Chapter XIV

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

From this reading The Telegram On the departure of Sir Clinton, Wendover found himself in a position of isolation.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

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

From this reading A reporter from a newspaper in the nearest town demanded an interview, in the hope of eliciting something; but Wendover had the knack of posing as a dull fellow, and the reporter retired baffled and uncertain as to whether his victim had any exclusive information or not.

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

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

(usually followed by “to”) strongly opposed

From this reading Armadale was the only person with whom Wendover might have talked freely; and Armadale was entirely antipathetic.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading A reporter from a newspaper in the nearest town demanded an interview, in the hope of eliciting something; but Wendover had the knack of posing as a dull fellow, and the reporter retired baffled and uncertain as to whether his victim had any exclusive information or not.

any person at all

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

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

From this reading Armadale was the only person with whom Wendover might have talked freely; and Armadale was entirely antipathetic.

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

From this reading A reporter from a newspaper in the nearest town demanded an interview, in the hope of eliciting something; but Wendover had the knack of posing as a dull fellow, and the reporter retired baffled and uncertain as to whether his victim had any exclusive information or not.

-ing form of “associate” — make a logical or causal connection

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

out of bed

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

people who are frustrated and perplexed

From this reading A reporter from a newspaper in the nearest town demanded an interview, in the hope of eliciting something; but Wendover had the knack of posing as a dull fellow, and the reporter retired baffled and uncertain as to whether his victim had any exclusive information or not.

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

From this reading He felt that he was in a position of trust, and he feared lest, under the strain of questioning, he might be betrayed into divulging, unconsciously, something or other which was best kept from the public.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading He felt that he was in a position of trust, and he feared lest, under the strain of questioning, he might be betrayed into divulging, unconsciously, something or other which was best kept from the public.

past form of “betray” — reveal unintentionally

From this reading He felt that he was in a position of trust, and he feared lest, under the strain of questioning, he might be betrayed into divulging, unconsciously, something or other which was best kept from the public.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

wife of President Clinton and later a woman member of the United States Senate (1947-)

From this reading The Telegram On the departure of Sir Clinton, Wendover found himself in a position of isolation.

in a close relation or position in time or space

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

past form of “demand” — request urgently and forcefully

From this reading A reporter from a newspaper in the nearest town demanded an interview, in the hope of eliciting something; but Wendover had the knack of posing as a dull fellow, and the reporter retired baffled and uncertain as to whether his victim had any exclusive information or not.

the act of departing

From this reading The Telegram On the departure of Sir Clinton, Wendover found himself in a position of isolation.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

plural of “discussion” — an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

-ing form of “divulge” — make known to the public information that was previously known only to a few people or that was meant to be kept a secret

From this reading He felt that he was in a position of trust, and he feared lest, under the strain of questioning, he might be betrayed into divulging, unconsciously, something or other which was best kept from the public.

lacking in liveliness or animation

From this reading A reporter from a newspaper in the nearest town demanded an interview, in the hope of eliciting something; but Wendover had the knack of posing as a dull fellow, and the reporter retired baffled and uncertain as to whether his victim had any exclusive information or not.

-ing form of “elicit” — call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)

From this reading A reporter from a newspaper in the nearest town demanded an interview, in the hope of eliciting something; but Wendover had the knack of posing as a dull fellow, and the reporter retired baffled and uncertain as to whether his victim had any exclusive information or not.

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

From this reading Armadale was the only person with whom Wendover might have talked freely; and Armadale was entirely antipathetic.

not divided or shared with others

From this reading A reporter from a newspaper in the nearest town demanded an interview, in the hope of eliciting something; but Wendover had the knack of posing as a dull fellow, and the reporter retired baffled and uncertain as to whether his victim had any exclusive information or not.

past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading He felt that he was in a position of trust, and he feared lest, under the strain of questioning, he might be betrayed into divulging, unconsciously, something or other which was best kept from the public.

a boy or man

From this reading A reporter from a newspaper in the nearest town demanded an interview, in the hope of eliciting something; but Wendover had the knack of posing as a dull fellow, and the reporter retired baffled and uncertain as to whether his victim had any exclusive information or not.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading He felt that he was in a position of trust, and he feared lest, under the strain of questioning, he might be betrayed into divulging, unconsciously, something or other which was best kept from the public.

