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adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Behind the chairs of the favored members of the old circle, who always sat in nightly conclave about the stove, a long row of men lounged against the wall, but the bitter controversies of other nights were still.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Behind the chairs of the favored members of the old circle, who always sat in nightly conclave about the stove, a long row of men lounged against the wall, but the bitter controversies of other nights were still.
acridadjectiveUS /ˈæk.rɪd/
Having an unpleasantly bitter or pungent taste or smell.
From this reading The Tavern "office" was crowded and hazy with acrid blue smoke.
advance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Behind the chairs of the favored members of the old circle, who always sat in nightly conclave about the stove, a long row of men lounged against the wall, but the bitter controversies of other nights were still.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
alonenounUS /alone/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Instead, the entire room was leaning forward, hanging breathlessly upon the words of the short fat man who was perched alone upon the worn desk, too engrossed even to notice Young Denny's entrance that night.
always
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind the chairs of the favored members of the old circle, who always sat in nightly conclave about the stove, a long row of men lounged against the wall, but the bitter controversies of other nights were still.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The Tavern "office" was crowded and hazy with acrid blue smoke.
back
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
BehindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Behind the chairs of the favored members of the old circle, who always sat in nightly conclave about the stove, a long row of men lounged against the wall, but the bitter controversies of other nights were still.
bitter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind the chairs of the favored members of the old circle, who always sat in nightly conclave about the stove, a long row of men lounged against the wall, but the bitter controversies of other nights were still.
blue
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Tavern "office" was crowded and hazy with acrid blue smoke.
boy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The boy stood for a moment, his hand still clasping the knob behind him, while his eyes flickered curiously over the heads of the crowd.
breathlessly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Instead, the entire room was leaning forward, hanging breathlessly upon the words of the short fat man who was perched alone upon the worn desk, too engrossed even to notice Young Denny's entrance that night.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Behind the chairs of the favored members of the old circle, who always sat in nightly conclave about the stove, a long row of men lounged against the wall, but the bitter controversies of other nights were still.
chair
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
chairs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind the chairs of the favored members of the old circle, who always sat in nightly conclave about the stove, a long row of men lounged against the wall, but the bitter controversies of other nights were still.
circle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind the chairs of the favored members of the old circle, who always sat in nightly conclave about the stove, a long row of men lounged against the wall, but the bitter controversies of other nights were still.
clasping
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The boy stood for a moment, his hand still clasping the knob behind him, while his eyes flickered curiously over the heads of the crowd.
conclave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind the chairs of the favored members of the old circle, who always sat in nightly conclave about the stove, a long row of men lounged against the wall, but the bitter controversies of other nights were still.
controversies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind the chairs of the favored members of the old circle, who always sat in nightly conclave about the stove, a long row of men lounged against the wall, but the bitter controversies of other nights were still.
crowd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The boy stood for a moment, his hand still clasping the knob behind him, while his eyes flickered curiously over the heads of the crowd.
crowded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Tavern "office" was crowded and hazy with acrid blue smoke.
cue
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
curiously
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The boy stood for a moment, his hand still clasping the knob behind him, while his eyes flickered curiously over the heads of the crowd.
Denny's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Instead, the entire room was leaning forward, hanging breathlessly upon the words of the short fat man who was perched alone upon the worn desk, too engrossed even to notice Young Denny's entrance that night.
desk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Instead, the entire room was leaning forward, hanging breathlessly upon the words of the short fat man who was perched alone upon the worn desk, too engrossed even to notice Young Denny's entrance that night.
directlynounUS /ˈdirectly/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
door
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
drewnounUS /drew/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
engrossed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Instead, the entire room was leaning forward, hanging breathlessly upon the words of the short fat man who was perched alone upon the worn desk, too engrossed even to notice Young Denny's entrance that night.
entire
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Instead, the entire room was leaning forward, hanging breathlessly upon the words of the short fat man who was perched alone upon the worn desk, too engrossed even to notice Young Denny's entrance that night.
entrance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Instead, the entire room was leaning forward, hanging breathlessly upon the words of the short fat man who was perched alone upon the worn desk, too engrossed even to notice Young Denny's entrance that night.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Instead, the entire room was leaning forward, hanging breathlessly upon the words of the short fat man who was perched alone upon the worn desk, too engrossed even to notice Young Denny's entrance that night.
eyes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The boy stood for a moment, his hand still clasping the knob behind him, while his eyes flickered curiously over the heads of the crowd.
