Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading Dressed in a plain white shirt waist and an equally plain black cloth skirt, Miss Hazel Weir, on week days, was merely a unit in the office force of Harrington & Bush, implement manufacturers.

(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 A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

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

From this reading Dressed in a plain white shirt waist and an equally plain black cloth skirt, Miss Hazel Weir, on week days, was merely a unit in the office force of Harrington & Bush, implement manufacturers.

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

From this reading Dressed in a plain white shirt waist and an equally plain black cloth skirt, Miss Hazel Weir, on week days, was merely a unit in the office force of Harrington & Bush, implement manufacturers.

the act of bringing something to bear; using it for a particular purpose

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Neither in personality nor in garb would a casual glance have differentiated her from the other female units, occupied at various desks.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

a small piece or quantity of something

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading Dressed in a plain white shirt waist and an equally plain black cloth skirt, Miss Hazel Weir, on week days, was merely a unit in the office force of Harrington & Bush, implement manufacturers.

a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems

From this reading Dressed in a plain white shirt waist and an equally plain black cloth skirt, Miss Hazel Weir, on week days, was merely a unit in the office force of Harrington & Bush, implement manufacturers.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading A business office is no place for a woman to parade her personal charms.

marked by blithe unconcern

From this reading Neither in personality nor in garb would a casual glance have differentiated her from the other female units, occupied at various desks.

plural of “charm” — attractiveness that interests or pleases or stimulates

From this reading A business office is no place for a woman to parade her personal charms.

rid of obstructions

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

of or relating to clerks

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

artifact made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic fibers

From this reading Dressed in a plain white shirt waist and an equally plain black cloth skirt, Miss Hazel Weir, on week days, was merely a unit in the office force of Harrington & Bush, implement manufacturers.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Dressed in a plain white shirt waist and an equally plain black cloth skirt, Miss Hazel Weir, on week days, was merely a unit in the office force of Harrington & Bush, implement manufacturers.

plural of “desk” — a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments

From this reading Neither in personality nor in garb would a casual glance have differentiated her from the other female units, occupied at various desks.

made different (especially in the course of development) or shown to be different

From this reading Neither in personality nor in garb would a casual glance have differentiated her from the other female units, occupied at various desks.

dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination

From this reading Dressed in a plain white shirt waist and an equally plain black cloth skirt, Miss Hazel Weir, on week days, was merely a unit in the office force of Harrington & Bush, implement manufacturers.

the ratio of the output to the input of any system

From this reading The measure of her worth there is simply the measure of her efficiency at her machine or ledgers.

to the same degree (often followed by “as”)

From this reading Dressed in a plain white shirt waist and an equally plain black cloth skirt, Miss Hazel Weir, on week days, was merely a unit in the office force of Harrington & Bush, implement manufacturers.

opinion or judgment

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

being the sex (of plant or animal) that produces fertilizable gametes (ova) from which offspring develop

From this reading Neither in personality nor in garb would a casual glance have differentiated her from the other female units, occupied at various desks.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A business office is no place for a woman to parade her personal charms.

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading Dressed in a plain white shirt waist and an equally plain black cloth skirt, Miss Hazel Weir, on week days, was merely a unit in the office force of Harrington & Bush, implement manufacturers.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Neither in personality nor in garb would a casual glance have differentiated her from the other female units, occupied at various desks.

clothing of a distinctive style or for a particular occasion

From this reading Neither in personality nor in garb would a casual glance have differentiated her from the other female units, occupied at various desks.

throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading Neither in personality nor in garb would a casual glance have differentiated her from the other female units, occupied at various desks.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

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

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

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

From this reading Dressed in a plain white shirt waist and an equally plain black cloth skirt, Miss Hazel Weir, on week days, was merely a unit in the office force of Harrington & Bush, implement manufacturers.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Neither in personality nor in garb would a casual glance have differentiated her from the other female units, occupied at various desks.

of a light brown or yellowish brown color

From this reading Dressed in a plain white shirt waist and an equally plain black cloth skirt, Miss Hazel Weir, on week days, was merely a unit in the office force of Harrington & Bush, implement manufacturers.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Neither in personality nor in garb would a casual glance have differentiated her from the other female units, occupied at various desks.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

apply in a manner consistent with its purpose or design

From this reading Dressed in a plain white shirt waist and an equally plain black cloth skirt, Miss Hazel Weir, on week days, was merely a unit in the office force of Harrington & Bush, implement manufacturers.

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

From this reading Dressed in a plain white shirt waist and an equally plain black cloth skirt, Miss Hazel Weir, on week days, was merely a unit in the office force of Harrington & Bush, implement manufacturers.

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

From this reading A business office is no place for a woman to parade her personal charms.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

plural of “ledger” — a record in which commercial accounts are recorded

From this reading The measure of her worth there is simply the measure of her efficiency at her machine or ledgers.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks

From this reading The measure of her worth there is simply the measure of her efficiency at her machine or ledgers.

plural of “manufacturer” — a business engaged in manufacturing some product

From this reading Dressed in a plain white shirt waist and an equally plain black cloth skirt, Miss Hazel Weir, on week days, was merely a unit in the office force of Harrington & Bush, implement manufacturers.

