Chapter XXXI

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading "WILL YOU WALK INTO MY PARLOR?": A CRIMINAL PERFORMANCE Once more a hand had touched the spring.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading Meanwhile the man at the door, happily unaware of the preparations for receiving him above, came lounging inside with his hands in his pockets; and Mrs. Pascoe, whose greeting had shown some slight surprise at his appearance, laughed aloud.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading Mr. Gumama signed to the fruit-peddler and a brace of laborers that they provide themselves with lengths of rope and the three withdrew to a position across the stairhead from the man with the knife, where they, too, waited in the shadow of the walls.

using the voice; not silently

From this reading Meanwhile the man at the door, happily unaware of the preparations for receiving him above, came lounging inside with his hands in his pockets; and Mrs. Pascoe, whose greeting had shown some slight surprise at his appearance, laughed aloud.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Mr. Gumama signed to the fruit-peddler and a brace of laborers that they provide themselves with lengths of rope and the three withdrew to a position across the stairhead from the man with the knife, where they, too, waited in the shadow of the walls.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading Meanwhile the man at the door, happily unaware of the preparations for receiving him above, came lounging inside with his hands in his pockets; and Mrs. Pascoe, whose greeting had shown some slight surprise at his appearance, laughed aloud.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Confiding in the sharpshooters at the window Mr. Gumama had the sailors called upstairs.

prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult

From this reading Mr. Gumama signed to the fruit-peddler and a brace of laborers that they provide themselves with lengths of rope and the three withdrew to a position across the stairhead from the man with the knife, where they, too, waited in the shadow of the walls.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Confiding in the sharpshooters at the window Mr. Gumama had the sailors called upstairs.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Meanwhile the man at the door, happily unaware of the preparations for receiving him above, came lounging inside with his hands in his pockets; and Mrs. Pascoe, whose greeting had shown some slight surprise at his appearance, laughed aloud.

willing to entrust personal matters

From this reading Confiding in the sharpshooters at the window Mr. Gumama had the sailors called upstairs.

bringing or deserving severe rebuke or censure

From this reading "WILL YOU WALK INTO MY PARLOR?": A CRIMINAL PERFORMANCE Once more a hand had touched the spring.

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

From this reading Meanwhile the man at the door, happily unaware of the preparations for receiving him above, came lounging inside with his hands in his pockets; and Mrs. Pascoe, whose greeting had shown some slight surprise at his appearance, laughed aloud.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Meanwhile the man at the door, happily unaware of the preparations for receiving him above, came lounging inside with his hands in his pockets; and Mrs. Pascoe, whose greeting had shown some slight surprise at his appearance, laughed aloud.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Mr. Gumama signed to the fruit-peddler and a brace of laborers that they provide themselves with lengths of rope and the three withdrew to a position across the stairhead from the man with the knife, where they, too, waited in the shadow of the walls.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Mr. Gumama signed to the fruit-peddler and a brace of laborers that they provide themselves with lengths of rope and the three withdrew to a position across the stairhead from the man with the knife, where they, too, waited in the shadow of the walls.

(usually plural) an acknowledgment or expression of good will (especially on meeting)

From this reading Meanwhile the man at the door, happily unaware of the preparations for receiving him above, came lounging inside with his hands in his pockets; and Mrs. Pascoe, whose greeting had shown some slight surprise at his appearance, laughed aloud.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Mr. Gumama signed to the fruit-peddler and a brace of laborers that they provide themselves with lengths of rope and the three withdrew to a position across the stairhead from the man with the knife, where they, too, waited in the shadow of the walls.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading "WILL YOU WALK INTO MY PARLOR?": A CRIMINAL PERFORMANCE Once more a hand had touched the spring.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading "WILL YOU WALK INTO MY PARLOR?": A CRIMINAL PERFORMANCE Once more a hand had touched the spring.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading Meanwhile the man at the door, happily unaware of the preparations for receiving him above, came lounging inside with his hands in his pockets; and Mrs. Pascoe, whose greeting had shown some slight surprise at his appearance, laughed aloud.

