used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A letter came in; it was directed to Miss Davenal in the handwriting of Dr. Keen.
a-gate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "What's a-gate now?" exclaimed Miss Davenal, as she opened it.
(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 News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading "What's a-gate now?" exclaimed Miss Davenal, as she opened it.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading WAS SHE NEVER TO BE AT PEACE?
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading WAS SHE NEVER TO BE AT PEACE?
eat an early morning meal
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading A letter came in; it was directed to Miss Davenal in the handwriting of Dr. Keen.
confidingadjectiveUS /kənˈfaɪdɪŋ/
willing to entrust personal matters
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
Davenal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
(often used in combination) having a specified direction
From this reading A letter came in; it was directed to Miss Davenal in the handwriting of Dr. Keen.
a licensed medical practitioner
From this reading For it was not very usual for the doctor to write in the middle of a quarter.
Dr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A letter came in; it was directed to Miss Davenal in the handwriting of Dr. Keen.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy
From this reading "What's a-gate now?" exclaimed Miss Davenal, as she opened it.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For it was not very usual for the doctor to write in the middle of a quarter.
gentleman'snounUS /ˈdʒentəlmʌnz/
possessive form of “gentleman” — a man of refinement
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
handwritingnounUS /ˈhændraɪtɪŋ/
something written by hand
From this reading A letter came in; it was directed to Miss Davenal in the handwriting of Dr. Keen.
immaculateadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈmækjuːlɪt/
completely neat and clean
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A letter came in; it was directed to Miss Davenal in the handwriting of Dr. Keen.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
From this reading A letter came in; it was directed to Miss Davenal in the handwriting of Dr. Keen.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading A letter came in; it was directed to Miss Davenal in the handwriting of Dr. Keen.
an area that is approximately central within some larger region
From this reading For it was not very usual for the doctor to write in the middle of a quarter.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
Neal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
nearnessnoun
the spatial property resulting from a relatively small distance
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading WAS SHE NEVER TO BE AT PEACE?
information about recent and important events
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading For it was not very usual for the doctor to write in the middle of a quarter.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading "What's a-gate now?" exclaimed Miss Davenal, as she opened it.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading "What's a-gate now?" exclaimed Miss Davenal, as she opened it.
the state prevailing during the absence of war
From this reading WAS SHE NEVER TO BE AT PEACE?
just preceding something else in time or order
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
one of four equal parts
From this reading For it was not very usual for the doctor to write in the middle of a quarter.
researchesnounUS /riˈsɜːrtʃɪz/
plural of “research” — systematic investigation to establish facts
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
Sara
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
securitynounUS /sɪˈkjʊrəti/
the state of being free from danger or injury
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading WAS SHE NEVER TO BE AT PEACE?
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading WAS SHE NEVER TO BE AT PEACE?
not conscious; lacking awareness and the capacity for sensory perception as if asleep or dead
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
offensive or disagreeable; causing discomfort or unhappiness
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
unsuspiciousadjective
not suspicious
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading For it was not very usual for the doctor to write in the middle of a quarter.
precisely as stated
From this reading For it was not very usual for the doctor to write in the middle of a quarter.
past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
WASauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading WAS SHE NEVER TO BE AT PEACE?
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading News of an unpleasant nature was on its way to Miss Davenal and Sara; but they sat at breakfast unconscious of its nearness, waited upon by Neal the immaculate, in all confiding security, and entirely unsuspicious of that gentleman's desk researches of the previous evening.
What's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "What's a-gate now?" exclaimed Miss Davenal, as she opened it.
produce a literary work
From this reading For it was not very usual for the doctor to write in the middle of a quarter.
