used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
AboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
abundantadjectiveUS /əˈbʌndənt/
present in great quantity
From this reading The arrival of such a large party caused some consternation, but the host and his servants bustled about cheerfully, and the soldiers were soon sitting down to a rough but abundant meal.
(sentence connectors) because of the reason given
From this reading Accordingly, after speaking a word to the sergeant, I went upstairs, and entered the room where they sat at table.
take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
From this reading I Meet with an Exciting Adventure.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Accordingly, after speaking a word to the sergeant, I went upstairs, and entered the room where they sat at table.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading I Meet with an Exciting Adventure.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
accomplishment of an objective
From this reading The arrival of such a large party caused some consternation, but the host and his servants bustled about cheerfully, and the soldiers were soon sitting down to a rough but abundant meal.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
bustled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The arrival of such a large party caused some consternation, but the host and his servants bustled about cheerfully, and the soldiers were soon sitting down to a rough but abundant meal.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The arrival of such a large party caused some consternation, but the host and his servants bustled about cheerfully, and the soldiers were soon sitting down to a rough but abundant meal.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
From this reading The arrival of such a large party caused some consternation, but the host and his servants bustled about cheerfully, and the soldiers were soon sitting down to a rough but abundant meal.
cheerfullyadverbUS /ˈtʃɪrfəli/
in a cheerful manner
From this reading The arrival of such a large party caused some consternation, but the host and his servants bustled about cheerfully, and the soldiers were soon sitting down to a rough but abundant meal.
consternationnounUS /ˌkɑːnstərˈneɪʃən/
fear resulting from the awareness of danger
From this reading The arrival of such a large party caused some consternation, but the host and his servants bustled about cheerfully, and the soldiers were soon sitting down to a rough but abundant meal.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
debatingverbUS /dəˈbeɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “debate” — argue with one another
From this reading Having seen them satisfactorily settled, I was debating whether to intrude myself on the ladies or not, when the innkeeper informed me that they desired to see me.
recognizable; marked
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
wanted intensely
From this reading Having seen them satisfactorily settled, I was debating whether to intrude myself on the ladies or not, when the innkeeper informed me that they desired to see me.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading The arrival of such a large party caused some consternation, but the host and his servants bustled about cheerfully, and the soldiers were soon sitting down to a rough but abundant meal.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading Accordingly, after speaking a word to the sergeant, I went upstairs, and entered the room where they sat at table.
ExcitingadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsaɪtɪŋ/
creating or arousing excitement
From this reading I Meet with an Exciting Adventure.
haltverbUS /hɔːlt/
cause to stop
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
Havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Having seen them satisfactorily settled, I was debating whether to intrude myself on the ladies or not, when the innkeeper informed me that they desired to see me.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The arrival of such a large party caused some consternation, but the host and his servants bustled about cheerfully, and the soldiers were soon sitting down to a rough but abundant meal.
plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there
From this reading The arrival of such a large party caused some consternation, but the host and his servants bustled about cheerfully, and the soldiers were soon sitting down to a rough but abundant meal.
hostessnounUS /ˈhoʊstəs/
a woman host
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I Meet with an Exciting Adventure.
having much knowledge or education
From this reading Having seen them satisfactorily settled, I was debating whether to intrude myself on the ladies or not, when the innkeeper informed me that they desired to see me.
a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
innkeepernounUS /ˈɪnkiːpər/
the owner or manager of an inn
From this reading Having seen them satisfactorily settled, I was debating whether to intrude myself on the ladies or not, when the innkeeper informed me that they desired to see me.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
intrudeverbUS /ˌɪnˈtruːd/
enter uninvited
From this reading Having seen them satisfactorily settled, I was debating whether to intrude myself on the ladies or not, when the innkeeper informed me that they desired to see me.
plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading Having seen them satisfactorily settled, I was debating whether to intrude myself on the ladies or not, when the innkeeper informed me that they desired to see me.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The arrival of such a large party caused some consternation, but the host and his servants bustled about cheerfully, and the soldiers were soon sitting down to a rough but abundant meal.
title used for a married Frenchwoman
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Having seen them satisfactorily settled, I was debating whether to intrude myself on the ladies or not, when the innkeeper informed me that they desired to see me.
the food served and eaten at one time
From this reading The arrival of such a large party caused some consternation, but the host and his servants bustled about cheerfully, and the soldiers were soon sitting down to a rough but abundant meal.
come together
From this reading I Meet with an Exciting Adventure.
