used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The bright light within illumined the drawn curtains of the Lexington Avenue flat, casting on them a filigree shadow of the filmy lace draperies, convincing Nick Carter before he had entered that Sadie Badger had not bolted.
in addition
From this reading He saw the evil light that flashed up for an instant in her intense black eyes when she saw and recognized him, which further assured him that he not only had sized up the circumstances correctly, but also that her designs were precisely what he suspected.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He saw the evil light that flashed up for an instant in her intense black eyes when she saw and recognized him, which further assured him that he not only had sized up the circumstances correctly, but also that her designs were precisely what he suspected.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He saw the evil light that flashed up for an instant in her intense black eyes when she saw and recognized him, which further assured him that he not only had sized up the circumstances correctly, but also that her designs were precisely what he suspected.
past form of “answer” — react verbally
From this reading Nick’s ring was quickly answered, moreover, by the woman herself.
marked by assurance; exhibiting confidence
From this reading He saw the evil light that flashed up for an instant in her intense black eyes when she saw and recognized him, which further assured him that he not only had sized up the circumstances correctly, but also that her designs were precisely what he suspected.
a line of approach
From this reading The bright light within illumined the drawn curtains of the Lexington Avenue flat, casting on them a filigree shadow of the filmy lace draperies, convincing Nick Carter before he had entered that Sadie Badger had not bolted.
BadgerverbUS /ˈbædʒər/
annoy persistently
From this reading The bright light within illumined the drawn curtains of the Lexington Avenue flat, casting on them a filigree shadow of the filmy lace draperies, convincing Nick Carter before he had entered that Sadie Badger had not bolted.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The bright light within illumined the drawn curtains of the Lexington Avenue flat, casting on them a filigree shadow of the filmy lace draperies, convincing Nick Carter before he had entered that Sadie Badger had not bolted.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading He saw the evil light that flashed up for an instant in her intense black eyes when she saw and recognized him, which further assured him that he not only had sized up the circumstances correctly, but also that her designs were precisely what he suspected.
boltedverbUS /ˈboʊltəd/
past form of “bolt” — move or jump suddenly
From this reading The bright light within illumined the drawn curtains of the Lexington Avenue flat, casting on them a filigree shadow of the filmy lace draperies, convincing Nick Carter before he had entered that Sadie Badger had not bolted.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading The bright light within illumined the drawn curtains of the Lexington Avenue flat, casting on them a filigree shadow of the filmy lace draperies, convincing Nick Carter before he had entered that Sadie Badger had not bolted.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He saw the evil light that flashed up for an instant in her intense black eyes when she saw and recognized him, which further assured him that he not only had sized up the circumstances correctly, but also that her designs were precisely what he suspected.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Nick’s ring was quickly answered, moreover, by the woman herself.
CarternounUS /ˈkɑːrtər/
Englishman and Egyptologist who in 1922 discovered and excavated the tomb of Tutankhamen (1873-1939)
From this reading The bright light within illumined the drawn curtains of the Lexington Avenue flat, casting on them a filigree shadow of the filmy lace draperies, convincing Nick Carter before he had entered that Sadie Badger had not bolted.
castingnounUS /ˈkæstɪŋ/
object formed by a mold
From this reading The bright light within illumined the drawn curtains of the Lexington Avenue flat, casting on them a filigree shadow of the filmy lace draperies, convincing Nick Carter before he had entered that Sadie Badger had not bolted.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading He saw the evil light that flashed up for an instant in her intense black eyes when she saw and recognized him, which further assured him that he not only had sized up the circumstances correctly, but also that her designs were precisely what he suspected.
convincingadjectiveUS /kənˈvɪnsɪŋ/
causing one to believe the truth of something
From this reading The bright light within illumined the drawn curtains of the Lexington Avenue flat, casting on them a filigree shadow of the filmy lace draperies, convincing Nick Carter before he had entered that Sadie Badger had not bolted.
correctlyadverbUS /kərˈektli/
in an accurate manner
From this reading He saw the evil light that flashed up for an instant in her intense black eyes when she saw and recognized him, which further assured him that he not only had sized up the circumstances correctly, but also that her designs were precisely what he suspected.