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

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

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

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

set up or found

From this reading The Telegram On the departure of Sir Clinton, Wendover found himself in a position of isolation.

in a free manner

From this reading Armadale was the only person with whom Wendover might have talked freely; and Armadale was entirely antipathetic.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading A reporter from a newspaper in the nearest town demanded an interview, in the hope of eliciting something; but Wendover had the knack of posing as a dull fellow, and the reporter retired baffled and uncertain as to whether his victim had any exclusive information or not.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Armadale was the only person with whom Wendover might have talked freely; and Armadale was entirely antipathetic.

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

From this reading He felt that he was in a position of trust, and he feared lest, under the strain of questioning, he might be betrayed into divulging, unconsciously, something or other which was best kept from the public.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading The Telegram On the departure of Sir Clinton, Wendover found himself in a position of isolation.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading A reporter from a newspaper in the nearest town demanded an interview, in the hope of eliciting something; but Wendover had the knack of posing as a dull fellow, and the reporter retired baffled and uncertain as to whether his victim had any exclusive information or not.

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading A reporter from a newspaper in the nearest town demanded an interview, in the hope of eliciting something; but Wendover had the knack of posing as a dull fellow, and the reporter retired baffled and uncertain as to whether his victim had any exclusive information or not.

a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

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

From this reading The Telegram On the departure of Sir Clinton, Wendover found himself in a position of isolation.

a message received and understood

From this reading A reporter from a newspaper in the nearest town demanded an interview, in the hope of eliciting something; but Wendover had the knack of posing as a dull fellow, and the reporter retired baffled and uncertain as to whether his victim had any exclusive information or not.

conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting

From this reading A reporter from a newspaper in the nearest town demanded an interview, in the hope of eliciting something; but Wendover had the knack of posing as a dull fellow, and the reporter retired baffled and uncertain as to whether his victim had any exclusive information or not.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading He felt that he was in a position of trust, and he feared lest, under the strain of questioning, he might be betrayed into divulging, unconsciously, something or other which was best kept from the public.

a state of separation between persons or groups

From this reading The Telegram On the departure of Sir Clinton, Wendover found himself in a position of isolation.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

a special way of doing something

From this reading A reporter from a newspaper in the nearest town demanded an interview, in the hope of eliciting something; but Wendover had the knack of posing as a dull fellow, and the reporter retired baffled and uncertain as to whether his victim had any exclusive information or not.

in order that something should not happen

From this reading He felt that he was in a position of trust, and he feared lest, under the strain of questioning, he might be betrayed into divulging, unconsciously, something or other which was best kept from the public.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading He felt that he was in a position of trust, and he feared lest, under the strain of questioning, he might be betrayed into divulging, unconsciously, something or other which was best kept from the public.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

(superlative of “near” or “close”) within the shortest distance

From this reading A reporter from a newspaper in the nearest town demanded an interview, in the hope of eliciting something; but Wendover had the knack of posing as a dull fellow, and the reporter retired baffled and uncertain as to whether his victim had any exclusive information or not.

a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements

From this reading A reporter from a newspaper in the nearest town demanded an interview, in the hope of eliciting something; but Wendover had the knack of posing as a dull fellow, and the reporter retired baffled and uncertain as to whether his victim had any exclusive information or not.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The Telegram On the departure of Sir Clinton, Wendover found himself in a position of isolation.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The Telegram On the departure of Sir Clinton, Wendover found himself in a position of isolation.

and nothing more

From this reading Armadale was the only person with whom Wendover might have talked freely; and Armadale was entirely antipathetic.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He felt that he was in a position of trust, and he feared lest, under the strain of questioning, he might be betrayed into divulging, unconsciously, something or other which was best kept from the public.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading He felt that he was in a position of trust, and he feared lest, under the strain of questioning, he might be betrayed into divulging, unconsciously, something or other which was best kept from the public.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

a human being

From this reading Armadale was the only person with whom Wendover might have talked freely; and Armadale was entirely antipathetic.

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)

From this reading A reporter from a newspaper in the nearest town demanded an interview, in the hope of eliciting something; but Wendover had the knack of posing as a dull fellow, and the reporter retired baffled and uncertain as to whether his victim had any exclusive information or not.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading The Telegram On the departure of Sir Clinton, Wendover found himself in a position of isolation.

