used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading But he was stopped from further speculation for the moment by a knock at the door.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
anew
From this reading When he had tipped the postman and was alone again, he put his registered letter on the dressing-table (with a view to disciplining curiosity and exercising patience, possibly) and turned his attention to the other.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading When he had tipped the postman and was alone again, he put his registered letter on the dressing-table (with a view to disciplining curiosity and exercising patience, possibly) and turned his attention to the other.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading When he had tipped the postman and was alone again, he put his registered letter on the dressing-table (with a view to disciplining curiosity and exercising patience, possibly) and turned his attention to the other.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading My dear boy, she is no more a miller's daughter than you are.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The postman entered with two letters, for one of which, as it was registered, John had to sign.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading But he was stopped from further speculation for the moment by a knock at the door.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading When he had tipped the postman and was alone again, he put his registered letter on the dressing-table (with a view to disciplining curiosity and exercising patience, possibly) and turned his attention to the other.
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
a youthful male person
From this reading My dear boy, she is no more a miller's daughter than you are.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But he was stopped from further speculation for the moment by a knock at the door.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading But he was stopped from further speculation for the moment by a knock at the door.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
a state in which you want to learn more about something
From this reading When he had tipped the postman and was alone again, he put his registered letter on the dressing-table (with a view to disciplining curiosity and exercising patience, possibly) and turned his attention to the other.
a female human offspring
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
dearly loved
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
discipliningverbUS /ˈdɪsəplənɪŋ/
-ing form of “discipline” — develop (a child's or animal's) behavior by instruction and practice; especially to teach self-control
From this reading When he had tipped the postman and was alone again, he put his registered letter on the dressing-table (with a view to disciplining curiosity and exercising patience, possibly) and turned his attention to the other.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading But he was stopped from further speculation for the moment by a knock at the door.
dressing-table
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he had tipped the postman and was alone again, he put his registered letter on the dressing-table (with a view to disciplining curiosity and exercising patience, possibly) and turned his attention to the other.
a group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading The postman entered with two letters, for one of which, as it was registered, John had to sign.
exercisingnounUS /ˈeksərsaɪzɪŋ/
the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit
From this reading When he had tipped the postman and was alone again, he put his registered letter on the dressing-table (with a view to disciplining curiosity and exercising patience, possibly) and turned his attention to the other.
the point or degree to which something extends
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
favoured
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
third-person singular of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But he was stopped from further speculation for the moment by a knock at the door.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading But he was stopped from further speculation for the moment by a knock at the door.
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 But he was stopped from further speculation for the moment by a knock at the door.
showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
good-byenounUS /ɡɪdˈbaɪ/
a farewell remark
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The postman entered with two letters, for one of which, as it was registered, John had to sign.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But he was stopped from further speculation for the moment by a knock at the door.
heart-broken
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading When he had tipped the postman and was alone again, he put his registered letter on the dressing-table (with a view to disciplining curiosity and exercising patience, possibly) and turned his attention to the other.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
inspectverbUS /ˌɪnˈspekt/
look over carefully
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading My dear boy, she is no more a miller's daughter than you are.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The postman entered with two letters, for one of which, as it was registered, John had to sign.
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading The postman entered with two letters, for one of which, as it was registered, John had to sign.
deliver a sharp blow or push
From this reading But he was stopped from further speculation for the moment by a knock at the door.
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 In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading When he had tipped the postman and was alone again, he put his registered letter on the dressing-table (with a view to disciplining curiosity and exercising patience, possibly) and turned his attention to the other.
the literary culture
From this reading The postman entered with two letters, for one of which, as it was registered, John had to sign.
property that is leased or rented out or let
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
miller'snounUS /ˈmɪlərz/
possessive form of “miller” — United States bandleader of a popular big band (1909-1944)
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
a particular point in time
From this reading But he was stopped from further speculation for the moment by a knock at the door.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading My dear boy, she is no more a miller's daughter than you are.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading My dear boy, she is no more a miller's daughter than you are.
not any; not one
From this reading My dear boy, she is no more a miller's daughter than you are.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The postman entered with two letters, for one of which, as it was registered, John had to sign.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading When he had tipped the postman and was alone again, he put his registered letter on the dressing-table (with a view to disciplining curiosity and exercising patience, possibly) and turned his attention to the other.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The postman entered with two letters, for one of which, as it was registered, John had to sign.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading When he had tipped the postman and was alone again, he put his registered letter on the dressing-table (with a view to disciplining curiosity and exercising patience, possibly) and turned his attention to the other.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
good-natured tolerance of delay or incompetence
From this reading When he had tipped the postman and was alone again, he put his registered letter on the dressing-table (with a view to disciplining curiosity and exercising patience, possibly) and turned his attention to the other.
by chance
From this reading When he had tipped the postman and was alone again, he put his registered letter on the dressing-table (with a view to disciplining curiosity and exercising patience, possibly) and turned his attention to the other.
postmannounUS /ˈpoʊstmən/
a man who delivers the mail
From this reading The postman entered with two letters, for one of which, as it was registered, John had to sign.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading When he had tipped the postman and was alone again, he put his registered letter on the dressing-table (with a view to disciplining curiosity and exercising patience, possibly) and turned his attention to the other.
housing available for people to live in
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
registeredadjectiveUS /ˈredʒɪstərd/
(of animals) officially recorded with or certified by a recognized breed association; especially in a stud book
From this reading The postman entered with two letters, for one of which, as it was registered, John had to sign.
past form of “remind” — put in the mind of someone
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
express in words
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading My dear boy, she is no more a miller's daughter than you are.
a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading The postman entered with two letters, for one of which, as it was registered, John had to sign.
in some unspecified way or manner; or by some unspecified means
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
speculationnounUS /ˌspekjəˈleɪʃən/
a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence
From this reading But he was stopped from further speculation for the moment by a knock at the door.
(of a nose) blocked
From this reading But he was stopped from further speculation for the moment by a knock at the door.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading My dear boy, she is no more a miller's daughter than you are.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading But he was stopped from further speculation for the moment by a knock at the door.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
tippedadjectiveUS /tɪpt/
having a tip; or having a tip as specified (used in combination)
From this reading When he had tipped the postman and was alone again, he put his registered letter on the dressing-table (with a view to disciplining curiosity and exercising patience, possibly) and turned his attention to the other.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The postman entered with two letters, for one of which, as it was registered, John had to sign.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading When he had tipped the postman and was alone again, he put his registered letter on the dressing-table (with a view to disciplining curiosity and exercising patience, possibly) and turned his attention to the other.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading The postman entered with two letters, for one of which, as it was registered, John had to sign.
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading When he had tipped the postman and was alone again, he put his registered letter on the dressing-table (with a view to disciplining curiosity and exercising patience, possibly) and turned his attention to the other.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But he was stopped from further speculation for the moment by a knock at the door.
at the time that
From this reading When he had tipped the postman and was alone again, he put his registered letter on the dressing-table (with a view to disciplining curiosity and exercising patience, possibly) and turned his attention to the other.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The postman entered with two letters, for one of which, as it was registered, John had to sign.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The postman entered with two letters, for one of which, as it was registered, John had to sign.
writer'snounUS /ˈraɪtərz/
possessive form of “writer” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading In a handsome, high old hand, that somehow reminded him of the writer's voice, it ran as follows:-- "DEAR JOHN, "I was heart-broken not to see you when I drove over to say good-bye this afternoon, but chance favoured me at least to the extent of letting me see your miller's daughter, and you may believe that I was glad of an opportunity to inspect her at close quarters.
