used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading LORD PETER PROMISES A SOLUTION Sunday supper at Galvin House was a cold meal timed for eight o'clock; but allowed to remain upon the table until half-past nine for the convenience of church-goers.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading When at last she could find no excuse for remaining longer in her room, she descended the stairs slowly, conscious of a strange feeling of hesitancy about her knees.
declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of
From this reading Patricia had dawdled over her toilette, realising, however, to admit that she dreaded the ordeal before her in the dining-room.
past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading LORD PETER PROMISES A SOLUTION Sunday supper at Galvin House was a cold meal timed for eight o'clock; but allowed to remain upon the table until half-past nine for the convenience of church-goers.
the event of one object coming closer to another
From this reading Her instinct was to bolt; but the pad-pad of Gustave's approaching footsteps cutting off her retreat decided her.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading LORD PETER PROMISES A SOLUTION Sunday supper at Galvin House was a cold meal timed for eight o'clock; but allowed to remain upon the table until half-past nine for the convenience of church-goers.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Patricia had dawdled over her toilette, realising, however, to admit that she dreaded the ordeal before her in the dining-room.
boltnounUS /boʊlt/
a discharge of lightning accompanied by thunder
From this reading Her instinct was to bolt; but the pad-pad of Gustave's approaching footsteps cutting off her retreat decided her.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading LORD PETER PROMISES A SOLUTION Sunday supper at Galvin House was a cold meal timed for eight o'clock; but allowed to remain upon the table until half-past nine for the convenience of church-goers.
church-goers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading LORD PETER PROMISES A SOLUTION Sunday supper at Galvin House was a cold meal timed for eight o'clock; but allowed to remain upon the table until half-past nine for the convenience of church-goers.
having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading LORD PETER PROMISES A SOLUTION Sunday supper at Galvin House was a cold meal timed for eight o'clock; but allowed to remain upon the table until half-past nine for the convenience of church-goers.
intentionally conceived
From this reading When at last she could find no excuse for remaining longer in her room, she descended the stairs slowly, conscious of a strange feeling of hesitancy about her knees.
conveniencenounUS /kənˈviːnjəns/
the state of being suitable or opportune
From this reading LORD PETER PROMISES A SOLUTION Sunday supper at Galvin House was a cold meal timed for eight o'clock; but allowed to remain upon the table until half-past nine for the convenience of church-goers.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading When at last she could find no excuse for remaining longer in her room, she descended the stairs slowly, conscious of a strange feeling of hesitancy about her knees.
the activity of selecting the scenes to be shown and putting them together to create a film
From this reading Her instinct was to bolt; but the pad-pad of Gustave's approaching footsteps cutting off her retreat decided her.
dawdled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Patricia had dawdled over her toilette, realising, however, to admit that she dreaded the ordeal before her in the dining-room.
recognizable; marked
From this reading Her instinct was to bolt; but the pad-pad of Gustave's approaching footsteps cutting off her retreat decided her.
past form of “descend” — move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way
From this reading When at last she could find no excuse for remaining longer in her room, she descended the stairs slowly, conscious of a strange feeling of hesitancy about her knees.
dining-roomnoun
a room used for dining
From this reading Patricia had dawdled over her toilette, realising, however, to admit that she dreaded the ordeal before her in the dining-room.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading Outside the dining-room door she paused.
dreadedadjectiveUS /ˈdredɪd/
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading Patricia had dawdled over her toilette, realising, however, to admit that she dreaded the ordeal before her in the dining-room.
being one more than seven
From this reading LORD PETER PROMISES A SOLUTION Sunday supper at Galvin House was a cold meal timed for eight o'clock; but allowed to remain upon the table until half-past nine for the convenience of church-goers.
accept an excuse for
From this reading When at last she could find no excuse for remaining longer in her room, she descended the stairs slowly, conscious of a strange feeling of hesitancy about her knees.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading When at last she could find no excuse for remaining longer in her room, she descended the stairs slowly, conscious of a strange feeling of hesitancy about her knees.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading When at last she could find no excuse for remaining longer in her room, she descended the stairs slowly, conscious of a strange feeling of hesitancy about her knees.
plural of “footstep” — the sound of a step of someone walking
From this reading Her instinct was to bolt; but the pad-pad of Gustave's approaching footsteps cutting off her retreat decided her.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading LORD PETER PROMISES A SOLUTION Sunday supper at Galvin House was a cold meal timed for eight o'clock; but allowed to remain upon the table until half-past nine for the convenience of church-goers.
