used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Yes, she had heard a report, but Elsinore Avenue--automobiles--exploding tires--naturally, it had meant nothing to her at the moment.
generally approved or compelling recognition
From this reading She had accepted a bottle of smelling salts from Mrs. Battle, but sat quite erect, looking stunned and frozen.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading It was an hour after the death of David Balfame and she had, for the seventh time, told the story of packing her husband's suit case, carrying it down stairs, returning to her room to undress, hearing the commotion down by the gate.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It was an hour after the death of David Balfame and she had, for the seventh time, told the story of packing her husband's suit case, carrying it down stairs, returning to her room to undress, hearing the commotion down by the gate.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Mrs. Balfame sat with Mrs. Battle, Mrs. Gifning, Mrs. Frew, her sister-in-law, Mrs. Cummack, and several of her other friends in her quiet bed-chamber.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Yes, she had heard a report, but Elsinore Avenue--automobiles--exploding tires--naturally, it had meant nothing to her at the moment.
automobilesnounUS /ˈɔːtəmoʊbiːlz/
plural of “automobile” — a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine
From this reading Yes, she had heard a report, but Elsinore Avenue--automobiles--exploding tires--naturally, it had meant nothing to her at the moment.
a line of approach
From this reading Yes, she had heard a report, but Elsinore Avenue--automobiles--exploding tires--naturally, it had meant nothing to her at the moment.
Balfame
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Balfame sat with Mrs. Battle, Mrs. Gifning, Mrs. Frew, her sister-in-law, Mrs. Cummack, and several of her other friends in her quiet bed-chamber.
a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading Mrs. Balfame sat with Mrs. Battle, Mrs. Gifning, Mrs. Frew, her sister-in-law, Mrs. Cummack, and several of her other friends in her quiet bed-chamber.
bed-chamber
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Balfame sat with Mrs. Battle, Mrs. Gifning, Mrs. Frew, her sister-in-law, Mrs. Cummack, and several of her other friends in her quiet bed-chamber.
a glass or plastic vessel used for storing drinks or other liquids; typically cylindrical without handles and with a narrow neck that can be plugged or capped
From this reading She had accepted a bottle of smelling salts from Mrs. Battle, but sat quite erect, looking stunned and frozen.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Yes, she had heard a report, but Elsinore Avenue--automobiles--exploding tires--naturally, it had meant nothing to her at the moment.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It was an hour after the death of David Balfame and she had, for the seventh time, told the story of packing her husband's suit case, carrying it down stairs, returning to her room to undress, hearing the commotion down by the gate.
-ing form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading It was an hour after the death of David Balfame and she had, for the seventh time, told the story of packing her husband's suit case, carrying it down stairs, returning to her room to undress, hearing the commotion down by the gate.
an occurrence of something
From this reading It was an hour after the death of David Balfame and she had, for the seventh time, told the story of packing her husband's suit case, carrying it down stairs, returning to her room to undress, hearing the commotion down by the gate.
not open or affording passage or access
From this reading No, he did not cry out--or if he did--her window was closed; it was the side window she left open at night.
commotionnounUS /kəˈmoʊʃən/
a disorderly outburst or tumult
From this reading It was an hour after the death of David Balfame and she had, for the seventh time, told the story of packing her husband's suit case, carrying it down stairs, returning to her room to undress, hearing the commotion down by the gate.
utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading No, he did not cry out--or if he did--her window was closed; it was the side window she left open at night.
Cummack
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Balfame sat with Mrs. Battle, Mrs. Gifning, Mrs. Frew, her sister-in-law, Mrs. Cummack, and several of her other friends in her quiet bed-chamber.
patron saint of Wales (circa 520-600)
From this reading It was an hour after the death of David Balfame and she had, for the seventh time, told the story of packing her husband's suit case, carrying it down stairs, returning to her room to undress, hearing the commotion down by the gate.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading It was an hour after the death of David Balfame and she had, for the seventh time, told the story of packing her husband's suit case, carrying it down stairs, returning to her room to undress, hearing the commotion down by the gate.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading No, he did not cry out--or if he did--her window was closed; it was the side window she left open at night.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading It was an hour after the death of David Balfame and she had, for the seventh time, told the story of packing her husband's suit case, carrying it down stairs, returning to her room to undress, hearing the commotion down by the gate.
Elsinore
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yes, she had heard a report, but Elsinore Avenue--automobiles--exploding tires--naturally, it had meant nothing to her at the moment.
erectverbUS /ɪˈrekt/
construct, build, or erect
From this reading She had accepted a bottle of smelling salts from Mrs. Battle, but sat quite erect, looking stunned and frozen.
explodingverbUS /ɪkˈsploʊdɪŋ/
-ing form of “explode” — cause to burst with a violent release of energy
From this reading Yes, she had heard a report, but Elsinore Avenue--automobiles--exploding tires--naturally, it had meant nothing to her at the moment.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was an hour after the death of David Balfame and she had, for the seventh time, told the story of packing her husband's suit case, carrying it down stairs, returning to her room to undress, hearing the commotion down by the gate.