in a joyous manner

From this reading Meanwhile the man at the door, happily unaware of the preparations for receiving him above, came lounging inside with his hands in his pockets; and Mrs. Pascoe, whose greeting had shown some slight surprise at his appearance, laughed aloud.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Meanwhile the man at the door, happily unaware of the preparations for receiving him above, came lounging inside with his hands in his pockets; and Mrs. Pascoe, whose greeting had shown some slight surprise at his appearance, laughed aloud.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Meanwhile the man at the door, happily unaware of the preparations for receiving him above, came lounging inside with his hands in his pockets; and Mrs. Pascoe, whose greeting had shown some slight surprise at his appearance, laughed aloud.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Mr. Gumama signed to the fruit-peddler and a brace of laborers that they provide themselves with lengths of rope and the three withdrew to a position across the stairhead from the man with the knife, where they, too, waited in the shadow of the walls.

relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space

From this reading Meanwhile the man at the door, happily unaware of the preparations for receiving him above, came lounging inside with his hands in his pockets; and Mrs. Pascoe, whose greeting had shown some slight surprise at his appearance, laughed aloud.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading "WILL YOU WALK INTO MY PARLOR?": A CRIMINAL PERFORMANCE Once more a hand had touched the spring.

edge tool used as a cutting instrument; has a pointed blade with a sharp edge and a handle

From this reading Mr. Gumama signed to the fruit-peddler and a brace of laborers that they provide themselves with lengths of rope and the three withdrew to a position across the stairhead from the man with the knife, where they, too, waited in the shadow of the walls.

plural of “laborer” — someone who works with their hands; someone engaged in manual labor

From this reading Mr. Gumama signed to the fruit-peddler and a brace of laborers that they provide themselves with lengths of rope and the three withdrew to a position across the stairhead from the man with the knife, where they, too, waited in the shadow of the walls.

past form of “laugh” — produce laughter

From this reading Meanwhile the man at the door, happily unaware of the preparations for receiving him above, came lounging inside with his hands in his pockets; and Mrs. Pascoe, whose greeting had shown some slight surprise at his appearance, laughed aloud.

plural of “length” — the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place

From this reading Mr. Gumama signed to the fruit-peddler and a brace of laborers that they provide themselves with lengths of rope and the three withdrew to a position across the stairhead from the man with the knife, where they, too, waited in the shadow of the walls.

-ing form of “lounge” — sit or recline comfortably

From this reading Meanwhile the man at the door, happily unaware of the preparations for receiving him above, came lounging inside with his hands in his pockets; and Mrs. Pascoe, whose greeting had shown some slight surprise at his appearance, laughed aloud.

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

From this reading Mr. Gumama signed to the fruit-peddler and a brace of laborers that they provide themselves with lengths of rope and the three withdrew to a position across the stairhead from the man with the knife, where they, too, waited in the shadow of the walls.

at the same time but in another place

From this reading Meanwhile the man at the door, happily unaware of the preparations for receiving him above, came lounging inside with his hands in his pockets; and Mrs. Pascoe, whose greeting had shown some slight surprise at his appearance, laughed aloud.

a formally arranged gathering

From this reading Once more the meeting vibrated to a universal shock.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading "WILL YOU WALK INTO MY PARLOR?": A CRIMINAL PERFORMANCE Once more a hand had touched the spring.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Mr. Gumama signed to the fruit-peddler and a brace of laborers that they provide themselves with lengths of rope and the three withdrew to a position across the stairhead from the man with the knife, where they, too, waited in the shadow of the walls.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Meanwhile the man at the door, happily unaware of the preparations for receiving him above, came lounging inside with his hands in his pockets; and Mrs. Pascoe, whose greeting had shown some slight surprise at his appearance, laughed aloud.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "WILL YOU WALK INTO MY PARLOR?": A CRIMINAL PERFORMANCE Once more a hand had touched the spring.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Mr. Gumama signed to the fruit-peddler and a brace of laborers that they provide themselves with lengths of rope and the three withdrew to a position across the stairhead from the man with the knife, where they, too, waited in the shadow of the walls.

