Chapter VI · Chapter 6

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

From this reading He quite imagined that he must have dreamed it, until a second and third peal brought him to his senses and his feet at the same instant.

in addition

From this reading His bewilderment knew no bounds when he appeared at the door a few minutes later and found a coach standing there and the occupants seeking a lodging, also shelter for the horses.

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

From this reading THE VILLAIN AND HIS VICTIM.

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

From this reading His bewilderment knew no bounds when he appeared at the door a few minutes later and found a coach standing there and the occupants seeking a lodging, also shelter for the horses.

aroused to action

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.

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

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading The old man could scarcely believe his ears when he heard the sound of the old brass knocker on the front door resound loudly through the house.

confusion resulting from failure to understand

From this reading His bewilderment knew no bounds when he appeared at the door a few minutes later and found a coach standing there and the occupants seeking a lodging, also shelter for the horses.

the line or plane indicating the limit or extent of something

From this reading His bewilderment knew no bounds when he appeared at the door a few minutes later and found a coach standing there and the occupants seeking a lodging, also shelter for the horses.

an alloy of copper and zinc

From this reading The old man could scarcely believe his ears when he heard the sound of the old brass knocker on the front door resound loudly through the house.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading He quite imagined that he must have dreamed it, until a second and third peal brought him to his senses and his feet at the same instant.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.

teach and supervise (someone); act as a trainer or coach (to), as in sports

From this reading His bewilderment knew no bounds when he appeared at the door a few minutes later and found a coach standing there and the occupants seeking a lodging, also shelter for the horses.

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

From this reading The old man could scarcely believe his ears when he heard the sound of the old brass knocker on the front door resound loudly through the house.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.

a community of people smaller than a village

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.

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

From this reading The old man could scarcely believe his ears when he heard the sound of the old brass knocker on the front door resound loudly through the house.

conceived of or imagined or hoped for

From this reading He quite imagined that he must have dreamed it, until a second and third peal brought him to his senses and his feet at the same instant.

plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading The old man could scarcely believe his ears when he heard the sound of the old brass knocker on the front door resound loudly through the house.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading He quite imagined that he must have dreamed it, until a second and third peal brought him to his senses and his feet at the same instant.

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

From this reading His bewilderment knew no bounds when he appeared at the door a few minutes later and found a coach standing there and the occupants seeking a lodging, also shelter for the horses.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading His bewilderment knew no bounds when he appeared at the door a few minutes later and found a coach standing there and the occupants seeking a lodging, also shelter for the horses.

set up or found

From this reading His bewilderment knew no bounds when he appeared at the door a few minutes later and found a coach standing there and the occupants seeking a lodging, also shelter for the horses.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading The old man could scarcely believe his ears when he heard the sound of the old brass knocker on the front door resound loudly through the house.

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading He quite imagined that he must have dreamed it, until a second and third peal brought him to his senses and his feet at the same instant.

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

From this reading The old man could scarcely believe his ears when he heard the sound of the old brass knocker on the front door resound loudly through the house.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading The old man could scarcely believe his ears when he heard the sound of the old brass knocker on the front door resound loudly through the house.

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

From this reading He quite imagined that he must have dreamed it, until a second and third peal brought him to his senses and his feet at the same instant.

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

From this reading THE VILLAIN AND HIS VICTIM.

plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading His bewilderment knew no bounds when he appeared at the door a few minutes later and found a coach standing there and the occupants seeking a lodging, also shelter for the horses.

favorable to life and growth

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.

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

From this reading The old man could scarcely believe his ears when he heard the sound of the old brass knocker on the front door resound loudly through the house.

past form of “imagine” — form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case

From this reading He quite imagined that he must have dreamed it, until a second and third peal brought him to his senses and his feet at the same instant.

the owner or manager of an inn

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.

a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)

From this reading He quite imagined that he must have dreamed it, until a second and third peal brought him to his senses and his feet at the same instant.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.

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 His bewilderment knew no bounds when he appeared at the door a few minutes later and found a coach standing there and the occupants seeking a lodging, also shelter for the horses.