fat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Instead, the entire room was leaning forward, hanging breathlessly upon the words of the short fat man who was perched alone upon the worn desk, too engrossed even to notice Young Denny's entrance that night.
favored
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind the chairs of the favored members of the old circle, who always sat in nightly conclave about the stove, a long row of men lounged against the wall, but the bitter controversies of other nights were still.
flickered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The boy stood for a moment, his hand still clasping the knob behind him, while his eyes flickered curiously over the heads of the crowd.
footnounUS /foot/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The boy stood for a moment, his hand still clasping the knob behind him, while his eyes flickered curiously over the heads of the crowd.
forwardnounUS /forward/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Instead, the entire room was leaning forward, hanging breathlessly upon the words of the short fat man who was perched alone upon the worn desk, too engrossed even to notice Young Denny's entrance that night.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
front
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
furtively
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
hand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The boy stood for a moment, his hand still clasping the knob behind him, while his eyes flickered curiously over the heads of the crowd.
hanging
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Instead, the entire room was leaning forward, hanging breathlessly upon the words of the short fat man who was perched alone upon the worn desk, too engrossed even to notice Young Denny's entrance that night.
hazyadjectiveUS /ˈheɪzi/
unclear or blurred, especially from drink
From this reading The Tavern "office" was crowded and hazy with acrid blue smoke.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
heads
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The boy stood for a moment, his hand still clasping the knob behind him, while his eyes flickered curiously over the heads of the crowd.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The boy stood for a moment, his hand still clasping the knob behind him, while his eyes flickered curiously over the heads of the crowd.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The boy stood for a moment, his hand still clasping the knob behind him, while his eyes flickered curiously over the heads of the crowd.
immoderately
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Behind the chairs of the favored members of the old circle, who always sat in nightly conclave about the stove, a long row of men lounged against the wall, but the bitter controversies of other nights were still.
Instead
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Instead, the entire room was leaning forward, hanging breathlessly upon the words of the short fat man who was perched alone upon the worn desk, too engrossed even to notice Young Denny's entrance that night.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
Judge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
knee
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
knob
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The boy stood for a moment, his hand still clasping the knob behind him, while his eyes flickered curiously over the heads of the crowd.
laughed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
laughing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
leaning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Instead, the entire room was leaning forward, hanging breathlessly upon the words of the short fat man who was perched alone upon the worn desk, too engrossed even to notice Young Denny's entrance that night.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Behind the chairs of the favored members of the old circle, who always sat in nightly conclave about the stove, a long row of men lounged against the wall, but the bitter controversies of other nights were still.
lounged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind the chairs of the favored members of the old circle, who always sat in nightly conclave about the stove, a long row of men lounged against the wall, but the bitter controversies of other nights were still.
luxuriously
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Instead, the entire room was leaning forward, hanging breathlessly upon the words of the short fat man who was perched alone upon the worn desk, too engrossed even to notice Young Denny's entrance that night.
Maynard's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
members
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind the chairs of the favored members of the old circle, who always sat in nightly conclave about the stove, a long row of men lounged against the wall, but the bitter controversies of other nights were still.
men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind the chairs of the favored members of the old circle, who always sat in nightly conclave about the stove, a long row of men lounged against the wall, but the bitter controversies of other nights were still.
moment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The boy stood for a moment, his hand still clasping the knob behind him, while his eyes flickered curiously over the heads of the crowd.
night
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Instead, the entire room was leaning forward, hanging breathlessly upon the words of the short fat man who was perched alone upon the worn desk, too engrossed even to notice Young Denny's entrance that night.
nightly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind the chairs of the favored members of the old circle, who always sat in nightly conclave about the stove, a long row of men lounged against the wall, but the bitter controversies of other nights were still.
nightsnounUS /naɪts/
Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.
From this reading Behind the chairs of the favored members of the old circle, who always sat in nightly conclave about the stove, a long row of men lounged against the wall, but the bitter controversies of other nights were still.
notice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Instead, the entire room was leaning forward, hanging breathlessly upon the words of the short fat man who was perched alone upon the worn desk, too engrossed even to notice Young Denny's entrance that night.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Behind the chairs of the favored members of the old circle, who always sat in nightly conclave about the stove, a long row of men lounged against the wall, but the bitter controversies of other nights were still.