on one occasion

From this reading "WILL YOU WALK INTO MY PARLOR?": A CRIMINAL PERFORMANCE Once more a hand had touched the spring.

reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received

From this reading "WILL YOU WALK INTO MY PARLOR?": A CRIMINAL PERFORMANCE Once more a hand had touched the spring.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Meanwhile the man at the door, happily unaware of the preparations for receiving him above, came lounging inside with his hands in his pockets; and Mrs. Pascoe, whose greeting had shown some slight surprise at his appearance, laughed aloud.

a dramatic or musical entertainment

From this reading "WILL YOU WALK INTO MY PARLOR?": A CRIMINAL PERFORMANCE Once more a hand had touched the spring.

plural of “pocket” — a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles

From this reading Meanwhile the man at the door, happily unaware of the preparations for receiving him above, came lounging inside with his hands in his pockets; and Mrs. Pascoe, whose greeting had shown some slight surprise at his appearance, laughed aloud.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading Mr. Gumama signed to the fruit-peddler and a brace of laborers that they provide themselves with lengths of rope and the three withdrew to a position across the stairhead from the man with the knife, where they, too, waited in the shadow of the walls.

plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading Meanwhile the man at the door, happily unaware of the preparations for receiving him above, came lounging inside with his hands in his pockets; and Mrs. Pascoe, whose greeting had shown some slight surprise at his appearance, laughed aloud.

give something useful or necessary to

From this reading Mr. Gumama signed to the fruit-peddler and a brace of laborers that they provide themselves with lengths of rope and the three withdrew to a position across the stairhead from the man with the knife, where they, too, waited in the shadow of the walls.

-ing form of “receive” — get something; come into possession of

From this reading Meanwhile the man at the door, happily unaware of the preparations for receiving him above, came lounging inside with his hands in his pockets; and Mrs. Pascoe, whose greeting had shown some slight surprise at his appearance, laughed aloud.

a strong line

From this reading Mr. Gumama signed to the fruit-peddler and a brace of laborers that they provide themselves with lengths of rope and the three withdrew to a position across the stairhead from the man with the knife, where they, too, waited in the shadow of the walls.

plural of “sailor” — any member of a ship's crew

From this reading Confiding in the sharpshooters at the window Mr. Gumama had the sailors called upstairs.

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading Mr. Gumama signed to the fruit-peddler and a brace of laborers that they provide themselves with lengths of rope and the three withdrew to a position across the stairhead from the man with the knife, where they, too, waited in the shadow of the walls.

plural of “sharpshooter” — an athlete noted for accurate aim

From this reading Confiding in the sharpshooters at the window Mr. Gumama had the sailors called upstairs.

the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally

From this reading Once more the meeting vibrated to a universal shock.

inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Meanwhile the man at the door, happily unaware of the preparations for receiving him above, came lounging inside with his hands in his pockets; and Mrs. Pascoe, whose greeting had shown some slight surprise at his appearance, laughed aloud.

having a handwritten signature

From this reading Mr. Gumama signed to the fruit-peddler and a brace of laborers that they provide themselves with lengths of rope and the three withdrew to a position across the stairhead from the man with the knife, where they, too, waited in the shadow of the walls.

a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

From this reading Meanwhile the man at the door, happily unaware of the preparations for receiving him above, came lounging inside with his hands in his pockets; and Mrs. Pascoe, whose greeting had shown some slight surprise at his appearance, laughed aloud.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Meanwhile the man at the door, happily unaware of the preparations for receiving him above, came lounging inside with his hands in his pockets; and Mrs. Pascoe, whose greeting had shown some slight surprise at his appearance, laughed aloud.

the season of growth

From this reading "WILL YOU WALK INTO MY PARLOR?": A CRIMINAL PERFORMANCE Once more a hand had touched the spring.