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

perplexed (as if being expected to know something that you do not know)

From this reading He felt that he was in a position of trust, and he feared lest, under the strain of questioning, he might be betrayed into divulging, unconsciously, something or other which was best kept from the public.

new

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

a person who investigates and reports or edits news stories

From this reading A reporter from a newspaper in the nearest town demanded an interview, in the hope of eliciting something; but Wendover had the knack of posing as a dull fellow, and the reporter retired baffled and uncertain as to whether his victim had any exclusive information or not.

no longer active in your work or profession

From this reading A reporter from a newspaper in the nearest town demanded an interview, in the hope of eliciting something; but Wendover had the knack of posing as a dull fellow, and the reporter retired baffled and uncertain as to whether his victim had any exclusive information or not.

apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

plural of “rumour” — gossip (usually a mixture of truth and untruth) passed around by word of mouth

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

inflected form of “shrink” — wither, as with a loss of moisture

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

term of address for a man

From this reading The Telegram On the departure of Sir Clinton, Wendover found himself in a position of isolation.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading He felt that he was in a position of trust, and he feared lest, under the strain of questioning, he might be betrayed into divulging, unconsciously, something or other which was best kept from the public.

(physics) deformation of a physical body under the action of applied forces

From this reading He felt that he was in a position of trust, and he feared lest, under the strain of questioning, he might be betrayed into divulging, unconsciously, something or other which was best kept from the public.

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

a musical composition of several movements only loosely connected

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

past form of “talk” — exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading Armadale was the only person with whom Wendover might have talked freely; and Armadale was entirely antipathetic.

a message transmitted by telegraph

From this reading The Telegram On the departure of Sir Clinton, Wendover found himself in a position of isolation.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He felt that he was in a position of trust, and he feared lest, under the strain of questioning, he might be betrayed into divulging, unconsciously, something or other which was best kept from the public.

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

From this reading The Telegram On the departure of Sir Clinton, Wendover found himself in a position of isolation.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

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

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading A reporter from a newspaper in the nearest town demanded an interview, in the hope of eliciting something; but Wendover had the knack of posing as a dull fellow, and the reporter retired baffled and uncertain as to whether his victim had any exclusive information or not.

plural of “tragedy” — an event resulting in great loss and misfortune

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

something (as property) held by one party (the trustee) for the benefit of another (the beneficiary)

From this reading He felt that he was in a position of trust, and he feared lest, under the strain of questioning, he might be betrayed into divulging, unconsciously, something or other which was best kept from the public.

lacking or indicating lack of confidence or assurance

From this reading A reporter from a newspaper in the nearest town demanded an interview, in the hope of eliciting something; but Wendover had the knack of posing as a dull fellow, and the reporter retired baffled and uncertain as to whether his victim had any exclusive information or not.

without awareness

From this reading He felt that he was in a position of trust, and he feared lest, under the strain of questioning, he might be betrayed into divulging, unconsciously, something or other which was best kept from the public.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading He felt that he was in a position of trust, and he feared lest, under the strain of questioning, he might be betrayed into divulging, unconsciously, something or other which was best kept from the public.

an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance

From this reading A reporter from a newspaper in the nearest town demanded an interview, in the hope of eliciting something; but Wendover had the knack of posing as a dull fellow, and the reporter retired baffled and uncertain as to whether his victim had any exclusive information or not.

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

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

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

From this reading The Telegram On the departure of Sir Clinton, Wendover found himself in a position of isolation.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading A reporter from a newspaper in the nearest town demanded an interview, in the hope of eliciting something; but Wendover had the knack of posing as a dull fellow, and the reporter retired baffled and uncertain as to whether his victim had any exclusive information or not.

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

From this reading He felt that he was in a position of trust, and he feared lest, under the strain of questioning, he might be betrayed into divulging, unconsciously, something or other which was best kept from the public.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Armadale was the only person with whom Wendover might have talked freely; and Armadale was entirely antipathetic.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The Fleetwoods and Miss Fordingbridge kept to their own suite, and did not show themselves in the public rooms; but the whole hotel was astir with rumours and discussions among the guests on the subject of the recent tragedies; and Wendover shrank from associating too closely with anyone.