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading The measure of her worth there is simply the measure of her efficiency at her machine or ledgers.

and nothing more

From this reading Dressed in a plain white shirt waist and an equally plain black cloth skirt, Miss Hazel Weir, on week days, was merely a unit in the office force of Harrington & Bush, implement manufacturers.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

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

From this reading Dressed in a plain white shirt waist and an equally plain black cloth skirt, Miss Hazel Weir, on week days, was merely a unit in the office force of Harrington & Bush, implement manufacturers.

in addition to what has just been said

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading Neither in personality nor in garb would a casual glance have differentiated her from the other female units, occupied at various desks.

not any; not one

From this reading A business office is no place for a woman to parade her personal charms.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading Neither in personality nor in garb would a casual glance have differentiated her from the other female units, occupied at various desks.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

being perceived or observed

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

a person who becomes aware (of things or events) through the senses

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

held or filled or in use

From this reading Neither in personality nor in garb would a casual glance have differentiated her from the other female units, occupied at various desks.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Dressed in a plain white shirt waist and an equally plain black cloth skirt, Miss Hazel Weir, on week days, was merely a unit in the office force of Harrington & Bush, implement manufacturers.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading Dressed in a plain white shirt waist and an equally plain black cloth skirt, Miss Hazel Weir, on week days, was merely a unit in the office force of Harrington & Bush, implement manufacturers.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Dressed in a plain white shirt waist and an equally plain black cloth skirt, Miss Hazel Weir, on week days, was merely a unit in the office force of Harrington & Bush, implement manufacturers.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The measure of her worth there is simply the measure of her efficiency at her machine or ledgers.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Neither in personality nor in garb would a casual glance have differentiated her from the other female units, occupied at various desks.

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

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

a ceremonial procession including people marching

From this reading A business office is no place for a woman to parade her personal charms.

concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality

From this reading A business office is no place for a woman to parade her personal charms.

the complex of all the attributes--behavioral, temperamental, emotional and mental--that characterize a unique individual

From this reading Neither in personality nor in garb would a casual glance have differentiated her from the other female units, occupied at various desks.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading A business office is no place for a woman to parade her personal charms.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading Dressed in a plain white shirt waist and an equally plain black cloth skirt, Miss Hazel Weir, on week days, was merely a unit in the office force of Harrington & Bush, implement manufacturers.

influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

a purple color or pigment

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

(plural) something that reminds you of someone or something

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

a garment worn on the upper half of the body

From this reading Dressed in a plain white shirt waist and an equally plain black cloth skirt, Miss Hazel Weir, on week days, was merely a unit in the office force of Harrington & Bush, implement manufacturers.

and nothing more

From this reading The measure of her worth there is simply the measure of her efficiency at her machine or ledgers.

a natural protective body covering and site of the sense of touch

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

cloth covering that forms the part of a garment below the waist

From this reading Dressed in a plain white shirt waist and an equally plain black cloth skirt, Miss Hazel Weir, on week days, was merely a unit in the office force of Harrington & Bush, implement manufacturers.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

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

From this reading Dressed in a plain white shirt waist and an equally plain black cloth skirt, Miss Hazel Weir, on week days, was merely a unit in the office force of Harrington & Bush, implement manufacturers.

in or at that place or location

From this reading The measure of her worth there is simply the measure of her efficiency at her machine or ledgers.

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

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

any division of quantity accepted as a standard of measurement or exchange

From this reading Dressed in a plain white shirt waist and an equally plain black cloth skirt, Miss Hazel Weir, on week days, was merely a unit in the office force of Harrington & Bush, implement manufacturers.

plural of “unit” — any division of quantity accepted as a standard of measurement or exchange

From this reading Neither in personality nor in garb would a casual glance have differentiated her from the other female units, occupied at various desks.

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading Neither in personality nor in garb would a casual glance have differentiated her from the other female units, occupied at various desks.

the narrowing of the body between the ribs and hips

From this reading Dressed in a plain white shirt waist and an equally plain black cloth skirt, Miss Hazel Weir, on week days, was merely a unit in the office force of Harrington & Bush, implement manufacturers.

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

From this reading Dressed in a plain white shirt waist and an equally plain black cloth skirt, Miss Hazel Weir, on week days, was merely a unit in the office force of Harrington & Bush, implement manufacturers.

lessen the strength of

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading Dressed in a plain white shirt waist and an equally plain black cloth skirt, Miss Hazel Weir, on week days, was merely a unit in the office force of Harrington & Bush, implement manufacturers.

a low dam built across a stream to raise its level or divert its flow

From this reading Dressed in a plain white shirt waist and an equally plain black cloth skirt, Miss Hazel Weir, on week days, was merely a unit in the office force of Harrington & Bush, implement manufacturers.

a Caucasian

From this reading Dressed in a plain white shirt waist and an equally plain black cloth skirt, Miss Hazel Weir, on week days, was merely a unit in the office force of Harrington & Bush, implement manufacturers.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading A business office is no place for a woman to parade her personal charms.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value

From this reading The measure of her worth there is simply the measure of her efficiency at her machine or ledgers.

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

From this reading Neither in personality nor in garb would a casual glance have differentiated her from the other female units, occupied at various desks.

but in spite of that

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.

used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father

From this reading A close observer might have noticed that she was a bit younger than the others, possessed of a clear skin and large eyes that seemed to hold all the shades between purple and gray--eyes, moreover, that had not yet begun to weaken from long application to clerical work.