Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading A belief that modern Christmas fiction is too cheerful in tone, too artistic in construction, and too original in motive, has inspired the author of this tale of middle-class life.

clothing that is worn or carried, but not part of your main clothing

From this reading Stillicide and Mayhem I (rare old crimes!) are child’s play to _me_, who have been an ‘accessory after the fact!’

past form of “act” — perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

later than; following

From this reading Stillicide and Mayhem I (rare old crimes!) are child’s play to _me_, who have been an ‘accessory after the fact!’

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading He trusts that he has escaped, at least, the errors he deplores, and has set an example of a more seasonable and sensational style of narrative.

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

From this reading A belief that modern Christmas fiction is too cheerful in tone, too artistic in construction, and too original in motive, has inspired the author of this tale of middle-class life.

any thing at all

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

relating to or characteristic of art or artists

From this reading A belief that modern Christmas fiction is too cheerful in tone, too artistic in construction, and too original in motive, has inspired the author of this tale of middle-class life.

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

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He trusts that he has escaped, at least, the errors he deplores, and has set an example of a more seasonable and sensational style of narrative.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading A belief that modern Christmas fiction is too cheerful in tone, too artistic in construction, and too original in motive, has inspired the author of this tale of middle-class life.

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

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Stillicide and Mayhem I (rare old crimes!) are child’s play to _me_, who have been an ‘accessory after the fact!’

any cognitive content held as true

From this reading A belief that modern Christmas fiction is too cheerful in tone, too artistic in construction, and too original in motive, has inspired the author of this tale of middle-class life.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading In excuse, I can but plead two things-the excellence of the opportunity to do so, and the weakness of the resistance which my victim offered.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading In excuse, I can but plead two things-the excellence of the opportunity to do so, and the weakness of the resistance which my victim offered.

the trait of being cautious; being attentive to possible danger

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits

From this reading A belief that modern Christmas fiction is too cheerful in tone, too artistic in construction, and too original in motive, has inspired the author of this tale of middle-class life.

possessive form of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading Stillicide and Mayhem I (rare old crimes!) are child’s play to _me_, who have been an ‘accessory after the fact!’

period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6

From this reading A belief that modern Christmas fiction is too cheerful in tone, too artistic in construction, and too original in motive, has inspired the author of this tale of middle-class life.

the act of constructing something

From this reading A belief that modern Christmas fiction is too cheerful in tone, too artistic in construction, and too original in motive, has inspired the author of this tale of middle-class life.

(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

plural of “crime” — (criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act

From this reading Stillicide and Mayhem I (rare old crimes!) are child’s play to _me_, who have been an ‘accessory after the fact!’

past form of “deem” — keep in mind or convey as a conviction or view

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

third-person singular of “deplore” — express strong disapproval of

From this reading He trusts that he has escaped, at least, the errors he deplores, and has set an example of a more seasonable and sensational style of narrative.

past form of “devour” — destroy completely

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading In excuse, I can but plead two things-the excellence of the opportunity to do so, and the weakness of the resistance which my victim offered.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

plural of “error” — a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention

From this reading He trusts that he has escaped, at least, the errors he deplores, and has set an example of a more seasonable and sensational style of narrative.

having escaped, especially from confinement

From this reading He trusts that he has escaped, at least, the errors he deplores, and has set an example of a more seasonable and sensational style of narrative.

an item of information that is typical of a class or group

From this reading He trusts that he has escaped, at least, the errors he deplores, and has set an example of a more seasonable and sensational style of narrative.

the quality of excelling; possessing good qualities in high degree

From this reading In excuse, I can but plead two things-the excellence of the opportunity to do so, and the weakness of the resistance which my victim offered.

accept an excuse for

From this reading In excuse, I can but plead two things-the excellence of the opportunity to do so, and the weakness of the resistance which my victim offered.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

a literary work based on the imagination and not necessarily on fact

From this reading A belief that modern Christmas fiction is too cheerful in tone, too artistic in construction, and too original in motive, has inspired the author of this tale of middle-class life.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

set up or found

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading A belief that modern Christmas fiction is too cheerful in tone, too artistic in construction, and too original in motive, has inspired the author of this tale of middle-class life.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

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

From this reading He trusts that he has escaped, at least, the errors he deplores, and has set an example of a more seasonable and sensational style of narrative.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

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

From this reading A belief that modern Christmas fiction is too cheerful in tone, too artistic in construction, and too original in motive, has inspired the author of this tale of middle-class life.

being of such surpassing excellence as to suggest inspiration by the gods

From this reading A belief that modern Christmas fiction is too cheerful in tone, too artistic in construction, and too original in motive, has inspired the author of this tale of middle-class life.

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

From this reading A belief that modern Christmas fiction is too cheerful in tone, too artistic in construction, and too original in motive, has inspired the author of this tale of middle-class life.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading He trusts that he has escaped, at least, the errors he deplores, and has set an example of a more seasonable and sensational style of narrative.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading A belief that modern Christmas fiction is too cheerful in tone, too artistic in construction, and too original in motive, has inspired the author of this tale of middle-class life.

the willful and unlawful crippling or mutilation of another person

From this reading Stillicide and Mayhem I (rare old crimes!) are child’s play to _me_, who have been an ‘accessory after the fact!’

