Chapter XV

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

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading It was evident from the outset that this was no ordinary case of a drunken man found dead in a ditch, with nothing about him to tell how he came by his death.

making or becoming suitable; adjusting to circumstances

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

aimlessly drifting

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

given as a task

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

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

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

past form of “answer” — react verbally

From this reading And “Won’t the gentleman be well enough to come?” were often but never satisfactorily answered.

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

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

any cognitive content held as true

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading And “Won’t the gentleman be well enough to come?” were often but never satisfactorily answered.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading It was evident from the outset that this was no ordinary case of a drunken man found dead in a ditch, with nothing about him to tell how he came by his death.

an occurrence of something

From this reading It was evident from the outset that this was no ordinary case of a drunken man found dead in a ditch, with nothing about him to tell how he came by his death.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading And “Won’t the gentleman be well enough to come?” were often but never satisfactorily answered.

-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

cause to herd, drive, or crowd together

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading It was evident from the outset that this was no ordinary case of a drunken man found dead in a ditch, with nothing about him to tell how he came by his death.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

a long narrow excavation in the earth

From this reading It was evident from the outset that this was no ordinary case of a drunken man found dead in a ditch, with nothing about him to tell how he came by his death.

plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

given to or marked by the consumption of alcohol

From this reading It was evident from the outset that this was no ordinary case of a drunken man found dead in a ditch, with nothing about him to tell how he came by his death.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading And “Won’t the gentleman be well enough to come?” were often but never satisfactorily answered.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading It was evident from the outset that this was no ordinary case of a drunken man found dead in a ditch, with nothing about him to tell how he came by his death.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

someone whose occupation is catching fish

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

moving swiftly

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

set up or found

From this reading It was evident from the outset that this was no ordinary case of a drunken man found dead in a ditch, with nothing about him to tell how he came by his death.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It was evident from the outset that this was no ordinary case of a drunken man found dead in a ditch, with nothing about him to tell how he came by his death.

a group of persons together in one place

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

usually; as a rule

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

a man of refinement

From this reading And “Won’t the gentleman be well enough to come?” were often but never satisfactorily answered.

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

From this reading It was evident from the outset that this was no ordinary case of a drunken man found dead in a ditch, with nothing about him to tell how he came by his death.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

advanced in complexity or elaboration

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading It was evident from the outset that this was no ordinary case of a drunken man found dead in a ditch, with nothing about him to tell how he came by his death.

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

From this reading It was evident from the outset that this was no ordinary case of a drunken man found dead in a ditch, with nothing about him to tell how he came by his death.

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

From this reading It was evident from the outset that this was no ordinary case of a drunken man found dead in a ditch, with nothing about him to tell how he came by his death.

culpably involved

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

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

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

relating to the mood of verbs that is used simple in declarative statements

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

an inquiry into the cause of an unexpected death

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

arousing or holding the attention

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was evident from the outset that this was no ordinary case of a drunken man found dead in a ditch, with nothing about him to tell how he came by his death.

a terrorist organization founded in 2000; a militant Islamic group active in Kashmir and closely aligned with al-Rashid Trust; seeks to secure release of imprisoned fellow militants by kidnappings

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading The questions: “Where’s the young lady?”

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading It was evident from the outset that this was no ordinary case of a drunken man found dead in a ditch, with nothing about him to tell how he came by his death.

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

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

deficient in amount or quality or extent

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

a particular point in time

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

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

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

plural of “murmur” — a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading And “Won’t the gentleman be well enough to come?” were often but never satisfactorily answered.

not any; not one

From this reading It was evident from the outset that this was no ordinary case of a drunken man found dead in a ditch, with nothing about him to tell how he came by his death.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading It was evident from the outset that this was no ordinary case of a drunken man found dead in a ditch, with nothing about him to tell how he came by his death.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was evident from the outset that this was no ordinary case of a drunken man found dead in a ditch, with nothing about him to tell how he came by his death.

many times at short intervals

From this reading And “Won’t the gentleman be well enough to come?” were often but never satisfactorily answered.

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

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

a judge of a probate court

From this reading It was evident from the outset that this was no ordinary case of a drunken man found dead in a ditch, with nothing about him to tell how he came by his death.

the time at which something is supposed to begin

From this reading It was evident from the outset that this was no ordinary case of a drunken man found dead in a ditch, with nothing about him to tell how he came by his death.

a human being

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

(law) the institution of a sequence of steps by which legal judgments are invoked

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

plural of “question” — an instance of questioning

From this reading The questions: “Where’s the young lady?”

done under pressure

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

in a satisfactory manner

From this reading And “Won’t the gentleman be well enough to come?” were often but never satisfactorily answered.

relating to human society and its members

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

the unlimited expanse in which everything is located

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

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

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

past form of “tax” — levy a tax on

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

express in words

From this reading It was evident from the outset that this was no ordinary case of a drunken man found dead in a ditch, with nothing about him to tell how he came by his death.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

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

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

in or at that place or location

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

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

From this reading It was evident from the outset that this was no ordinary case of a drunken man found dead in a ditch, with nothing about him to tell how he came by his death.

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

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

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

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

displeasing to the senses

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

precisely as stated

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

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

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

(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 And “Won’t the gentleman be well enough to come?” were often but never satisfactorily answered.

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

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

at the time that

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

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

From this reading The questions: “Where’s the young lady?”

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

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

plural of “whisper” — speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cords

From this reading The inquest was held in the little town-hall in the market-place, and the ugly whispers which were afloat concerning Jem Stickels’s death brought together such a gathering that the meager accommodation provided by the old building was taxed to the utmost.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It was evident from the outset that this was no ordinary case of a drunken man found dead in a ditch, with nothing about him to tell how he came by his death.

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

From this reading And “Won’t the gentleman be well enough to come?” were often but never satisfactorily answered.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading From the very first moment when the doors were opened, and the crowd rushed in and filled in a moment the space allotted to the public, there were murmurs and whispers flying from mouth to mouth, indicative of the general belief that some person or persons of a higher social position than the dead fisherman, and more generally interesting than he, would be implicated in the course of the proceedings.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading The questions: “Where’s the young lady?”