Frew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Balfame sat with Mrs. Battle, Mrs. Gifning, Mrs. Frew, her sister-in-law, Mrs. Cummack, and several of her other friends in her quiet bed-chamber.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading Mrs. Balfame sat with Mrs. Battle, Mrs. Gifning, Mrs. Frew, her sister-in-law, Mrs. Cummack, and several of her other friends in her quiet bed-chamber.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading She had accepted a bottle of smelling salts from Mrs. Battle, but sat quite erect, looking stunned and frozen.
frozenadjectiveUS /ˈfroʊzən/
turned into ice; affected by freezing or by long and severe cold
From this reading She had accepted a bottle of smelling salts from Mrs. Battle, but sat quite erect, looking stunned and frozen.
a movable barrier in a fence or wall
From this reading It was an hour after the death of David Balfame and she had, for the seventh time, told the story of packing her husband's suit case, carrying it down stairs, returning to her room to undress, hearing the commotion down by the gate.
Gifning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Balfame sat with Mrs. Battle, Mrs. Gifning, Mrs. Frew, her sister-in-law, Mrs. Cummack, and several of her other friends in her quiet bed-chamber.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was an hour after the death of David Balfame and she had, for the seventh time, told the story of packing her husband's suit case, carrying it down stairs, returning to her room to undress, hearing the commotion down by the gate.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading No, he did not cry out--or if he did--her window was closed; it was the side window she left open at night.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading Yes, she had heard a report, but Elsinore Avenue--automobiles--exploding tires--naturally, it had meant nothing to her at the moment.
(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence
From this reading It was an hour after the death of David Balfame and she had, for the seventh time, told the story of packing her husband's suit case, carrying it down stairs, returning to her room to undress, hearing the commotion down by the gate.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Mrs. Balfame sat with Mrs. Battle, Mrs. Gifning, Mrs. Frew, her sister-in-law, Mrs. Cummack, and several of her other friends in her quiet bed-chamber.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading It was an hour after the death of David Balfame and she had, for the seventh time, told the story of packing her husband's suit case, carrying it down stairs, returning to her room to undress, hearing the commotion down by the gate.
husband'snounUS /ˈhʌzbəndz/
possessive form of “husband” — a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading It was an hour after the death of David Balfame and she had, for the seventh time, told the story of packing her husband's suit case, carrying it down stairs, returning to her room to undress, hearing the commotion down by the gate.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading No, he did not cry out--or if he did--her window was closed; it was the side window she left open at night.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Mrs. Balfame sat with Mrs. Battle, Mrs. Gifning, Mrs. Frew, her sister-in-law, Mrs. Cummack, and several of her other friends in her quiet bed-chamber.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was an hour after the death of David Balfame and she had, for the seventh time, told the story of packing her husband's suit case, carrying it down stairs, returning to her room to undress, hearing the commotion down by the gate.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading No, he did not cry out--or if he did--her window was closed; it was the side window she left open at night.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading She had accepted a bottle of smelling salts from Mrs. Battle, but sat quite erect, looking stunned and frozen.
inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading Yes, she had heard a report, but Elsinore Avenue--automobiles--exploding tires--naturally, it had meant nothing to her at the moment.
a particular point in time
From this reading Yes, she had heard a report, but Elsinore Avenue--automobiles--exploding tires--naturally, it had meant nothing to her at the moment.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Mrs. Balfame sat with Mrs. Battle, Mrs. Gifning, Mrs. Frew, her sister-in-law, Mrs. Cummack, and several of her other friends in her quiet bed-chamber.
as might be expected
From this reading Yes, she had heard a report, but Elsinore Avenue--automobiles--exploding tires--naturally, it had meant nothing to her at the moment.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading No, he did not cry out--or if he did--her window was closed; it was the side window she left open at night.
not any; not one
From this reading No, he did not cry out--or if he did--her window was closed; it was the side window she left open at night.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading No, he did not cry out--or if he did--her window was closed; it was the side window she left open at night.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Yes, she had heard a report, but Elsinore Avenue--automobiles--exploding tires--naturally, it had meant nothing to her at the moment.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Mrs. Balfame sat with Mrs. Battle, Mrs. Gifning, Mrs. Frew, her sister-in-law, Mrs. Cummack, and several of her other friends in her quiet bed-chamber.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading No, he did not cry out--or if he did--her window was closed; it was the side window she left open at night.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading No, he did not cry out--or if he did--her window was closed; it was the side window she left open at night.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Mrs. Balfame sat with Mrs. Battle, Mrs. Gifning, Mrs. Frew, her sister-in-law, Mrs. Cummack, and several of her other friends in her quiet bed-chamber.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading No, he did not cry out--or if he did--her window was closed; it was the side window she left open at night.
packingnounUS /ˈpækɪŋ/
any material used especially to protect something
From this reading It was an hour after the death of David Balfame and she had, for the seventh time, told the story of packing her husband's suit case, carrying it down stairs, returning to her room to undress, hearing the commotion down by the gate.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading Mrs. Balfame sat with Mrs. Battle, Mrs. Gifning, Mrs. Frew, her sister-in-law, Mrs. Cummack, and several of her other friends in her quiet bed-chamber.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading She had accepted a bottle of smelling salts from Mrs. Battle, but sat quite erect, looking stunned and frozen.