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Stillicide and Mayhem I (rare old crimes!) are child’s play to _me_, who have been an ‘accessory after the fact!’

occupying a socioeconomic position intermediate between those of the lower classes and the wealthy

From this reading A belief that modern Christmas fiction is too cheerful in tone, too artistic in construction, and too original in motive, has inspired the author of this tale of middle-class life.

belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages

From this reading A belief that modern Christmas fiction is too cheerful in tone, too artistic in construction, and too original in motive, has inspired the author of this tale of middle-class life.

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

From this reading He trusts that he has escaped, at least, the errors he deplores, and has set an example of a more seasonable and sensational style of narrative.

the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior

From this reading A belief that modern Christmas fiction is too cheerful in tone, too artistic in construction, and too original in motive, has inspired the author of this tale of middle-class life.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

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 He trusts that he has escaped, at least, the errors he deplores, and has set an example of a more seasonable and sensational style of narrative.

not any; not one

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A belief that modern Christmas fiction is too cheerful in tone, too artistic in construction, and too original in motive, has inspired the author of this tale of middle-class life.

past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading In excuse, I can but plead two things-the excellence of the opportunity to do so, and the weakness of the resistance which my victim offered.

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

From this reading Stillicide and Mayhem I (rare old crimes!) are child’s play to _me_, who have been an ‘accessory after the fact!’

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading In excuse, I can but plead two things-the excellence of the opportunity to do so, and the weakness of the resistance which my victim offered.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed

From this reading A belief that modern Christmas fiction is too cheerful in tone, too artistic in construction, and too original in motive, has inspired the author of this tale of middle-class life.

the local environment

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

participate in games or sport

From this reading Stillicide and Mayhem I (rare old crimes!) are child’s play to _me_, who have been an ‘accessory after the fact!’

appeal or request earnestly

From this reading In excuse, I can but plead two things-the excellence of the opportunity to do so, and the weakness of the resistance which my victim offered.

assume a prim appearance

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

a copy of a printed work offered for distribution

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness

From this reading Stillicide and Mayhem I (rare old crimes!) are child’s play to _me_, who have been an ‘accessory after the fact!’

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

the action of opposing something that you disapprove or disagree with

From this reading In excuse, I can but plead two things-the excellence of the opportunity to do so, and the weakness of the resistance which my victim offered.

past form of “scrawl” — write carelessly

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

in keeping with the season

From this reading He trusts that he has escaped, at least, the errors he deplores, and has set an example of a more seasonable and sensational style of narrative.

causing intense interest, curiosity, or emotion

From this reading He trusts that he has escaped, at least, the errors he deplores, and has set an example of a more seasonable and sensational style of narrative.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading He trusts that he has escaped, at least, the errors he deplores, and has set an example of a more seasonable and sensational style of narrative.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading In excuse, I can but plead two things-the excellence of the opportunity to do so, and the weakness of the resistance which my victim offered.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

be standing; be upright

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

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

From this reading Stillicide and Mayhem I (rare old crimes!) are child’s play to _me_, who have been an ‘accessory after the fact!’

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 WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading He trusts that he has escaped, at least, the errors he deplores, and has set an example of a more seasonable and sensational style of narrative.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

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 A belief that modern Christmas fiction is too cheerful in tone, too artistic in construction, and too original in motive, has inspired the author of this tale of middle-class life.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A belief that modern Christmas fiction is too cheerful in tone, too artistic in construction, and too original in motive, has inspired the author of this tale of middle-class life.

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

From this reading A belief that modern Christmas fiction is too cheerful in tone, too artistic in construction, and too original in motive, has inspired the author of this tale of middle-class life.

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

From this reading In excuse, I can but plead two things-the excellence of the opportunity to do so, and the weakness of the resistance which my victim offered.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading A belief that modern Christmas fiction is too cheerful in tone, too artistic in construction, and too original in motive, has inspired the author of this tale of middle-class life.

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

From this reading Stillicide and Mayhem I (rare old crimes!) are child’s play to _me_, who have been an ‘accessory after the fact!’

the quality of a person's voice

From this reading A belief that modern Christmas fiction is too cheerful in tone, too artistic in construction, and too original in motive, has inspired the author of this tale of middle-class life.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading A belief that modern Christmas fiction is too cheerful in tone, too artistic in construction, and too original in motive, has inspired the author of this tale of middle-class life.

plural of “trust” — something (as property) held by one party (the trustee) for the benefit of another (the beneficiary)

From this reading He trusts that he has escaped, at least, the errors he deplores, and has set an example of a more seasonable and sensational style of narrative.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading In excuse, I can but plead two things-the excellence of the opportunity to do so, and the weakness of the resistance which my victim offered.

below the required standards for a purpose

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance

From this reading In excuse, I can but plead two things-the excellence of the opportunity to do so, and the weakness of the resistance which my victim offered.

past form of “wallow” — devote oneself entirely to something; indulge in to an immoderate degree, usually with pleasure

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

a flaw or weak point

From this reading In excuse, I can but plead two things-the excellence of the opportunity to do so, and the weakness of the resistance which my victim offered.

at the time that

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

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

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

which person or people

From this reading Stillicide and Mayhem I (rare old crimes!) are child’s play to _me_, who have been an ‘accessory after the fact!’

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

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading WHEN this story of my life, or of such parts of it as are not deemed wholly unfit for publication, is read (and, no doubt, a public which devoured ‘Scrawled Black’ will stand almost anything), it will be found that I have sometimes acted without prim cautiousness--that I have, in fact, wallowed in crime.