(Yiddish) a big shot who knows it and acts that way; a boastful immoderate person

From this reading The old man could scarcely believe his ears when he heard the sound of the old brass knocker on the front door resound loudly through the house.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading His bewilderment knew no bounds when he appeared at the door a few minutes later and found a coach standing there and the occupants seeking a lodging, also shelter for the horses.

structures collectively in which people are housed

From this reading His bewilderment knew no bounds when he appeared at the door a few minutes later and found a coach standing there and the occupants seeking a lodging, also shelter for the horses.

with relatively high volume

From this reading The old man could scarcely believe his ears when he heard the sound of the old brass knocker on the front door resound loudly through the house.

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

From this reading The old man could scarcely believe his ears when he heard the sound of the old brass knocker on the front door resound loudly through the house.

12 o'clock at night; the middle of the night

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading His bewilderment knew no bounds when he appeared at the door a few minutes later and found a coach standing there and the occupants seeking a lodging, also shelter for the horses.

used to form the superlative

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading He quite imagined that he must have dreamed it, until a second and third peal brought him to his senses and his feet at the same instant.

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

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.

not any; not one

From this reading His bewilderment knew no bounds when he appeared at the door a few minutes later and found a coach standing there and the occupants seeking a lodging, also shelter for the horses.

plural of “occupant” — someone who lives at a particular place for a prolonged period or who was born there

From this reading His bewilderment knew no bounds when he appeared at the door a few minutes later and found a coach standing there and the occupants seeking a lodging, also shelter for the horses.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.

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

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.

a deep prolonged sound (as of thunder or large bells)

From this reading He quite imagined that he must have dreamed it, until a second and third peal brought him to his senses and his feet at the same instant.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading He quite imagined that he must have dreamed it, until a second and third peal brought him to his senses and his feet at the same instant.

ring or echo with sound

From this reading The old man could scarcely believe his ears when he heard the sound of the old brass knocker on the front door resound loudly through the house.

a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.

Identical; not different.

From this reading He quite imagined that he must have dreamed it, until a second and third peal brought him to his senses and his feet at the same instant.

only a very short time before

From this reading The old man could scarcely believe his ears when he heard the sound of the old brass knocker on the front door resound loudly through the house.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading He quite imagined that he must have dreamed it, until a second and third peal brought him to his senses and his feet at the same instant.

the act of searching for something

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.

plural of “sens” — street names for marijuana

From this reading He quite imagined that he must have dreamed it, until a second and third peal brought him to his senses and his feet at the same instant.

a structure that provides privacy and protection from danger

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.

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

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading The old man could scarcely believe his ears when he heard the sound of the old brass knocker on the front door resound loudly through the house.

having a supporting base

From this reading His bewilderment knew no bounds when he appeared at the door a few minutes later and found a coach standing there and the occupants seeking a lodging, also shelter for the horses.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.

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

From this reading THE VILLAIN AND HIS VICTIM.

in or at that place or location

From this reading His bewilderment knew no bounds when he appeared at the door a few minutes later and found a coach standing there and the occupants seeking a lodging, also shelter for the horses.

one of three equal parts of a divisible whole

From this reading He quite imagined that he must have dreamed it, until a second and third peal brought him to his senses and his feet at the same instant.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading The old man could scarcely believe his ears when he heard the sound of the old brass knocker on the front door resound loudly through the house.

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

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.

up to a particular time

From this reading He quite imagined that he must have dreamed it, until a second and third peal brought him to his senses and his feet at the same instant.

an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance

From this reading THE VILLAIN AND HIS VICTIM.

a wicked or evil person; someone who does evil deliberately

From this reading THE VILLAIN AND HIS VICTIM.

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

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.

at the time that

From this reading The old man could scarcely believe his ears when he heard the sound of the old brass knocker on the front door resound loudly through the house.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading It was certainly something entirely out of the experience of the old innkeeper at the country crossroads to be aroused from his slumbers at midnight by guests seeking the shelter of his hospitable roof, and that, too, on the most terrible night of the year.