used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Hamilton, making moodily for his quarters, took a somewhat deserted by-way, which led him shortly under a long covered passage connected with the stables.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Therefrom peering, himself unseen, he saw the two, man and woman, stop in the moonlight at the mouth of the archway, where he could very clearly distinguish the identity of one of them, and almost as certainly guess that of the other.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading And then there appeared to occur a little scuffle between the pair, and to the sound of a distinct smack the lady broke away and entered the passage alone.
amiableadjectiveUS /ˈeɪmiəbəl/
disposed to please
From this reading He had but entered this unlighted tunnel, when, aware of a couple of figures approaching its further end, he backed instinctively into the shadows, prepared, with the amiable humour of his kind, to detect an intrigue or surprise a secret.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He had but entered this unlighted tunnel, when, aware of a couple of figures approaching its further end, he backed instinctively into the shadows, prepared, with the amiable humour of his kind, to detect an intrigue or surprise a secret.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Therefrom peering, himself unseen, he saw the two, man and woman, stop in the moonlight at the mouth of the archway, where he could very clearly distinguish the identity of one of them, and almost as certainly guess that of the other.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading And then there appeared to occur a little scuffle between the pair, and to the sound of a distinct smack the lady broke away and entered the passage alone.
the event of one object coming closer to another
From this reading He had but entered this unlighted tunnel, when, aware of a couple of figures approaching its further end, he backed instinctively into the shadows, prepared, with the amiable humour of his kind, to detect an intrigue or surprise a secret.
archwaynounUS /ˈɑːrtʃweɪ/
a passageway under a curved masonry construction
From this reading Therefrom peering, himself unseen, he saw the two, man and woman, stop in the moonlight at the mouth of the archway, where he could very clearly distinguish the identity of one of them, and almost as certainly guess that of the other.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Therefrom peering, himself unseen, he saw the two, man and woman, stop in the moonlight at the mouth of the archway, where he could very clearly distinguish the identity of one of them, and almost as certainly guess that of the other.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Therefrom peering, himself unseen, he saw the two, man and woman, stop in the moonlight at the mouth of the archway, where he could very clearly distinguish the identity of one of them, and almost as certainly guess that of the other.
(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception
From this reading He had but entered this unlighted tunnel, when, aware of a couple of figures approaching its further end, he backed instinctively into the shadows, prepared, with the amiable humour of his kind, to detect an intrigue or surprise a secret.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading And then there appeared to occur a little scuffle between the pair, and to the sound of a distinct smack the lady broke away and entered the passage alone.
backedadjectiveUS /bækt/
having a back or backing, usually of a specified type
From this reading He had but entered this unlighted tunnel, when, aware of a couple of figures approaching its further end, he backed instinctively into the shadows, prepared, with the amiable humour of his kind, to detect an intrigue or surprise a secret.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading And then there appeared to occur a little scuffle between the pair, and to the sound of a distinct smack the lady broke away and entered the passage alone.
lacking funds
From this reading And then there appeared to occur a little scuffle between the pair, and to the sound of a distinct smack the lady broke away and entered the passage alone.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He had but entered this unlighted tunnel, when, aware of a couple of figures approaching its further end, he backed instinctively into the shadows, prepared, with the amiable humour of his kind, to detect an intrigue or surprise a secret.
by-way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hamilton, making moodily for his quarters, took a somewhat deserted by-way, which led him shortly under a long covered passage connected with the stables.
discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading His ears pricked to catch their whispered confidences, but he was too far off to distinguish more than an inarticulate giggling murmur.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading Therefrom peering, himself unseen, he saw the two, man and woman, stop in the moonlight at the mouth of the archway, where he could very clearly distinguish the identity of one of them, and almost as certainly guess that of the other.
without doubt or question
From this reading Therefrom peering, himself unseen, he saw the two, man and woman, stop in the moonlight at the mouth of the archway, where he could very clearly distinguish the identity of one of them, and almost as certainly guess that of the other.
confidencesnounUS /ˈkɑːnfədənsɪz/
plural of “confidence” — freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
From this reading His ears pricked to catch their whispered confidences, but he was too far off to distinguish more than an inarticulate giggling murmur.
