she breathed the name of _will_.

past form of “question” — challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading She could not have done much with him, for had he known of the will, he would, if questioned with regard to it, have been so deaf that everybody in the house would have heard the conversation.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading She had puzzled over the loose plank, and dreamed of it, and speculated upon it, and wondered if there was anything under it, and if so, was it—, she never quite said _what_, even to herself, for it seemed to her that she should in some way be wronging Roger if she breathed the name of _will_.

inflected form of “quiz” — examine someone's knowledge of something

From this reading Of one thing, however, she felt certain; if there _was_ a paper secreted in the garret, old Hester knew of it, and had had a hand in hiding it; and once she thought of quizzing Aleck to see if he too knew about it.

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading She could not have done much with him, for had he known of the will, he would, if questioned with regard to it, have been so deaf that everybody in the house would have heard the conversation.

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

From this reading She had puzzled over the loose plank, and dreamed of it, and speculated upon it, and wondered if there was anything under it, and if so, was it—, she never quite said _what_, even to herself, for it seemed to her that she should in some way be wronging Roger if she breathed the name of _will_.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading She had puzzled over the loose plank, and dreamed of it, and speculated upon it, and wondered if there was anything under it, and if so, was it—, she never quite said _what_, even to herself, for it seemed to her that she should in some way be wronging Roger if she breathed the name of _will_.

past form of “secrete” — generate and separate from cells or bodily fluids

From this reading Of one thing, however, she felt certain; if there _was_ a paper secreted in the garret, old Hester knew of it, and had had a hand in hiding it; and once she thought of quizzing Aleck to see if he too knew about it.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Of one thing, however, she felt certain; if there _was_ a paper secreted in the garret, old Hester knew of it, and had had a hand in hiding it; and once she thought of quizzing Aleck to see if he too knew about it.

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

From this reading It seemed to her as if some powerful influence was urging her on toward the garret, while a still more powerful influence to which she gave no name was constantly holding her back.

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

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading She had puzzled over the loose plank, and dreamed of it, and speculated upon it, and wondered if there was anything under it, and if so, was it—, she never quite said _what_, even to herself, for it seemed to her that she should in some way be wronging Roger if she breathed the name of _will_.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading It seemed to her as if some powerful influence was urging her on toward the garret, while a still more powerful influence to which she gave no name was constantly holding her back.

to a great degree

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

past form of “speculate” — to believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds

From this reading She had puzzled over the loose plank, and dreamed of it, and speculated upon it, and wondered if there was anything under it, and if so, was it—, she never quite said _what_, even to herself, for it seemed to her that she should in some way be wronging Roger if she breathed the name of _will_.

not in physical motion

From this reading It seemed to her as if some powerful influence was urging her on toward the garret, while a still more powerful influence to which she gave no name was constantly holding her back.

past form of “tempt” — dispose or incline or entice to

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

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

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

in or at that place or location

From this reading She had puzzled over the loose plank, and dreamed of it, and speculated upon it, and wondered if there was anything under it, and if so, was it—, she never quite said _what_, even to herself, for it seemed to her that she should in some way be wronging Roger if she breathed the name of _will_.

a special situation

From this reading Of one thing, however, she felt certain; if there _was_ a paper secreted in the garret, old Hester knew of it, and had had a hand in hiding it; and once she thought of quizzing Aleck to see if he too knew about it.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Of one thing, however, she felt certain; if there _was_ a paper secreted in the garret, old Hester knew of it, and had had a hand in hiding it; and once she thought of quizzing Aleck to see if he too knew about it.

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

From this reading Magdalen had not forgotten “the loose plank,” but since the night of her adventure in the garret she had never been near that part of the building, though sorely tempted to do so every day and hour of her life.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Of one thing, however, she felt certain; if there _was_ a paper secreted in the garret, old Hester knew of it, and had had a hand in hiding it; and once she thought of quizzing Aleck to see if he too knew about it.

in the direction of

From this reading It seemed to her as if some powerful influence was urging her on toward the garret, while a still more powerful influence to which she gave no name was constantly holding her back.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading She had puzzled over the loose plank, and dreamed of it, and speculated upon it, and wondered if there was anything under it, and if so, was it—, she never quite said _what_, even to herself, for it seemed to her that she should in some way be wronging Roger if she breathed the name of _will_.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading She had puzzled over the loose plank, and dreamed of it, and speculated upon it, and wondered if there was anything under it, and if so, was it—, she never quite said _what_, even to herself, for it seemed to her that she should in some way be wronging Roger if she breathed the name of _will_.

a verbalization that encourages you to attempt something

From this reading It seemed to her as if some powerful influence was urging her on toward the garret, while a still more powerful influence to which she gave no name was constantly holding her back.

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

From this reading It seemed to her as if some powerful influence was urging her on toward the garret, while a still more powerful influence to which she gave no name was constantly holding her back.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading She had puzzled over the loose plank, and dreamed of it, and speculated upon it, and wondered if there was anything under it, and if so, was it—, she never quite said _what_, even to herself, for it seemed to her that she should in some way be wronging Roger if she breathed the name of _will_.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading She had puzzled over the loose plank, and dreamed of it, and speculated upon it, and wondered if there was anything under it, and if so, was it—, she never quite said _what_, even to herself, for it seemed to her that she should in some way be wronging Roger if she breathed the name of _will_.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading It seemed to her as if some powerful influence was urging her on toward the garret, while a still more powerful influence to which she gave no name was constantly holding her back.

during the time that

From this reading It seemed to her as if some powerful influence was urging her on toward the garret, while a still more powerful influence to which she gave no name was constantly holding her back.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading She had puzzled over the loose plank, and dreamed of it, and speculated upon it, and wondered if there was anything under it, and if so, was it—, she never quite said _what_, even to herself, for it seemed to her that she should in some way be wronging Roger if she breathed the name of _will_.

in the company of; together with

From this reading She could not have done much with him, for had he known of the will, he would, if questioned with regard to it, have been so deaf that everybody in the house would have heard the conversation.

past form of “wonder” — have a wish or desire to know something

From this reading She had puzzled over the loose plank, and dreamed of it, and speculated upon it, and wondered if there was anything under it, and if so, was it—, she never quite said _what_, even to herself, for it seemed to her that she should in some way be wronging Roger if she breathed the name of _will_.

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

From this reading She could not have done much with him, for had he known of the will, he would, if questioned with regard to it, have been so deaf that everybody in the house would have heard the conversation.

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

From this reading She had puzzled over the loose plank, and dreamed of it, and speculated upon it, and wondered if there was anything under it, and if so, was it—, she never quite said _what_, even to herself, for it seemed to her that she should in some way be wronging Roger if she breathed the name of _will_.