office
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Tavern "office" was crowded and hazy with acrid blue smoke.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind the chairs of the favored members of the old circle, who always sat in nightly conclave about the stove, a long row of men lounged against the wall, but the bitter controversies of other nights were still.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind the chairs of the favored members of the old circle, who always sat in nightly conclave about the stove, a long row of men lounged against the wall, but the bitter controversies of other nights were still.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The boy stood for a moment, his hand still clasping the knob behind him, while his eyes flickered curiously over the heads of the crowd.
perched
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Instead, the entire room was leaning forward, hanging breathlessly upon the words of the short fat man who was perched alone upon the worn desk, too engrossed even to notice Young Denny's entrance that night.
pounding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
relaxed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
restnounUS /rest/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Instead, the entire room was leaning forward, hanging breathlessly upon the words of the short fat man who was perched alone upon the worn desk, too engrossed even to notice Young Denny's entrance that night.
row
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind the chairs of the favored members of the old circle, who always sat in nightly conclave about the stove, a long row of men lounged against the wall, but the bitter controversies of other nights were still.
sat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind the chairs of the favored members of the old circle, who always sat in nightly conclave about the stove, a long row of men lounged against the wall, but the bitter controversies of other nights were still.
saw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
settling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔrt/
brief or direct in expression
From this reading Instead, the entire room was leaning forward, hanging breathlessly upon the words of the short fat man who was perched alone upon the worn desk, too engrossed even to notice Young Denny's entrance that night.
shut
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
smoke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Tavern "office" was crowded and hazy with acrid blue smoke.
stillnounUS /still/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Behind the chairs of the favored members of the old circle, who always sat in nightly conclave about the stove, a long row of men lounged against the wall, but the bitter controversies of other nights were still.
stoodnounUS /stood/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The boy stood for a moment, his hand still clasping the knob behind him, while his eyes flickered curiously over the heads of the crowd.
stove
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind the chairs of the favored members of the old circle, who always sat in nightly conclave about the stove, a long row of men lounged against the wall, but the bitter controversies of other nights were still.
stranger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
taking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
Tavern
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Tavern "office" was crowded and hazy with acrid blue smoke.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Instead, the entire room was leaning forward, hanging breathlessly upon the words of the short fat man who was perched alone upon the worn desk, too engrossed even to notice Young Denny's entrance that night.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Tavern "office" was crowded and hazy with acrid blue smoke.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Instead, the entire room was leaning forward, hanging breathlessly upon the words of the short fat man who was perched alone upon the worn desk, too engrossed even to notice Young Denny's entrance that night.
too
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Instead, the entire room was leaning forward, hanging breathlessly upon the words of the short fat man who was perched alone upon the worn desk, too engrossed even to notice Young Denny's entrance that night.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Instead, the entire room was leaning forward, hanging breathlessly upon the words of the short fat man who was perched alone upon the worn desk, too engrossed even to notice Young Denny's entrance that night.
wall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind the chairs of the favored members of the old circle, who always sat in nightly conclave about the stove, a long row of men lounged against the wall, but the bitter controversies of other nights were still.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Tavern "office" was crowded and hazy with acrid blue smoke.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Behind the chairs of the favored members of the old circle, who always sat in nightly conclave about the stove, a long row of men lounged against the wall, but the bitter controversies of other nights were still.
wheneverconjunctionUS /weˈnevər/
at any time that; every time that
From this reading Even before he drew the door shut behind him he saw that Judge Maynard's chair was a good foot in advance of all the others, directly in front of the stranger on the desk, and that the rest of the room was furtively taking its cue from him--pounding its knee and laughing immoderately whenever he laughed, or settling back luxuriously whenever the Judge relaxed in his chair.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading The boy stood for a moment, his hand still clasping the knob behind him, while his eyes flickered curiously over the heads of the crowd.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading Behind the chairs of the favored members of the old circle, who always sat in nightly conclave about the stove, a long row of men lounged against the wall, but the bitter controversies of other nights were still.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The Tavern "office" was crowded and hazy with acrid blue smoke.
words
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Instead, the entire room was leaning forward, hanging breathlessly upon the words of the short fat man who was perched alone upon the worn desk, too engrossed even to notice Young Denny's entrance that night.
wornverbUS /wɔːrn/
Damaged or thinned by continuous use.
From this reading Instead, the entire room was leaning forward, hanging breathlessly upon the words of the short fat man who was perched alone upon the worn desk, too engrossed even to notice Young Denny's entrance that night.
Young
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Instead, the entire room was leaning forward, hanging breathlessly upon the words of the short fat man who was perched alone upon the worn desk, too engrossed even to notice Young Denny's entrance that night.