being joined in close association
From this reading Hamilton, making moodily for his quarters, took a somewhat deserted by-way, which led him shortly under a long covered passage connected with the stables.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Therefrom peering, himself unseen, he saw the two, man and woman, stop in the moonlight at the mouth of the archway, where he could very clearly distinguish the identity of one of them, and almost as certainly guess that of the other.
a pair who associate with one another
From this reading He had but entered this unlighted tunnel, when, aware of a couple of figures approaching its further end, he backed instinctively into the shadows, prepared, with the amiable humour of his kind, to detect an intrigue or surprise a secret.
overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form
From this reading Hamilton, making moodily for his quarters, took a somewhat deserted by-way, which led him shortly under a long covered passage connected with the stables.
forsaken by owner or inhabitants
From this reading Hamilton, making moodily for his quarters, took a somewhat deserted by-way, which led him shortly under a long covered passage connected with the stables.
detectverbUS /dɪˈtekt/
discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading He had but entered this unlighted tunnel, when, aware of a couple of figures approaching its further end, he backed instinctively into the shadows, prepared, with the amiable humour of his kind, to detect an intrigue or surprise a secret.
distinctadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɪŋkt/
(often followed by “from”) not alike; different in nature or quality
From this reading And then there appeared to occur a little scuffle between the pair, and to the sound of a distinct smack the lady broke away and entered the passage alone.
distinguishverbUS /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/
mark as different
From this reading Therefrom peering, himself unseen, he saw the two, man and woman, stop in the moonlight at the mouth of the archway, where he could very clearly distinguish the identity of one of them, and almost as certainly guess that of the other.
plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
From this reading His ears pricked to catch their whispered confidences, but he was too far off to distinguish more than an inarticulate giggling murmur.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading He had but entered this unlighted tunnel, when, aware of a couple of figures approaching its further end, he backed instinctively into the shadows, prepared, with the amiable humour of his kind, to detect an intrigue or surprise a secret.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading He had but entered this unlighted tunnel, when, aware of a couple of figures approaching its further end, he backed instinctively into the shadows, prepared, with the amiable humour of his kind, to detect an intrigue or surprise a secret.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading His ears pricked to catch their whispered confidences, but he was too far off to distinguish more than an inarticulate giggling murmur.
plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading He had but entered this unlighted tunnel, when, aware of a couple of figures approaching its further end, he backed instinctively into the shadows, prepared, with the amiable humour of his kind, to detect an intrigue or surprise a secret.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Hamilton, making moodily for his quarters, took a somewhat deserted by-way, which led him shortly under a long covered passage connected with the stables.
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading He had but entered this unlighted tunnel, when, aware of a couple of figures approaching its further end, he backed instinctively into the shadows, prepared, with the amiable humour of his kind, to detect an intrigue or surprise a secret.
gigglingverbUS /ˈɡɪɡəlɪŋ/
-ing form of “giggle” — laugh nervously
From this reading His ears pricked to catch their whispered confidences, but he was too far off to distinguish more than an inarticulate giggling murmur.
expect, believe, or suppose
From this reading Therefrom peering, himself unseen, he saw the two, man and woman, stop in the moonlight at the mouth of the archway, where he could very clearly distinguish the identity of one of them, and almost as certainly guess that of the other.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He had but entered this unlighted tunnel, when, aware of a couple of figures approaching its further end, he backed instinctively into the shadows, prepared, with the amiable humour of his kind, to detect an intrigue or surprise a secret.
HamiltonnounUS /ˈhæməltən/
Irish mathematician (1806-1865)
From this reading Hamilton, making moodily for his quarters, took a somewhat deserted by-way, which led him shortly under a long covered passage connected with the stables.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had but entered this unlighted tunnel, when, aware of a couple of figures approaching its further end, he backed instinctively into the shadows, prepared, with the amiable humour of his kind, to detect an intrigue or surprise a secret.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Hamilton, making moodily for his quarters, took a somewhat deserted by-way, which led him shortly under a long covered passage connected with the stables.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Therefrom peering, himself unseen, he saw the two, man and woman, stop in the moonlight at the mouth of the archway, where he could very clearly distinguish the identity of one of them, and almost as certainly guess that of the other.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Hamilton, making moodily for his quarters, took a somewhat deserted by-way, which led him shortly under a long covered passage connected with the stables.