Galvin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading LORD PETER PROMISES A SOLUTION Sunday supper at Galvin House was a cold meal timed for eight o'clock; but allowed to remain upon the table until half-past nine for the convenience of church-goers.
Gustave's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her instinct was to bolt; but the pad-pad of Gustave's approaching footsteps cutting off her retreat decided her.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Patricia had dawdled over her toilette, realising, however, to admit that she dreaded the ordeal before her in the dining-room.
half-past
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading LORD PETER PROMISES A SOLUTION Sunday supper at Galvin House was a cold meal timed for eight o'clock; but allowed to remain upon the table until half-past nine for the convenience of church-goers.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Patricia had dawdled over her toilette, realising, however, to admit that she dreaded the ordeal before her in the dining-room.
hesitancynounUS /ˈhezɪtənsi/
a feeling of diffidence and indecision about doing something
From this reading When at last she could find no excuse for remaining longer in her room, she descended the stairs slowly, conscious of a strange feeling of hesitancy about her knees.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading LORD PETER PROMISES A SOLUTION Sunday supper at Galvin House was a cold meal timed for eight o'clock; but allowed to remain upon the table until half-past nine for the convenience of church-goers.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading Patricia had dawdled over her toilette, realising, however, to admit that she dreaded the ordeal before her in the dining-room.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Patricia had dawdled over her toilette, realising, however, to admit that she dreaded the ordeal before her in the dining-room.
inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli
From this reading Her instinct was to bolt; but the pad-pad of Gustave's approaching footsteps cutting off her retreat decided her.
plural of “knee” — hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella
From this reading When at last she could find no excuse for remaining longer in her room, she descended the stairs slowly, conscious of a strange feeling of hesitancy about her knees.
immediately past
From this reading When at last she could find no excuse for remaining longer in her room, she descended the stairs slowly, conscious of a strange feeling of hesitancy about her knees.
for more time
From this reading When at last she could find no excuse for remaining longer in her room, she descended the stairs slowly, conscious of a strange feeling of hesitancy about her knees.
terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God
From this reading LORD PETER PROMISES A SOLUTION Sunday supper at Galvin House was a cold meal timed for eight o'clock; but allowed to remain upon the table until half-past nine for the convenience of church-goers.
the food served and eaten at one time
From this reading LORD PETER PROMISES A SOLUTION Sunday supper at Galvin House was a cold meal timed for eight o'clock; but allowed to remain upon the table until half-past nine for the convenience of church-goers.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
From this reading LORD PETER PROMISES A SOLUTION Sunday supper at Galvin House was a cold meal timed for eight o'clock; but allowed to remain upon the table until half-past nine for the convenience of church-goers.
not any; not one
From this reading When at last she could find no excuse for remaining longer in her room, she descended the stairs slowly, conscious of a strange feeling of hesitancy about her knees.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading LORD PETER PROMISES A SOLUTION Sunday supper at Galvin House was a cold meal timed for eight o'clock; but allowed to remain upon the table until half-past nine for the convenience of church-goers.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading LORD PETER PROMISES A SOLUTION Sunday supper at Galvin House was a cold meal timed for eight o'clock; but allowed to remain upon the table until half-past nine for the convenience of church-goers.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Her instinct was to bolt; but the pad-pad of Gustave's approaching footsteps cutting off her retreat decided her.
ordealnounUS /ɔːrˈdiːl/
a severe or trying experience
From this reading Patricia had dawdled over her toilette, realising, however, to admit that she dreaded the ordeal before her in the dining-room.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading Outside the dining-room door she paused.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Patricia had dawdled over her toilette, realising, however, to admit that she dreaded the ordeal before her in the dining-room.
pad-pad
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her instinct was to bolt; but the pad-pad of Gustave's approaching footsteps cutting off her retreat decided her.
Patricia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Patricia had dawdled over her toilette, realising, however, to admit that she dreaded the ordeal before her in the dining-room.
past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
From this reading Outside the dining-room door she paused.
disciple of Jesus and leader of the Apostles; regarded by Catholics as the vicar of Christ on earth and first Pope
From this reading LORD PETER PROMISES A SOLUTION Sunday supper at Galvin House was a cold meal timed for eight o'clock; but allowed to remain upon the table until half-past nine for the convenience of church-goers.