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading Having seen them satisfactorily settled, I was debating whether to intrude myself on the ladies or not, when the innkeeper informed me that they desired to see me.
niecenounUS /niːs/
a daughter of your brother or sister
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Having seen them satisfactorily settled, I was debating whether to intrude myself on the ladies or not, when the innkeeper informed me that they desired to see me.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Having seen them satisfactorily settled, I was debating whether to intrude myself on the ladies or not, when the innkeeper informed me that they desired to see me.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Having seen them satisfactorily settled, I was debating whether to intrude myself on the ladies or not, when the innkeeper informed me that they desired to see me.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading The arrival of such a large party caused some consternation, but the host and his servants bustled about cheerfully, and the soldiers were soon sitting down to a rough but abundant meal.
experiencing or manifesting pleasure
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
past form of “proceed” — continue talking
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
the possibility of future success
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
refreshmentnounUS /rəˈfreʃmənt/
snacks and drinks served as a light meal
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
having or caused by an irregular surface
From this reading The arrival of such a large party caused some consternation, but the host and his servants bustled about cheerfully, and the soldiers were soon sitting down to a rough but abundant meal.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading Accordingly, after speaking a word to the sergeant, I went upstairs, and entered the room where they sat at table.
satisfactorilyadverbUS /ˌsætɪˈsfæktrəli/
in a satisfactory manner
From this reading Having seen them satisfactorily settled, I was debating whether to intrude myself on the ladies or not, when the innkeeper informed me that they desired to see me.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Having seen them satisfactorily settled, I was debating whether to intrude myself on the ladies or not, when the innkeeper informed me that they desired to see me.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Having seen them satisfactorily settled, I was debating whether to intrude myself on the ladies or not, when the innkeeper informed me that they desired to see me.
sergeantnounUS /ˈsɑːrdʒənt/
any of several noncommissioned officer ranks in the Army or Air Force or Marines ranking above a corporal
From this reading Accordingly, after speaking a word to the sergeant, I went upstairs, and entered the room where they sat at table.
plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading The arrival of such a large party caused some consternation, but the host and his servants bustled about cheerfully, and the soldiers were soon sitting down to a rough but abundant meal.
established or decided beyond dispute or doubt
From this reading Having seen them satisfactorily settled, I was debating whether to intrude myself on the ladies or not, when the innkeeper informed me that they desired to see me.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading The arrival of such a large party caused some consternation, but the host and his servants bustled about cheerfully, and the soldiers were soon sitting down to a rough but abundant meal.
plural of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army
From this reading The arrival of such a large party caused some consternation, but the host and his servants bustled about cheerfully, and the soldiers were soon sitting down to a rough but abundant meal.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading The arrival of such a large party caused some consternation, but the host and his servants bustled about cheerfully, and the soldiers were soon sitting down to a rough but abundant meal.
in the near future
From this reading The arrival of such a large party caused some consternation, but the host and his servants bustled about cheerfully, and the soldiers were soon sitting down to a rough but abundant meal.
the utterance of intelligible speech
From this reading Accordingly, after speaking a word to the sergeant, I went upstairs, and entered the room where they sat at table.
stableadjectiveUS /ˈsteɪbəl/
resistant to change of position or condition
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading The arrival of such a large party caused some consternation, but the host and his servants bustled about cheerfully, and the soldiers were soon sitting down to a rough but abundant meal.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading Accordingly, after speaking a word to the sergeant, I went upstairs, and entered the room where they sat at table.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Having seen them satisfactorily settled, I was debating whether to intrude myself on the ladies or not, when the innkeeper informed me that they desired to see me.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Having seen them satisfactorily settled, I was debating whether to intrude myself on the ladies or not, when the innkeeper informed me that they desired to see me.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Having seen them satisfactorily settled, I was debating whether to intrude myself on the ladies or not, when the innkeeper informed me that they desired to see me.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
troopersnounUS /ˈtruːpərz/
plural of “trooper” — a soldier in a motorized army unit
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
on a floor above
From this reading Accordingly, after speaking a word to the sergeant, I went upstairs, and entered the room where they sat at table.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Having seen them satisfactorily settled, I was debating whether to intrude myself on the ladies or not, when the innkeeper informed me that they desired to see me.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Accordingly, after speaking a word to the sergeant, I went upstairs, and entered the room where they sat at table.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The arrival of such a large party caused some consternation, but the host and his servants bustled about cheerfully, and the soldiers were soon sitting down to a rough but abundant meal.
at the time that
From this reading Having seen them satisfactorily settled, I was debating whether to intrude myself on the ladies or not, when the innkeeper informed me that they desired to see me.
in or at the place that
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading Having seen them satisfactorily settled, I was debating whether to intrude myself on the ladies or not, when the innkeeper informed me that they desired to see me.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt, and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment, proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her niece into the best room of the house.
in the company of; together with
From this reading I Meet with an Exciting Adventure.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading Accordingly, after speaking a word to the sergeant, I went upstairs, and entered the room where they sat at table.