a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
From this reading He had but entered this unlighted tunnel, when, aware of a couple of figures approaching its further end, he backed instinctively into the shadows, prepared, with the amiable humour of his kind, to detect an intrigue or surprise a secret.
identitynounUS /aɪˈdentɪtiː/
the distinct personality of an individual regarded as a persisting entity
From this reading Therefrom peering, himself unseen, he saw the two, man and woman, stop in the moonlight at the mouth of the archway, where he could very clearly distinguish the identity of one of them, and almost as certainly guess that of the other.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Therefrom peering, himself unseen, he saw the two, man and woman, stop in the moonlight at the mouth of the archway, where he could very clearly distinguish the identity of one of them, and almost as certainly guess that of the other.
inarticulateadjectiveUS /ˌɪnɑːrˈtɪkjələt/
without or deprived of the use of speech or words
From this reading His ears pricked to catch their whispered confidences, but he was too far off to distinguish more than an inarticulate giggling murmur.
instinctivelyadverbUS /ˌɪnˈstɪŋktɪvliː/
as a matter of instinct
From this reading He had but entered this unlighted tunnel, when, aware of a couple of figures approaching its further end, he backed instinctively into the shadows, prepared, with the amiable humour of his kind, to detect an intrigue or surprise a secret.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading He had but entered this unlighted tunnel, when, aware of a couple of figures approaching its further end, he backed instinctively into the shadows, prepared, with the amiable humour of his kind, to detect an intrigue or surprise a secret.
intriguenounUS /ˌɪnˈtriːɡ/
a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends
From this reading He had but entered this unlighted tunnel, when, aware of a couple of figures approaching its further end, he backed instinctively into the shadows, prepared, with the amiable humour of his kind, to detect an intrigue or surprise a secret.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading He had but entered this unlighted tunnel, when, aware of a couple of figures approaching its further end, he backed instinctively into the shadows, prepared, with the amiable humour of his kind, to detect an intrigue or surprise a secret.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading He had but entered this unlighted tunnel, when, aware of a couple of figures approaching its further end, he backed instinctively into the shadows, prepared, with the amiable humour of his kind, to detect an intrigue or surprise a secret.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading And then there appeared to occur a little scuffle between the pair, and to the sound of a distinct smack the lady broke away and entered the passage alone.
diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
From this reading Hamilton, making moodily for his quarters, took a somewhat deserted by-way, which led him shortly under a long covered passage connected with the stables.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading And then there appeared to occur a little scuffle between the pair, and to the sound of a distinct smack the lady broke away and entered the passage alone.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading Hamilton, making moodily for his quarters, took a somewhat deserted by-way, which led him shortly under a long covered passage connected with the stables.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading Hamilton, making moodily for his quarters, took a somewhat deserted by-way, which led him shortly under a long covered passage connected with the stables.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Therefrom peering, himself unseen, he saw the two, man and woman, stop in the moonlight at the mouth of the archway, where he could very clearly distinguish the identity of one of them, and almost as certainly guess that of the other.
moodilyadverb
in a moody manner
From this reading Hamilton, making moodily for his quarters, took a somewhat deserted by-way, which led him shortly under a long covered passage connected with the stables.
the light of the Moon
From this reading Therefrom peering, himself unseen, he saw the two, man and woman, stop in the moonlight at the mouth of the archway, where he could very clearly distinguish the identity of one of them, and almost as certainly guess that of the other.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading His ears pricked to catch their whispered confidences, but he was too far off to distinguish more than an inarticulate giggling murmur.
the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge
From this reading Therefrom peering, himself unseen, he saw the two, man and woman, stop in the moonlight at the mouth of the archway, where he could very clearly distinguish the identity of one of them, and almost as certainly guess that of the other.
murmurnounUS /ˈmɜːrmər/
a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech
From this reading His ears pricked to catch their whispered confidences, but he was too far off to distinguish more than an inarticulate giggling murmur.