COUNTERSTROKE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE COUNTERSTROKE.
curtainsnounUS /ˈkɜːrtənz/
plural of “curtain” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)
From this reading The bright light within illumined the drawn curtains of the Lexington Avenue flat, casting on them a filigree shadow of the filmy lace draperies, convincing Nick Carter before he had entered that Sadie Badger had not bolted.
designsnounUS /dɪˈzaɪnz/
plural of “design” — the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)
From this reading He saw the evil light that flashed up for an instant in her intense black eyes when she saw and recognized him, which further assured him that he not only had sized up the circumstances correctly, but also that her designs were precisely what he suspected.
draperiesnounUS /ˈdreɪpəriz/
plural of “drapery” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)
From this reading The bright light within illumined the drawn curtains of the Lexington Avenue flat, casting on them a filigree shadow of the filmy lace draperies, convincing Nick Carter before he had entered that Sadie Badger had not bolted.
showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
From this reading The bright light within illumined the drawn curtains of the Lexington Avenue flat, casting on them a filigree shadow of the filmy lace draperies, convincing Nick Carter before he had entered that Sadie Badger had not bolted.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading The bright light within illumined the drawn curtains of the Lexington Avenue flat, casting on them a filigree shadow of the filmy lace draperies, convincing Nick Carter before he had entered that Sadie Badger had not bolted.
morally objectionable behavior
From this reading He saw the evil light that flashed up for an instant in her intense black eyes when she saw and recognized him, which further assured him that he not only had sized up the circumstances correctly, but also that her designs were precisely what he suspected.
opinion or judgment
From this reading He saw the evil light that flashed up for an instant in her intense black eyes when she saw and recognized him, which further assured him that he not only had sized up the circumstances correctly, but also that her designs were precisely what he suspected.
filigreenounUS /ˈfɪləɡriː/
delicate and intricate ornamentation (usually in gold or silver or other fine twisted wire)
From this reading The bright light within illumined the drawn curtains of the Lexington Avenue flat, casting on them a filigree shadow of the filmy lace draperies, convincing Nick Carter before he had entered that Sadie Badger had not bolted.
filmyadjective
so thin as to transmit light
From this reading The bright light within illumined the drawn curtains of the Lexington Avenue flat, casting on them a filigree shadow of the filmy lace draperies, convincing Nick Carter before he had entered that Sadie Badger had not bolted.
past form of “flash” — gleam or glow intermittently
From this reading He saw the evil light that flashed up for an instant in her intense black eyes when she saw and recognized him, which further assured him that he not only had sized up the circumstances correctly, but also that her designs were precisely what he suspected.
having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another
From this reading The bright light within illumined the drawn curtains of the Lexington Avenue flat, casting on them a filigree shadow of the filmy lace draperies, convincing Nick Carter before he had entered that Sadie Badger had not bolted.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He saw the evil light that flashed up for an instant in her intense black eyes when she saw and recognized him, which further assured him that he not only had sized up the circumstances correctly, but also that her designs were precisely what he suspected.
forefingernounUS /ˈfɔːrfɪŋɡər/
the finger next to the thumb
From this reading Sadie Badger greeted him with a smile, however, placing her forefinger on her lips and glancing significantly up the stairs.
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading He saw the evil light that flashed up for an instant in her intense black eyes when she saw and recognized him, which further assured him that he not only had sized up the circumstances correctly, but also that her designs were precisely what he suspected.
-ing form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading Sadie Badger greeted him with a smile, however, placing her forefinger on her lips and glancing significantly up the stairs.
