Chapter VI

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.

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.

Having an unpleasantly bitter or pungent taste or smell.

From this reading The Tavern "office" was crowded and hazy with acrid blue smoke.

move forward, also in the metaphorical sense

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.

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.

(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 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.

Having no one else present.

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.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

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.

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.

in or to or toward a former location

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.

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.

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.

marked by strong resentment or cynicism

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.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading The Tavern "office" was crowded and hazy with acrid blue smoke.

a youthful male person

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.

in a breathless manner

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.

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.

a seat for one person, with a support for the back

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.

plural of “chair” — a seat for one person, with a support for the back

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.

ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point

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.

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.

a confidential or secret meeting

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.

plural of “controversy” — a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement

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.

cause to herd, drive, or crowd together

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.

overfilled or compacted or concentrated

From this reading The Tavern "office" was crowded and hazy with acrid blue smoke.

an actor's line that immediately precedes and serves as a reminder for some action or speech

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.

in a manner differing from the usual or expected

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.

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.

a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments

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.

without deviation

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.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

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.

United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)

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.

giving or marked by complete attention to

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.

constituting the full quantity or extent; complete

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.

something that provides access (to get in or get out)

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.

divisible by two

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.

opinion or judgment

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.

having an (over)abundance of flesh

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.

preferred above all others and treated with partiality

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.

past form of “flicker” — move back and forth very rapidly

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.

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

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.

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.

at or to or toward the front

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.

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.

the side that is forward or prominent

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.

in a furtive manner

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.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

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.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

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.

decoration that is hung (as a tapestry) on a wall or over a window

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.

filled or abounding with fog or mist

From this reading The Tavern "office" was crowded and hazy with acrid blue smoke.

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.

plural of “head” — the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

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.

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.

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.

without moderation; in an immoderate manner

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.

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.

in place of, or as an alternative to

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.

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.

determine the result of (a competition)

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.

hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella

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.

a circular rounded projection or protuberance

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.

past form of “laugh” — produce laughter

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.

showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness

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.

departing or being caused to depart from the true vertical or horizontal

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.

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 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.

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.

in an indulgently luxurious manner

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.

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

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.

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.

plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

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.

the force of workers available

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.

a particular point in time

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.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

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.

happening every night

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.

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.

an announcement containing information about an event

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.

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.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading The Tavern "office" was crowded and hazy with acrid blue smoke.

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

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.

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.

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.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

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.

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.

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.

past form of “perch” — sit, as on a branch

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.

repeated heavy blows

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.

without strain or anxiety

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.

not move; be in a resting position

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.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

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.

an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line

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.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

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.

cut with a saw

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.

a gradual sinking to a lower level

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.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

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.

move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut

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.

a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas

From this reading The Tavern "office" was crowded and hazy with acrid blue smoke.

not in physical motion

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.

Maintained an upright posture.

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.

a kitchen appliance used for cooking food

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.

anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

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.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

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.

a building with a bar that is licensed to sell alcoholic drinks

From this reading The Tavern "office" was crowded and hazy with acrid blue smoke.

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.

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.

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.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

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.

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.

an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The Tavern "office" was crowded and hazy with acrid blue smoke.

the words that are spoken

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.

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.

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

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.