occurverbUS /əˈkɜːr/
come to pass
From this reading And then there appeared to occur a little scuffle between the pair, and to the sound of a distinct smack the lady broke away and entered the passage alone.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He had but entered this unlighted tunnel, when, aware of a couple of figures approaching its further end, he backed instinctively into the shadows, prepared, with the amiable humour of his kind, to detect an intrigue or surprise a secret.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading His ears pricked to catch their whispered confidences, but he was too far off to distinguish more than an inarticulate giggling murmur.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Therefrom peering, himself unseen, he saw the two, man and woman, stop in the moonlight at the mouth of the archway, where he could very clearly distinguish the identity of one of them, and almost as certainly guess that of the other.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading He had but entered this unlighted tunnel, when, aware of a couple of figures approaching its further end, he backed instinctively into the shadows, prepared, with the amiable humour of his kind, to detect an intrigue or surprise a secret.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Therefrom peering, himself unseen, he saw the two, man and woman, stop in the moonlight at the mouth of the archway, where he could very clearly distinguish the identity of one of them, and almost as certainly guess that of the other.
a set of two similar things considered as a unit
From this reading And then there appeared to occur a little scuffle between the pair, and to the sound of a distinct smack the lady broke away and entered the passage alone.
the act of passing from one state or place to the next
From this reading Hamilton, making moodily for his quarters, took a somewhat deserted by-way, which led him shortly under a long covered passage connected with the stables.
peeringverbUS /ˈpiːrɪŋ/
-ing form of “peer” — look searchingly
From this reading Therefrom peering, himself unseen, he saw the two, man and woman, stop in the moonlight at the mouth of the archway, where he could very clearly distinguish the identity of one of them, and almost as certainly guess that of the other.
made ready or fit or suitable beforehand
From this reading He had but entered this unlighted tunnel, when, aware of a couple of figures approaching its further end, he backed instinctively into the shadows, prepared, with the amiable humour of his kind, to detect an intrigue or surprise a secret.
prickedverbUS /prɪkt/
past form of “prick” — make a small hole into, as with a needle or a thorn
From this reading His ears pricked to catch their whispered confidences, but he was too far off to distinguish more than an inarticulate giggling murmur.
housing available for people to live in
From this reading Hamilton, making moodily for his quarters, took a somewhat deserted by-way, which led him shortly under a long covered passage connected with the stables.
cut with a saw
From this reading Therefrom peering, himself unseen, he saw the two, man and woman, stop in the moonlight at the mouth of the archway, where he could very clearly distinguish the identity of one of them, and almost as certainly guess that of the other.
scufflenounUS /ˈskʌfəl/
disorderly fighting
From this reading And then there appeared to occur a little scuffle between the pair, and to the sound of a distinct smack the lady broke away and entered the passage alone.
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading He had but entered this unlighted tunnel, when, aware of a couple of figures approaching its further end, he backed instinctively into the shadows, prepared, with the amiable humour of his kind, to detect an intrigue or surprise a secret.
plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries
From this reading He had but entered this unlighted tunnel, when, aware of a couple of figures approaching its further end, he backed instinctively into the shadows, prepared, with the amiable humour of his kind, to detect an intrigue or surprise a secret.
for a short time
From this reading Hamilton, making moodily for his quarters, took a somewhat deserted by-way, which led him shortly under a long covered passage connected with the stables.
smackverbUS /smæk/
deliver a hard blow to
From this reading And then there appeared to occur a little scuffle between the pair, and to the sound of a distinct smack the lady broke away and entered the passage alone.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading Hamilton, making moodily for his quarters, took a somewhat deserted by-way, which led him shortly under a long covered passage connected with the stables.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading And then there appeared to occur a little scuffle between the pair, and to the sound of a distinct smack the lady broke away and entered the passage alone.
stablesnounUS /ˈsteɪbəlz/
plural of “stable” — a farm building for housing horses or other livestock
From this reading Hamilton, making moodily for his quarters, took a somewhat deserted by-way, which led him shortly under a long covered passage connected with the stables.
come to a halt, stop moving
From this reading Therefrom peering, himself unseen, he saw the two, man and woman, stop in the moonlight at the mouth of the archway, where he could very clearly distinguish the identity of one of them, and almost as certainly guess that of the other.