past form of “greet” — express greetings upon meeting someone
From this reading Sadie Badger greeted him with a smile, however, placing her forefinger on her lips and glancing significantly up the stairs.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The bright light within illumined the drawn curtains of the Lexington Avenue flat, casting on them a filigree shadow of the filmy lace draperies, convincing Nick Carter before he had entered that Sadie Badger had not bolted.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The bright light within illumined the drawn curtains of the Lexington Avenue flat, casting on them a filigree shadow of the filmy lace draperies, convincing Nick Carter before he had entered that Sadie Badger had not bolted.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading He saw the evil light that flashed up for an instant in her intense black eyes when she saw and recognized him, which further assured him that he not only had sized up the circumstances correctly, but also that her designs were precisely what he suspected.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading Nick’s ring was quickly answered, moreover, by the woman herself.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He saw the evil light that flashed up for an instant in her intense black eyes when she saw and recognized him, which further assured him that he not only had sized up the circumstances correctly, but also that her designs were precisely what he suspected.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading Sadie Badger greeted him with a smile, however, placing her forefinger on her lips and glancing significantly up the stairs.
illuminedverbUS /ˌɪˈluːmənd/
past form of “illumine” — make lighter or brighter
From this reading The bright light within illumined the drawn curtains of the Lexington Avenue flat, casting on them a filigree shadow of the filmy lace draperies, convincing Nick Carter before he had entered that Sadie Badger had not bolted.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He saw the evil light that flashed up for an instant in her intense black eyes when she saw and recognized him, which further assured him that he not only had sized up the circumstances correctly, but also that her designs were precisely what he suspected.
a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)
From this reading He saw the evil light that flashed up for an instant in her intense black eyes when she saw and recognized him, which further assured him that he not only had sized up the circumstances correctly, but also that her designs were precisely what he suspected.
possessing or displaying a distinctive feature to a heightened degree
From this reading He saw the evil light that flashed up for an instant in her intense black eyes when she saw and recognized him, which further assured him that he not only had sized up the circumstances correctly, but also that her designs were precisely what he suspected.
laceverbUS /leɪs/
spin, wind, or twist together
From this reading The bright light within illumined the drawn curtains of the Lexington Avenue flat, casting on them a filigree shadow of the filmy lace draperies, convincing Nick Carter before he had entered that Sadie Badger had not bolted.
LexingtonnounUS /ˈleksɪŋtən/
town in eastern Massachusetts near Boston where the first battle of the American Revolution was fought
From this reading The bright light within illumined the drawn curtains of the Lexington Avenue flat, casting on them a filigree shadow of the filmy lace draperies, convincing Nick Carter before he had entered that Sadie Badger had not bolted.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading The bright light within illumined the drawn curtains of the Lexington Avenue flat, casting on them a filigree shadow of the filmy lace draperies, convincing Nick Carter before he had entered that Sadie Badger had not bolted.
plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking
From this reading Sadie Badger greeted him with a smile, however, placing her forefinger on her lips and glancing significantly up the stairs.
in addition to what has just been said
From this reading Nick’s ring was quickly answered, moreover, by the woman herself.
NickverbUS /nɪk/
cut slightly, with a razor
From this reading The bright light within illumined the drawn curtains of the Lexington Avenue flat, casting on them a filigree shadow of the filmy lace draperies, convincing Nick Carter before he had entered that Sadie Badger had not bolted.
Nick'snounUS /nɪks/
possessive form of “nick” — an impression in a surface (as made by a blow)
From this reading Nick’s ring was quickly answered, moreover, by the woman herself.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The bright light within illumined the drawn curtains of the Lexington Avenue flat, casting on them a filigree shadow of the filmy lace draperies, convincing Nick Carter before he had entered that Sadie Badger had not bolted.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The bright light within illumined the drawn curtains of the Lexington Avenue flat, casting on them a filigree shadow of the filmy lace draperies, convincing Nick Carter before he had entered that Sadie Badger had not bolted.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The bright light within illumined the drawn curtains of the Lexington Avenue flat, casting on them a filigree shadow of the filmy lace draperies, convincing Nick Carter before he had entered that Sadie Badger had not bolted.
and nothing more
From this reading He saw the evil light that flashed up for an instant in her intense black eyes when she saw and recognized him, which further assured him that he not only had sized up the circumstances correctly, but also that her designs were precisely what he suspected.
placingverbUS /ˈpleɪsɪŋ/
-ing form of “place” — put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Sadie Badger greeted him with a smile, however, placing her forefinger on her lips and glancing significantly up the stairs.
preciselyadverbUS /prɪˈsaɪsli/
indicating exactness or preciseness
From this reading He saw the evil light that flashed up for an instant in her intense black eyes when she saw and recognized him, which further assured him that he not only had sized up the circumstances correctly, but also that her designs were precisely what he suspected.
with speed
From this reading Nick’s ring was quickly answered, moreover, by the woman herself.
generally approved or compelling recognition
From this reading He saw the evil light that flashed up for an instant in her intense black eyes when she saw and recognized him, which further assured him that he not only had sized up the circumstances correctly, but also that her designs were precisely what he suspected.
sound loudly and sonorously
From this reading Nick’s ring was quickly answered, moreover, by the woman herself.