to give an account or representation of in words
From this reading Yes, she had heard a report, but Elsinore Avenue--automobiles--exploding tires--naturally, it had meant nothing to her at the moment.
tending to return to an earlier state
From this reading It was an hour after the death of David Balfame and she had, for the seventh time, told the story of packing her husband's suit case, carrying it down stairs, returning to her room to undress, hearing the commotion down by the gate.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading It was an hour after the death of David Balfame and she had, for the seventh time, told the story of packing her husband's suit case, carrying it down stairs, returning to her room to undress, hearing the commotion down by the gate.
saltsnounUS /sɔːlts/
plural of “salt” — a compound formed by replacing hydrogen in an acid by a metal (or a radical that acts like a metal)
From this reading She had accepted a bottle of smelling salts from Mrs. Battle, but sat quite erect, looking stunned and frozen.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading Mrs. Balfame sat with Mrs. Battle, Mrs. Gifning, Mrs. Frew, her sister-in-law, Mrs. Cummack, and several of her other friends in her quiet bed-chamber.
seventhadjectiveUS /ˈsevənθ/
coming next after the sixth and just before the eighth in position
From this reading It was an hour after the death of David Balfame and she had, for the seventh time, told the story of packing her husband's suit case, carrying it down stairs, returning to her room to undress, hearing the commotion down by the gate.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading Mrs. Balfame sat with Mrs. Battle, Mrs. Gifning, Mrs. Frew, her sister-in-law, Mrs. Cummack, and several of her other friends in her quiet bed-chamber.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was an hour after the death of David Balfame and she had, for the seventh time, told the story of packing her husband's suit case, carrying it down stairs, returning to her room to undress, hearing the commotion down by the gate.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading No, he did not cry out--or if he did--her window was closed; it was the side window she left open at night.
sister-in-lawnounUS /ˈsɪstərɪnlɔː/
the sister of your spouse
From this reading Mrs. Balfame sat with Mrs. Battle, Mrs. Gifning, Mrs. Frew, her sister-in-law, Mrs. Cummack, and several of her other friends in her quiet bed-chamber.
smellingnounUS /ˈsmelɪŋ/
the act of perceiving the odor of something
From this reading She had accepted a bottle of smelling salts from Mrs. Battle, but sat quite erect, looking stunned and frozen.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading It was an hour after the death of David Balfame and she had, for the seventh time, told the story of packing her husband's suit case, carrying it down stairs, returning to her room to undress, hearing the commotion down by the gate.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading It was an hour after the death of David Balfame and she had, for the seventh time, told the story of packing her husband's suit case, carrying it down stairs, returning to her room to undress, hearing the commotion down by the gate.
stunnedadjectiveUS /stʌnd/
filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock
From this reading She had accepted a bottle of smelling salts from Mrs. Battle, but sat quite erect, looking stunned and frozen.
be agreeable or acceptable to
From this reading It was an hour after the death of David Balfame and she had, for the seventh time, told the story of packing her husband's suit case, carrying it down stairs, returning to her room to undress, hearing the commotion down by the gate.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was an hour after the death of David Balfame and she had, for the seventh time, told the story of packing her husband's suit case, carrying it down stairs, returning to her room to undress, hearing the commotion down by the gate.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading It was an hour after the death of David Balfame and she had, for the seventh time, told the story of packing her husband's suit case, carrying it down stairs, returning to her room to undress, hearing the commotion down by the gate.
tiresnounUS /ˈtaɪərz/
plural of “tire” — hoop that covers a wheel
From this reading Yes, she had heard a report, but Elsinore Avenue--automobiles--exploding tires--naturally, it had meant nothing to her at the moment.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was an hour after the death of David Balfame and she had, for the seventh time, told the story of packing her husband's suit case, carrying it down stairs, returning to her room to undress, hearing the commotion down by the gate.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading It was an hour after the death of David Balfame and she had, for the seventh time, told the story of packing her husband's suit case, carrying it down stairs, returning to her room to undress, hearing the commotion down by the gate.
undressverbUS /ənˈdres/
get undressed
From this reading It was an hour after the death of David Balfame and she had, for the seventh time, told the story of packing her husband's suit case, carrying it down stairs, returning to her room to undress, hearing the commotion down by the gate.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was an hour after the death of David Balfame and she had, for the seventh time, told the story of packing her husband's suit case, carrying it down stairs, returning to her room to undress, hearing the commotion down by the gate.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading No, he did not cry out--or if he did--her window was closed; it was the side window she left open at night.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Mrs. Balfame sat with Mrs. Battle, Mrs. Gifning, Mrs. Frew, her sister-in-law, Mrs. Cummack, and several of her other friends in her quiet bed-chamber.
an affirmative
From this reading Yes, she had heard a report, but Elsinore Avenue--automobiles--exploding tires--naturally, it had meant nothing to her at the moment.
