used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading BEST OF BAD BUSINESS In his grown-up life, Sergeant Seymour had met a procession of emergencies.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading When he pondered the distress and disappointment that must be hers when she learned the truth, that hidden strain of kindness within him promptly interposed barrier against his blurting out the facts, police fashion.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading Seldom had he failed to do the right and proper thing--the best for all concerned.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Seldom had he failed to do the right and proper thing--the best for all concerned.
awaitingverbUS /əˈweɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “await” — look forward to the probable occurrence of
From this reading But never had he faced a more difficult proposition than that presented by the young woman who now faced him on the trail, awaiting news of the brother she had journeyed so far to join.
having undesirable or negative qualities
From this reading BEST OF BAD BUSINESS In his grown-up life, Sergeant Seymour had met a procession of emergencies.
barriernounUS /ˈbæriər/
a structure or object that impedes free movement
From this reading When he pondered the distress and disappointment that must be hers when she learned the truth, that hidden strain of kindness within him promptly interposed barrier against his blurting out the facts, police fashion.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading When he pondered the distress and disappointment that must be hers when she learned the truth, that hidden strain of kindness within him promptly interposed barrier against his blurting out the facts, police fashion.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading BEST OF BAD BUSINESS In his grown-up life, Sergeant Seymour had met a procession of emergencies.
blurting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he pondered the distress and disappointment that must be hers when she learned the truth, that hidden strain of kindness within him promptly interposed barrier against his blurting out the facts, police fashion.
a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading But never had he faced a more difficult proposition than that presented by the young woman who now faced him on the trail, awaiting news of the brother she had journeyed so far to join.
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading BEST OF BAD BUSINESS In his grown-up life, Sergeant Seymour had met a procession of emergencies.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But never had he faced a more difficult proposition than that presented by the young woman who now faced him on the trail, awaiting news of the brother she had journeyed so far to join.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading But never had he faced a more difficult proposition than that presented by the young woman who now faced him on the trail, awaiting news of the brother she had journeyed so far to join.
feeling or showing worry or solicitude
From this reading Seldom had he failed to do the right and proper thing--the best for all concerned.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading But never had he faced a more difficult proposition than that presented by the young woman who now faced him on the trail, awaiting news of the brother she had journeyed so far to join.
a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized
From this reading When he pondered the distress and disappointment that must be hers when she learned the truth, that hidden strain of kindness within him promptly interposed barrier against his blurting out the facts, police fashion.
psychological suffering
From this reading When he pondered the distress and disappointment that must be hers when she learned the truth, that hidden strain of kindness within him promptly interposed barrier against his blurting out the facts, police fashion.
distressedadjectiveUS /dɪˈstrest/
facing or experiencing financial trouble or difficulty
From this reading When he thought of what lay in the hut they had just replaced under Mounted Police seal, he was distressed to the quick.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Seldom had he failed to do the right and proper thing--the best for all concerned.
emergenciesnounUS /ɪˈmɜːrdʒənsiz/
plural of “emergency” — a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action
From this reading BEST OF BAD BUSINESS In his grown-up life, Sergeant Seymour had met a procession of emergencies.
having a face or facing especially of a specified kind or number; often used in combination
From this reading But never had he faced a more difficult proposition than that presented by the young woman who now faced him on the trail, awaiting news of the brother she had journeyed so far to join.
plural of “fact” — a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading When he pondered the distress and disappointment that must be hers when she learned the truth, that hidden strain of kindness within him promptly interposed barrier against his blurting out the facts, police fashion.
past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone
From this reading Seldom had he failed to do the right and proper thing--the best for all concerned.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading But never had he faced a more difficult proposition than that presented by the young woman who now faced him on the trail, awaiting news of the brother she had journeyed so far to join.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading When he pondered the distress and disappointment that must be hers when she learned the truth, that hidden strain of kindness within him promptly interposed barrier against his blurting out the facts, police fashion.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Seldom had he failed to do the right and proper thing--the best for all concerned.
grown-up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BEST OF BAD BUSINESS In his grown-up life, Sergeant Seymour had met a procession of emergencies.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading BEST OF BAD BUSINESS In his grown-up life, Sergeant Seymour had met a procession of emergencies.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Seldom had he failed to do the right and proper thing--the best for all concerned.
