used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
absurditynounUS /əbˈsɜːrdəti/
a message whose content is at variance with reason
From this reading "Hope he's not a sheriff or a United States marshal looking for me," and then indulged in an inward smile at the absurdity of his being of sufficient importance to have a federal officer on his trail.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading Jimmy retired to the smoking compartment in the Pullman and sat down to think it all over.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading "Hope he's not a sheriff or a United States marshal looking for me," and then indulged in an inward smile at the absurdity of his being of sufficient importance to have a federal officer on his trail.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Jimmy retired to the smoking compartment in the Pullman and sat down to think it all over.
appraisingadjectiveUS /əˈpreɪzɪŋ/
exercising or involving careful evaluations
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading "Hope he's not a sheriff or a United States marshal looking for me," and then indulged in an inward smile at the absurdity of his being of sufficient importance to have a federal officer on his trail.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
rid of obstructions
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
compartmentnounUS /kəmˈpɑːrtmənt/
a space into which an area is subdivided
From this reading Jimmy retired to the smoking compartment in the Pullman and sat down to think it all over.
motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles that govern a person's thoughts and actions
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
conveyedverbUS /kənˈveɪd/
past form of “convey” — (of information) make known; pass on
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
directnessnounUS /dərˈektnəs/
trueness of course toward a goal
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
disconcertverbUS /ˌdɪskənˈsɜːrt/
cause to feel embarrassment
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Jimmy retired to the smoking compartment in the Pullman and sat down to think it all over.
opinion or judgment
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading He seated himself and took a furtive glance at the man's face.
federaladjectiveUS /ˈfedərəl/
national; especially in reference to the government of the United States as distinct from that of its member units
From this reading "Hope he's not a sheriff or a United States marshal looking for me," and then indulged in an inward smile at the absurdity of his being of sufficient importance to have a federal officer on his trail.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading "Hope he's not a sheriff or a United States marshal looking for me," and then indulged in an inward smile at the absurdity of his being of sufficient importance to have a federal officer on his trail.
furtiveadjectiveUS /ˈfɜːrtɪv/
marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed
From this reading He seated himself and took a furtive glance at the man's face.
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading He seated himself and took a furtive glance at the man's face.
a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading "Great Scott!" thought Jimmy.
responsible for or chargeable with a reprehensible act
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading "Hope he's not a sheriff or a United States marshal looking for me," and then indulged in an inward smile at the absurdity of his being of sufficient importance to have a federal officer on his trail.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
he's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Hope he's not a sheriff or a United States marshal looking for me," and then indulged in an inward smile at the absurdity of his being of sufficient importance to have a federal officer on his trail.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading He seated himself and took a furtive glance at the man's face.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading "Hope he's not a sheriff or a United States marshal looking for me," and then indulged in an inward smile at the absurdity of his being of sufficient importance to have a federal officer on his trail.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading "Hope he's not a sheriff or a United States marshal looking for me," and then indulged in an inward smile at the absurdity of his being of sufficient importance to have a federal officer on his trail.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
the quality of being important and worthy of note
From this reading "Hope he's not a sheriff or a United States marshal looking for me," and then indulged in an inward smile at the absurdity of his being of sufficient importance to have a federal officer on his trail.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Jimmy retired to the smoking compartment in the Pullman and sat down to think it all over.
indulgedverbUS /ˌɪnˈdʌldʒd/
past form of “indulge” — give free rein to
From this reading "Hope he's not a sheriff or a United States marshal looking for me," and then indulged in an inward smile at the absurdity of his being of sufficient importance to have a federal officer on his trail.
inwardadjectiveUS /ˈɪnwərd/
relating to or existing in the mind or thoughts
From this reading "Hope he's not a sheriff or a United States marshal looking for me," and then indulged in an inward smile at the absurdity of his being of sufficient importance to have a federal officer on his trail.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Jimmy retired to the smoking compartment in the Pullman and sat down to think it all over.
to move or force, especially in an effort to get something open
From this reading Jimmy retired to the smoking compartment in the Pullman and sat down to think it all over.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading "Hope he's not a sheriff or a United States marshal looking for me," and then indulged in an inward smile at the absurdity of his being of sufficient importance to have a federal officer on his trail.