PROMISESnounUS /ˈprɑːməsəz/
plural of “promise” — a verbal commitment by one person to another agreeing to do (or not to do) something in the future
From this reading LORD PETER PROMISES A SOLUTION Sunday supper at Galvin House was a cold meal timed for eight o'clock; but allowed to remain upon the table until half-past nine for the convenience of church-goers.
realising
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Patricia had dawdled over her toilette, realising, however, to admit that she dreaded the ordeal before her in the dining-room.
stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading LORD PETER PROMISES A SOLUTION Sunday supper at Galvin House was a cold meal timed for eight o'clock; but allowed to remain upon the table until half-past nine for the convenience of church-goers.
not used up
From this reading When at last she could find no excuse for remaining longer in her room, she descended the stairs slowly, conscious of a strange feeling of hesitancy about her knees.
(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat
From this reading Her instinct was to bolt; but the pad-pad of Gustave's approaching footsteps cutting off her retreat decided her.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading When at last she could find no excuse for remaining longer in her room, she descended the stairs slowly, conscious of a strange feeling of hesitancy about her knees.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Patricia had dawdled over her toilette, realising, however, to admit that she dreaded the ordeal before her in the dining-room.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading When at last she could find no excuse for remaining longer in her room, she descended the stairs slowly, conscious of a strange feeling of hesitancy about her knees.
SOLUTIONnounUS /səˈluːʃən/
a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances; frequently (but not necessarily) a liquid solution
From this reading LORD PETER PROMISES A SOLUTION Sunday supper at Galvin House was a cold meal timed for eight o'clock; but allowed to remain upon the table until half-past nine for the convenience of church-goers.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading When at last she could find no excuse for remaining longer in her room, she descended the stairs slowly, conscious of a strange feeling of hesitancy about her knees.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading When at last she could find no excuse for remaining longer in her room, she descended the stairs slowly, conscious of a strange feeling of hesitancy about her knees.
first day of the week; observed as a day of rest and worship by most Christians
From this reading LORD PETER PROMISES A SOLUTION Sunday supper at Galvin House was a cold meal timed for eight o'clock; but allowed to remain upon the table until half-past nine for the convenience of church-goers.
a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime
From this reading LORD PETER PROMISES A SOLUTION Sunday supper at Galvin House was a cold meal timed for eight o'clock; but allowed to remain upon the table until half-past nine for the convenience of church-goers.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading LORD PETER PROMISES A SOLUTION Sunday supper at Galvin House was a cold meal timed for eight o'clock; but allowed to remain upon the table until half-past nine for the convenience of church-goers.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Patricia had dawdled over her toilette, realising, however, to admit that she dreaded the ordeal before her in the dining-room.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading LORD PETER PROMISES A SOLUTION Sunday supper at Galvin House was a cold meal timed for eight o'clock; but allowed to remain upon the table until half-past nine for the convenience of church-goers.
timedadjectiveUS /taɪmd/
regularly spaced in time
From this reading LORD PETER PROMISES A SOLUTION Sunday supper at Galvin House was a cold meal timed for eight o'clock; but allowed to remain upon the table until half-past nine for the convenience of church-goers.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading LORD PETER PROMISES A SOLUTION Sunday supper at Galvin House was a cold meal timed for eight o'clock; but allowed to remain upon the table until half-past nine for the convenience of church-goers.
toilettenoun
the act of dressing and preparing yourself
From this reading Patricia had dawdled over her toilette, realising, however, to admit that she dreaded the ordeal before her in the dining-room.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading LORD PETER PROMISES A SOLUTION Sunday supper at Galvin House was a cold meal timed for eight o'clock; but allowed to remain upon the table until half-past nine for the convenience of church-goers.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading LORD PETER PROMISES A SOLUTION Sunday supper at Galvin House was a cold meal timed for eight o'clock; but allowed to remain upon the table until half-past nine for the convenience of church-goers.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading LORD PETER PROMISES A SOLUTION Sunday supper at Galvin House was a cold meal timed for eight o'clock; but allowed to remain upon the table until half-past nine for the convenience of church-goers.
at the time that
From this reading When at last she could find no excuse for remaining longer in her room, she descended the stairs slowly, conscious of a strange feeling of hesitancy about her knees.