the one or ones belonging to her
From this reading When he pondered the distress and disappointment that must be hers when she learned the truth, that hidden strain of kindness within him promptly interposed barrier against his blurting out the facts, police fashion.
not accessible to view
From this reading When he pondered the distress and disappointment that must be hers when she learned the truth, that hidden strain of kindness within him promptly interposed barrier against his blurting out the facts, police fashion.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading But never had he faced a more difficult proposition than that presented by the young woman who now faced him on the trail, awaiting news of the brother she had journeyed so far to join.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading BEST OF BAD BUSINESS In his grown-up life, Sergeant Seymour had met a procession of emergencies.
temporary military shelter
From this reading When he thought of what lay in the hut they had just replaced under Mounted Police seal, he was distressed to the quick.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading BEST OF BAD BUSINESS In his grown-up life, Sergeant Seymour had met a procession of emergencies.
interposed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he pondered the distress and disappointment that must be hers when she learned the truth, that hidden strain of kindness within him promptly interposed barrier against his blurting out the facts, police fashion.
become part of; become a member of a group or organization
From this reading But never had he faced a more difficult proposition than that presented by the young woman who now faced him on the trail, awaiting news of the brother she had journeyed so far to join.
journeyedverbUS /ˈdʒɜːrnid/
past form of “journey” — undertake a journey or trip
From this reading But never had he faced a more difficult proposition than that presented by the young woman who now faced him on the trail, awaiting news of the brother she had journeyed so far to join.
and nothing more
From this reading When he thought of what lay in the hut they had just replaced under Mounted Police seal, he was distressed to the quick.
the quality of being warmhearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic
From this reading When he pondered the distress and disappointment that must be hers when she learned the truth, that hidden strain of kindness within him promptly interposed barrier against his blurting out the facts, police fashion.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading When he thought of what lay in the hut they had just replaced under Mounted Police seal, he was distressed to the quick.
having or showing profound knowledge
From this reading When he pondered the distress and disappointment that must be hers when she learned the truth, that hidden strain of kindness within him promptly interposed barrier against his blurting out the facts, police fashion.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading BEST OF BAD BUSINESS In his grown-up life, Sergeant Seymour had met a procession of emergencies.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading BEST OF BAD BUSINESS In his grown-up life, Sergeant Seymour had met a procession of emergencies.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading But never had he faced a more difficult proposition than that presented by the young woman who now faced him on the trail, awaiting news of the brother she had journeyed so far to join.
assembled for use; especially by being attached to a support
From this reading When he thought of what lay in the hut they had just replaced under Mounted Police seal, he was distressed to the quick.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading When he pondered the distress and disappointment that must be hers when she learned the truth, that hidden strain of kindness within him promptly interposed barrier against his blurting out the facts, police fashion.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading But never had he faced a more difficult proposition than that presented by the young woman who now faced him on the trail, awaiting news of the brother she had journeyed so far to join.
information about recent and important events
From this reading But never had he faced a more difficult proposition than that presented by the young woman who now faced him on the trail, awaiting news of the brother she had journeyed so far to join.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading But never had he faced a more difficult proposition than that presented by the young woman who now faced him on the trail, awaiting news of the brother she had journeyed so far to join.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading BEST OF BAD BUSINESS In his grown-up life, Sergeant Seymour had met a procession of emergencies.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading But never had he faced a more difficult proposition than that presented by the young woman who now faced him on the trail, awaiting news of the brother she had journeyed so far to join.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading When he pondered the distress and disappointment that must be hers when she learned the truth, that hidden strain of kindness within him promptly interposed barrier against his blurting out the facts, police fashion.
the force of policemen and officers
From this reading When he thought of what lay in the hut they had just replaced under Mounted Police seal, he was distressed to the quick.
ponderedverbUS /ˈpɑːndərd/
past form of “ponder” — reflect deeply on a subject
From this reading When he pondered the distress and disappointment that must be hers when she learned the truth, that hidden strain of kindness within him promptly interposed barrier against his blurting out the facts, police fashion.
past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading But never had he faced a more difficult proposition than that presented by the young woman who now faced him on the trail, awaiting news of the brother she had journeyed so far to join.
processionnounUS /prəˈseʃən/
(theology) the origination of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost
From this reading BEST OF BAD BUSINESS In his grown-up life, Sergeant Seymour had met a procession of emergencies.