loweredadjectiveUS /ˈloʊərd/
below the surround or below the normal position
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
man'snounUS /mænz/
possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading He seated himself and took a furtive glance at the man's face.
marshalverbUS /ˈmɑːrʃəl/
place in proper rank
From this reading "Hope he's not a sheriff or a United States marshal looking for me," and then indulged in an inward smile at the absurdity of his being of sufficient importance to have a federal officer on his trail.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "Hope he's not a sheriff or a United States marshal looking for me," and then indulged in an inward smile at the absurdity of his being of sufficient importance to have a federal officer on his trail.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading "Hope he's not a sheriff or a United States marshal looking for me," and then indulged in an inward smile at the absurdity of his being of sufficient importance to have a federal officer on his trail.
occupantnounUS /ˈɑːkjəpənt/
someone who lives at a particular place for a prolonged period or who was born there
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading "Hope he's not a sheriff or a United States marshal looking for me," and then indulged in an inward smile at the absurdity of his being of sufficient importance to have a federal officer on his trail.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading "Hope he's not a sheriff or a United States marshal looking for me," and then indulged in an inward smile at the absurdity of his being of sufficient importance to have a federal officer on his trail.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading "Hope he's not a sheriff or a United States marshal looking for me," and then indulged in an inward smile at the absurdity of his being of sufficient importance to have a federal officer on his trail.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Jimmy retired to the smoking compartment in the Pullman and sat down to think it all over.
a set of two similar things considered as a unit
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
PullmannounUS /ˈpʊlmən/
luxurious passenger car; for day or night travel
From this reading Jimmy retired to the smoking compartment in the Pullman and sat down to think it all over.
the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
no longer active in your work or profession
From this reading Jimmy retired to the smoking compartment in the Pullman and sat down to think it all over.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading Jimmy retired to the smoking compartment in the Pullman and sat down to think it all over.
ScottnounUS /skɑːt/
award-winning United States film actor (1928-1999)
From this reading "Great Scott!" thought Jimmy.
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading He seated himself and took a furtive glance at the man's face.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
sheriffnounUS /ˈʃerəf/
the principal law-enforcement officer in a county
From this reading "Hope he's not a sheriff or a United States marshal looking for me," and then indulged in an inward smile at the absurdity of his being of sufficient importance to have a federal officer on his trail.
plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading "Hope he's not a sheriff or a United States marshal looking for me," and then indulged in an inward smile at the absurdity of his being of sufficient importance to have a federal officer on his trail.
the act of smoking tobacco or other substances
From this reading Jimmy retired to the smoking compartment in the Pullman and sat down to think it all over.
plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading "Hope he's not a sheriff or a United States marshal looking for me," and then indulged in an inward smile at the absurdity of his being of sufficient importance to have a federal officer on his trail.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant
From this reading "Hope he's not a sheriff or a United States marshal looking for me," and then indulged in an inward smile at the absurdity of his being of sufficient importance to have a federal officer on his trail.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Jimmy retired to the smoking compartment in the Pullman and sat down to think it all over.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading "Hope he's not a sheriff or a United States marshal looking for me," and then indulged in an inward smile at the absurdity of his being of sufficient importance to have a federal officer on his trail.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading Jimmy retired to the smoking compartment in the Pullman and sat down to think it all over.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading "Great Scott!" thought Jimmy.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Jimmy retired to the smoking compartment in the Pullman and sat down to think it all over.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading He seated himself and took a furtive glance at the man's face.
a track or mark left by something that has passed
From this reading "Hope he's not a sheriff or a United States marshal looking for me," and then indulged in an inward smile at the absurdity of his being of sufficient importance to have a federal officer on his trail.
UnitedadjectiveUS /juːˈnaɪtɪd/
characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity
From this reading "Hope he's not a sheriff or a United States marshal looking for me," and then indulged in an inward smile at the absurdity of his being of sufficient importance to have a federal officer on his trail.
which person or people
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It had but one other occupant, a huge man with heavy shoulders who lowered the paper he had been reading and looked at Jimmy through a pair of clear, gray, appraising eyes that conveyed such a sense of directness as to slightly disconcert one with a guilty conscience.