Sadie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The bright light within illumined the drawn curtains of the Lexington Avenue flat, casting on them a filigree shadow of the filmy lace draperies, convincing Nick Carter before he had entered that Sadie Badger had not bolted.
cut with a saw
From this reading He saw the evil light that flashed up for an instant in her intense black eyes when she saw and recognized him, which further assured him that he not only had sized up the circumstances correctly, but also that her designs were precisely what he suspected.
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading The bright light within illumined the drawn curtains of the Lexington Avenue flat, casting on them a filigree shadow of the filmy lace draperies, convincing Nick Carter before he had entered that Sadie Badger had not bolted.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He saw the evil light that flashed up for an instant in her intense black eyes when she saw and recognized him, which further assured him that he not only had sized up the circumstances correctly, but also that her designs were precisely what he suspected.
significantlyadverbUS /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəntli/
in a statistically significant way
From this reading Sadie Badger greeted him with a smile, however, placing her forefinger on her lips and glancing significantly up the stairs.
sizedadjectiveUS /saɪzd/
having a specified size
From this reading He saw the evil light that flashed up for an instant in her intense black eyes when she saw and recognized him, which further assured him that he not only had sized up the circumstances correctly, but also that her designs were precisely what he suspected.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading Sadie Badger greeted him with a smile, however, placing her forefinger on her lips and glancing significantly up the stairs.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading Sadie Badger greeted him with a smile, however, placing her forefinger on her lips and glancing significantly up the stairs.
believed likely
From this reading He saw the evil light that flashed up for an instant in her intense black eyes when she saw and recognized him, which further assured him that he not only had sized up the circumstances correctly, but also that her designs were precisely what he suspected.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The bright light within illumined the drawn curtains of the Lexington Avenue flat, casting on them a filigree shadow of the filmy lace draperies, convincing Nick Carter before he had entered that Sadie Badger had not bolted.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE COUNTERSTROKE.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The bright light within illumined the drawn curtains of the Lexington Avenue flat, casting on them a filigree shadow of the filmy lace draperies, convincing Nick Carter before he had entered that Sadie Badger had not bolted.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading He saw the evil light that flashed up for an instant in her intense black eyes when she saw and recognized him, which further assured him that he not only had sized up the circumstances correctly, but also that her designs were precisely what he suspected.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Nick’s ring was quickly answered, moreover, by the woman herself.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He saw the evil light that flashed up for an instant in her intense black eyes when she saw and recognized him, which further assured him that he not only had sized up the circumstances correctly, but also that her designs were precisely what he suspected.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading He saw the evil light that flashed up for an instant in her intense black eyes when she saw and recognized him, which further assured him that he not only had sized up the circumstances correctly, but also that her designs were precisely what he suspected.
at the time that
From this reading He saw the evil light that flashed up for an instant in her intense black eyes when she saw and recognized him, which further assured him that he not only had sized up the circumstances correctly, but also that her designs were precisely what he suspected.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He saw the evil light that flashed up for an instant in her intense black eyes when she saw and recognized him, which further assured him that he not only had sized up the circumstances correctly, but also that her designs were precisely what he suspected.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Sadie Badger greeted him with a smile, however, placing her forefinger on her lips and glancing significantly up the stairs.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading The bright light within illumined the drawn curtains of the Lexington Avenue flat, casting on them a filigree shadow of the filmy lace draperies, convincing Nick Carter before he had entered that Sadie Badger had not bolted.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading Nick’s ring was quickly answered, moreover, by the woman herself.