with little or no delay
From this reading When he pondered the distress and disappointment that must be hers when she learned the truth, that hidden strain of kindness within him promptly interposed barrier against his blurting out the facts, police fashion.
marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness
From this reading Seldom had he failed to do the right and proper thing--the best for all concerned.
propositionnounUS /ˌprɑːpəˈzɪʃən/
(logic) a statement that affirms or denies something and is either true or false
From this reading But never had he faced a more difficult proposition than that presented by the young woman who now faced him on the trail, awaiting news of the brother she had journeyed so far to join.
accomplished rapidly and without delay
From this reading When he thought of what lay in the hut they had just replaced under Mounted Police seal, he was distressed to the quick.
replacedverbUS /ˌriːˈpleɪst/
past form of “replace” — substitute a person or thing for (another that is broken or inefficient or lost or no longer working or yielding what is expected)
From this reading When he thought of what lay in the hut they had just replaced under Mounted Police seal, he was distressed to the quick.
precisely, exactly
From this reading Seldom had he failed to do the right and proper thing--the best for all concerned.
sealverbUS /siːl/
make tight; secure against leakage
From this reading When he thought of what lay in the hut they had just replaced under Mounted Police seal, he was distressed to the quick.
not often
From this reading Seldom had he failed to do the right and proper thing--the best for all concerned.
any of several noncommissioned officer ranks in the Army or Air Force or Marines ranking above a corporal
From this reading BEST OF BAD BUSINESS In his grown-up life, Sergeant Seymour had met a procession of emergencies.
SeymournounUS /ˈsiːmɔːr/
Queen of England as the third wife of Henry VIII and mother of Edward VI (1509-1537)
From this reading BEST OF BAD BUSINESS In his grown-up life, Sergeant Seymour had met a procession of emergencies.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But never had he faced a more difficult proposition than that presented by the young woman who now faced him on the trail, awaiting news of the brother she had journeyed so far to join.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading But never had he faced a more difficult proposition than that presented by the young woman who now faced him on the trail, awaiting news of the brother she had journeyed so far to join.
(physics) deformation of a physical body under the action of applied forces
From this reading When he pondered the distress and disappointment that must be hers when she learned the truth, that hidden strain of kindness within him promptly interposed barrier against his blurting out the facts, police fashion.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading But never had he faced a more difficult proposition than that presented by the young woman who now faced him on the trail, awaiting news of the brother she had journeyed so far to join.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading But never had he faced a more difficult proposition than that presented by the young woman who now faced him on the trail, awaiting news of the brother she had journeyed so far to join.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Seldom had he failed to do the right and proper thing--the best for all concerned.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When he thought of what lay in the hut they had just replaced under Mounted Police seal, he was distressed to the quick.
a special situation
From this reading Seldom had he failed to do the right and proper thing--the best for all concerned.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading When he thought of what lay in the hut they had just replaced under Mounted Police seal, he was distressed to the quick.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Seldom had he failed to do the right and proper thing--the best for all concerned.
a track or mark left by something that has passed
From this reading But never had he faced a more difficult proposition than that presented by the young woman who now faced him on the trail, awaiting news of the brother she had journeyed so far to join.
a fact that has been verified
From this reading When he pondered the distress and disappointment that must be hers when she learned the truth, that hidden strain of kindness within him promptly interposed barrier against his blurting out the facts, police fashion.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading When he thought of what lay in the hut they had just replaced under Mounted Police seal, he was distressed to the quick.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When he thought of what lay in the hut they had just replaced under Mounted Police seal, he was distressed to the quick.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading When he thought of what lay in the hut they had just replaced under Mounted Police seal, he was distressed to the quick.
at the time that
From this reading When he thought of what lay in the hut they had just replaced under Mounted Police seal, he was distressed to the quick.
which person or people
From this reading But never had he faced a more difficult proposition than that presented by the young woman who now faced him on the trail, awaiting news of the brother she had journeyed so far to join.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading When he pondered the distress and disappointment that must be hers when she learned the truth, that hidden strain of kindness within him promptly interposed barrier against his blurting out the facts, police fashion.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading But never had he faced a more difficult proposition than that presented by the young woman who now faced him on the trail, awaiting news of the brother she had journeyed so far to join.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading But never had he faced a more difficult proposition than that presented by the young woman who now faced him on the trail, awaiting news of the brother she had journeyed so far to join.