platform at the top of a staircase

From this reading Mr. Gumama signed to the fruit-peddler and a brace of laborers that they provide themselves with lengths of rope and the three withdrew to a position across the stairhead from the man with the knife, where they, too, waited in the shadow of the walls.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading Meanwhile the man at the door, happily unaware of the preparations for receiving him above, came lounging inside with his hands in his pockets; and Mrs. Pascoe, whose greeting had shown some slight surprise at his appearance, laughed aloud.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Mr. Gumama signed to the fruit-peddler and a brace of laborers that they provide themselves with lengths of rope and the three withdrew to a position across the stairhead from the man with the knife, where they, too, waited in the shadow of the walls.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading "WILL YOU WALK INTO MY PARLOR?": A CRIMINAL PERFORMANCE Once more a hand had touched the spring.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Mr. Gumama signed to the fruit-peddler and a brace of laborers that they provide themselves with lengths of rope and the three withdrew to a position across the stairhead from the man with the knife, where they, too, waited in the shadow of the walls.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Mr. Gumama signed to the fruit-peddler and a brace of laborers that they provide themselves with lengths of rope and the three withdrew to a position across the stairhead from the man with the knife, where they, too, waited in the shadow of the walls.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Mr. Gumama signed to the fruit-peddler and a brace of laborers that they provide themselves with lengths of rope and the three withdrew to a position across the stairhead from the man with the knife, where they, too, waited in the shadow of the walls.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Once more the meeting vibrated to a universal shock.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Mr. Gumama signed to the fruit-peddler and a brace of laborers that they provide themselves with lengths of rope and the three withdrew to a position across the stairhead from the man with the knife, where they, too, waited in the shadow of the walls.

having come into contact

From this reading "WILL YOU WALK INTO MY PARLOR?": A CRIMINAL PERFORMANCE Once more a hand had touched the spring.

(often followed by “of”) not aware

From this reading Meanwhile the man at the door, happily unaware of the preparations for receiving him above, came lounging inside with his hands in his pockets; and Mrs. Pascoe, whose greeting had shown some slight surprise at his appearance, laughed aloud.

of worldwide scope or applicability

From this reading Once more the meeting vibrated to a universal shock.

on a floor above

From this reading Confiding in the sharpshooters at the window Mr. Gumama had the sailors called upstairs.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Once more the meeting vibrated to a universal shock.

past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading Mr. Gumama signed to the fruit-peddler and a brace of laborers that they provide themselves with lengths of rope and the three withdrew to a position across the stairhead from the man with the knife, where they, too, waited in the shadow of the walls.

the act of traveling by foot

From this reading "WILL YOU WALK INTO MY PARLOR?": A CRIMINAL PERFORMANCE Once more a hand had touched the spring.

plural of “wall” — 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 Mr. Gumama signed to the fruit-peddler and a brace of laborers that they provide themselves with lengths of rope and the three withdrew to a position across the stairhead from the man with the knife, where they, too, waited in the shadow of the walls.

in or at the place that

From this reading Mr. Gumama signed to the fruit-peddler and a brace of laborers that they provide themselves with lengths of rope and the three withdrew to a position across the stairhead from the man with the knife, where they, too, waited in the shadow of the walls.

belonging to which person

From this reading Meanwhile the man at the door, happily unaware of the preparations for receiving him above, came lounging inside with his hands in his pockets; and Mrs. Pascoe, whose greeting had shown some slight surprise at his appearance, laughed aloud.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading "WILL YOU WALK INTO MY PARLOR?": A CRIMINAL PERFORMANCE Once more a hand had touched the spring.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading Confiding in the sharpshooters at the window Mr. Gumama had the sailors called upstairs.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Mr. Gumama signed to the fruit-peddler and a brace of laborers that they provide themselves with lengths of rope and the three withdrew to a position across the stairhead from the man with the knife, where they, too, waited in the shadow of the walls.

inflected form of “withdraw” — pull back or move away or backward

From this reading Mr. Gumama signed to the fruit-peddler and a brace of laborers that they provide themselves with lengths of rope and the three withdrew to a position across the stairhead from the man with the knife, where they, too, waited in the shadow of the walls.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "WILL YOU WALK INTO MY PARLOR?": A CRIMINAL PERFORMANCE Once more a hand had touched the spring.