used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading It apparently occurred to him that more light would clear the problem, for he drew himself up to a sitting position on the cross-piece, produced a match and scratched it across the sole of his shoe.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading The shadows were too deep for a little flame like that to penetrate them to any great distance.
from appearances alone
From this reading It apparently occurred to him that more light would clear the problem, for he drew himself up to a sitting position on the cross-piece, produced a match and scratched it across the sole of his shoe.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The soldier was evidently figuring in his mind as to what would be the next move on his part.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The soldier was evidently figuring in his mind as to what would be the next move on his part.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
chasseur
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
rid of obstructions
From this reading It apparently occurred to him that more light would clear the problem, for he drew himself up to a sitting position on the cross-piece, produced a match and scratched it across the sole of his shoe.
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
cross-piece
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It apparently occurred to him that more light would clear the problem, for he drew himself up to a sitting position on the cross-piece, produced a match and scratched it across the sole of his shoe.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading The shadows were too deep for a little flame like that to penetrate them to any great distance.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading The tiny flicker did not give much satisfaction.
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading The shadows were too deep for a little flame like that to penetrate them to any great distance.
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading It apparently occurred to him that more light would clear the problem, for he drew himself up to a sitting position on the cross-piece, produced a match and scratched it across the sole of his shoe.
droppingadjectiveUS /ˈdrɑːpɪŋ/
coming down freely under the influence of gravity
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
dungeonnounUS /ˈdʌndʒən/
the main tower within the walls of a medieval castle or fortress
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
an opposing military force
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading The soldier was evidently figuring in his mind as to what would be the next move on his part.
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
the organ of sight
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
figuringnounUS /ˈfɪɡjərɪŋ/
problem solving that involves numbers or quantities
From this reading The soldier was evidently figuring in his mind as to what would be the next move on his part.
the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
flagonnoun
a large metal or pottery vessel with a handle and spout; used to hold alcoholic beverages (usually wine)
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
A hot glowing body of ignited gas produced by fire.
From this reading The shadows were too deep for a little flame like that to penetrate them to any great distance.
flickerverbUS /ˈflɪkər/
move back and forth very rapidly
From this reading The tiny flicker did not give much satisfaction.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It apparently occurred to him that more light would clear the problem, for he drew himself up to a sitting position on the cross-piece, produced a match and scratched it across the sole of his shoe.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading The tiny flicker did not give much satisfaction.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading The shadows were too deep for a little flame like that to penetrate them to any great distance.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
hesitateverbUS /ˈhezəteɪt/
pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
not accessible to view
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading It apparently occurred to him that more light would clear the problem, for he drew himself up to a sitting position on the cross-piece, produced a match and scratched it across the sole of his shoe.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The soldier was evidently figuring in his mind as to what would be the next move on his part.
impertinentadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpɜːrtənənt/
characterized by a lightly pert and exuberant quality
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The soldier was evidently figuring in his mind as to what would be the next move on his part.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It apparently occurred to him that more light would clear the problem, for he drew himself up to a sitting position on the cross-piece, produced a match and scratched it across the sole of his shoe.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
leapingnounUS /ˈliːpɪŋ/
a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading It apparently occurred to him that more light would clear the problem, for he drew himself up to a sitting position on the cross-piece, produced a match and scratched it across the sole of his shoe.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading The shadows were too deep for a little flame like that to penetrate them to any great distance.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The shadows were too deep for a little flame like that to penetrate them to any great distance.
be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics
From this reading It apparently occurred to him that more light would clear the problem, for he drew himself up to a sitting position on the cross-piece, produced a match and scratched it across the sole of his shoe.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading The soldier was evidently figuring in his mind as to what would be the next move on his part.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading It apparently occurred to him that more light would clear the problem, for he drew himself up to a sitting position on the cross-piece, produced a match and scratched it across the sole of his shoe.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading The soldier was evidently figuring in his mind as to what would be the next move on his part.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading The tiny flicker did not give much satisfaction.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading The soldier was evidently figuring in his mind as to what would be the next move on his part.
not any; not one
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The tiny flicker did not give much satisfaction.
inflected form of “occur” — come to pass
From this reading It apparently occurred to him that more light would clear the problem, for he drew himself up to a sitting position on the cross-piece, produced a match and scratched it across the sole of his shoe.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The soldier was evidently figuring in his mind as to what would be the next move on his part.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading The soldier was evidently figuring in his mind as to what would be the next move on his part.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
penetrateverbUS /ˈpenətreɪt/
pass into or through, often by overcoming resistance
From this reading The shadows were too deep for a little flame like that to penetrate them to any great distance.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading It apparently occurred to him that more light would clear the problem, for he drew himself up to a sitting position on the cross-piece, produced a match and scratched it across the sole of his shoe.
a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved
From this reading It apparently occurred to him that more light would clear the problem, for he drew himself up to a sitting position on the cross-piece, produced a match and scratched it across the sole of his shoe.
past form of “produce” — bring forth or yield
From this reading It apparently occurred to him that more light would clear the problem, for he drew himself up to a sitting position on the cross-piece, produced a match and scratched it across the sole of his shoe.
riskingverbUS /ˈrɪskɪŋ/
-ing form of “risk” — expose to a chance of loss or damage
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
the contentment one feels when one has fulfilled a desire, need, or expectation
From this reading The tiny flicker did not give much satisfaction.
scratchedverbUS /skrætʃt/
past form of “scratch” — cause friction
From this reading It apparently occurred to him that more light would clear the problem, for he drew himself up to a sitting position on the cross-piece, produced a match and scratched it across the sole of his shoe.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries
From this reading The shadows were too deep for a little flame like that to penetrate them to any great distance.
shadowyadjectiveUS /ˈʃædoʊi/
filled with shade
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
shoenounUS /ʃuː/
footwear shaped to fit the foot (below the ankle) with a flexible upper of leather or plastic and a sole and heel of heavier material
From this reading It apparently occurred to him that more light would clear the problem, for he drew himself up to a sitting position on the cross-piece, produced a match and scratched it across the sole of his shoe.
a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading It apparently occurred to him that more light would clear the problem, for he drew himself up to a sitting position on the cross-piece, produced a match and scratched it across the sole of his shoe.
an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army
From this reading The soldier was evidently figuring in his mind as to what would be the next move on his part.
solenounUS /soʊl/
the underside of footwear or a golf club
From this reading It apparently occurred to him that more light would clear the problem, for he drew himself up to a sitting position on the cross-piece, produced a match and scratched it across the sole of his shoe.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
inflected form of “steal” — take without the owner's consent
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The soldier was evidently figuring in his mind as to what would be the next move on his part.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The shadows were too deep for a little flame like that to penetrate them to any great distance.
very small
From this reading The tiny flicker did not give much satisfaction.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The soldier was evidently figuring in his mind as to what would be the next move on his part.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading The shadows were too deep for a little flame like that to penetrate them to any great distance.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading It apparently occurred to him that more light would clear the problem, for he drew himself up to a sitting position on the cross-piece, produced a match and scratched it across the sole of his shoe.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The soldier was evidently figuring in his mind as to what would be the next move on his part.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The shadows were too deep for a little flame like that to penetrate them to any great distance.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading The soldier was evidently figuring in his mind as to what would be the next move on his part.
in or at the place that
From this reading Finding no sign of life in the place where he expected, no doubt, to lay a hand or an eye on the impertinent party that had stolen the flagon, the chasseur seemed to hesitate about dropping down into what must have appeared to him a dungeon, and risking the chance of a hidden enemy leaping upon him from some shadowy corner.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The soldier was evidently figuring in his mind as to what would be the next move on his part.