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading He had but entered this unlighted tunnel, when, aware of a couple of figures approaching its further end, he backed instinctively into the shadows, prepared, with the amiable humour of his kind, to detect an intrigue or surprise a secret.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading His ears pricked to catch their whispered confidences, but he was too far off to distinguish more than an inarticulate giggling murmur.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Therefrom peering, himself unseen, he saw the two, man and woman, stop in the moonlight at the mouth of the archway, where he could very clearly distinguish the identity of one of them, and almost as certainly guess that of the other.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Hamilton, making moodily for his quarters, took a somewhat deserted by-way, which led him shortly under a long covered passage connected with the stables.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading His ears pricked to catch their whispered confidences, but he was too far off to distinguish more than an inarticulate giggling murmur.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Therefrom peering, himself unseen, he saw the two, man and woman, stop in the moonlight at the mouth of the archway, where he could very clearly distinguish the identity of one of them, and almost as certainly guess that of the other.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading And then there appeared to occur a little scuffle between the pair, and to the sound of a distinct smack the lady broke away and entered the passage alone.
in or at that place or location
From this reading And then there appeared to occur a little scuffle between the pair, and to the sound of a distinct smack the lady broke away and entered the passage alone.
Therefromadverb
from that circumstance or source
From this reading Therefrom peering, himself unseen, he saw the two, man and woman, stop in the moonlight at the mouth of the archway, where he could very clearly distinguish the identity of one of them, and almost as certainly guess that of the other.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading He had but entered this unlighted tunnel, when, aware of a couple of figures approaching its further end, he backed instinctively into the shadows, prepared, with the amiable humour of his kind, to detect an intrigue or surprise a secret.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He had but entered this unlighted tunnel, when, aware of a couple of figures approaching its further end, he backed instinctively into the shadows, prepared, with the amiable humour of his kind, to detect an intrigue or surprise a secret.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading His ears pricked to catch their whispered confidences, but he was too far off to distinguish more than an inarticulate giggling murmur.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Hamilton, making moodily for his quarters, took a somewhat deserted by-way, which led him shortly under a long covered passage connected with the stables.
tunnelverbUS /ˈtʌnəl/
move through by or as by digging
From this reading He had but entered this unlighted tunnel, when, aware of a couple of figures approaching its further end, he backed instinctively into the shadows, prepared, with the amiable humour of his kind, to detect an intrigue or surprise a secret.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Therefrom peering, himself unseen, he saw the two, man and woman, stop in the moonlight at the mouth of the archway, where he could very clearly distinguish the identity of one of them, and almost as certainly guess that of the other.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Hamilton, making moodily for his quarters, took a somewhat deserted by-way, which led him shortly under a long covered passage connected with the stables.
unlightedadjective
not set afire or burning
From this reading He had but entered this unlighted tunnel, when, aware of a couple of figures approaching its further end, he backed instinctively into the shadows, prepared, with the amiable humour of his kind, to detect an intrigue or surprise a secret.
unseenadjectiveUS /ənˈsiːn/
not seen or perceived
From this reading Therefrom peering, himself unseen, he saw the two, man and woman, stop in the moonlight at the mouth of the archway, where he could very clearly distinguish the identity of one of them, and almost as certainly guess that of the other.
precisely as stated
From this reading Therefrom peering, himself unseen, he saw the two, man and woman, stop in the moonlight at the mouth of the archway, where he could very clearly distinguish the identity of one of them, and almost as certainly guess that of the other.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading His ears pricked to catch their whispered confidences, but he was too far off to distinguish more than an inarticulate giggling murmur.
at the time that
From this reading He had but entered this unlighted tunnel, when, aware of a couple of figures approaching its further end, he backed instinctively into the shadows, prepared, with the amiable humour of his kind, to detect an intrigue or surprise a secret.
in or at the place that
From this reading Therefrom peering, himself unseen, he saw the two, man and woman, stop in the moonlight at the mouth of the archway, where he could very clearly distinguish the identity of one of them, and almost as certainly guess that of the other.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Hamilton, making moodily for his quarters, took a somewhat deserted by-way, which led him shortly under a long covered passage connected with the stables.
spoken in soft hushed tones without vibrations of the vocal cords
From this reading His ears pricked to catch their whispered confidences, but he was too far off to distinguish more than an inarticulate giggling murmur.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Hamilton, making moodily for his quarters, took a somewhat deserted by-way, which led him shortly under a long covered passage connected with the stables.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading Therefrom peering, himself unseen, he saw the two, man and woman, stop in the moonlight at the mouth of the archway, where he could very clearly distinguish the identity of one of them, and almost as certainly guess that of the other.
