Chapter IV

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

From this reading AT CUMMINGS AND WRIGHT’S Amesville was a city of some twenty-five thousand population, and on a certain Monday in late September of the year 1911 it increased its population, to our certain knowledge, by one.

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

From this reading AT CUMMINGS AND WRIGHT’S Amesville was a city of some twenty-five thousand population, and on a certain Monday in late September of the year 1911 it increased its population, to our certain knowledge, by one.

plural of “accommodation” — making or becoming suitable; adjusting to circumstances

From this reading He was not over-supplied with clothes, which, in view of the scanty accommodations provided for such things, was fortunate; but it nevertheless took him quite a while to arrange the contents of the big valise to his satisfaction.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

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

From this reading AT CUMMINGS AND WRIGHT’S Amesville was a city of some twenty-five thousand population, and on a certain Monday in late September of the year 1911 it increased its population, to our certain knowledge, by one.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading He spent the better part of an hour in unpacking and distributing his possessions.

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

From this reading AT CUMMINGS AND WRIGHT’S Amesville was a city of some twenty-five thousand population, and on a certain Monday in late September of the year 1911 it increased its population, to our certain knowledge, by one.

put into a proper or systematic order

From this reading He was not over-supplied with clothes, which, in view of the scanty accommodations provided for such things, was fortunate; but it nevertheless took him quite a while to arrange the contents of the big valise to his satisfaction.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading AT CUMMINGS AND WRIGHT’S Amesville was a city of some twenty-five thousand population, and on a certain Monday in late September of the year 1911 it increased its population, to our certain knowledge, by one.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading He spent the better part of an hour in unpacking and distributing his possessions.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading He was not over-supplied with clothes, which, in view of the scanty accommodations provided for such things, was fortunate; but it nevertheless took him quite a while to arrange the contents of the big valise to his satisfaction.

the act of breaking something

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

curving or bulging outward

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

bearing a heavy burden of work or difficulties or responsibilities

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

an administrative unit of government

From this reading There was a small table in one corner of the room and a bureau near the window.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He was not over-supplied with clothes, which, in view of the scanty accommodations provided for such things, was fortunate; but it nevertheless took him quite a while to arrange the contents of the big valise to his satisfaction.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading AT CUMMINGS AND WRIGHT’S Amesville was a city of some twenty-five thousand population, and on a certain Monday in late September of the year 1911 it increased its population, to our certain knowledge, by one.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading AT CUMMINGS AND WRIGHT’S Amesville was a city of some twenty-five thousand population, and on a certain Monday in late September of the year 1911 it increased its population, to our certain knowledge, by one.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading AT CUMMINGS AND WRIGHT’S Amesville was a city of some twenty-five thousand population, and on a certain Monday in late September of the year 1911 it increased its population, to our certain knowledge, by one.

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

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

clothing in general

From this reading He was not over-supplied with clothes, which, in view of the scanty accommodations provided for such things, was fortunate; but it nevertheless took him quite a while to arrange the contents of the big valise to his satisfaction.

(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something

From this reading He was not over-supplied with clothes, which, in view of the scanty accommodations provided for such things, was fortunate; but it nevertheless took him quite a while to arrange the contents of the big valise to his satisfaction.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading There was a small table in one corner of the room and a bureau near the window.

United States writer noted for his typographically eccentric poetry (1894-1962)

From this reading AT CUMMINGS AND WRIGHT’S Amesville was a city of some twenty-five thousand population, and on a certain Monday in late September of the year 1911 it increased its population, to our certain knowledge, by one.

-ing form of “distribute” — administer or bestow, as in small portions

From this reading He spent the better part of an hour in unpacking and distributing his possessions.

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

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

confined on all sides

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He was not over-supplied with clothes, which, in view of the scanty accommodations provided for such things, was fortunate; but it nevertheless took him quite a while to arrange the contents of the big valise to his satisfaction.

having unexpected good fortune

From this reading He was not over-supplied with clothes, which, in view of the scanty accommodations provided for such things, was fortunate; but it nevertheless took him quite a while to arrange the contents of the big valise to his satisfaction.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He spent the better part of an hour in unpacking and distributing his possessions.

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

From this reading He was not over-supplied with clothes, which, in view of the scanty accommodations provided for such things, was fortunate; but it nevertheless took him quite a while to arrange the contents of the big valise to his satisfaction.

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

From this reading He spent the better part of an hour in unpacking and distributing his possessions.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading He spent the better part of an hour in unpacking and distributing his possessions.

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

From this reading AT CUMMINGS AND WRIGHT’S Amesville was a city of some twenty-five thousand population, and on a certain Monday in late September of the year 1911 it increased its population, to our certain knowledge, by one.

made greater in size or amount or degree

From this reading AT CUMMINGS AND WRIGHT’S Amesville was a city of some twenty-five thousand population, and on a certain Monday in late September of the year 1911 it increased its population, to our certain knowledge, by one.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading AT CUMMINGS AND WRIGHT’S Amesville was a city of some twenty-five thousand population, and on a certain Monday in late September of the year 1911 it increased its population, to our certain knowledge, by one.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading AT CUMMINGS AND WRIGHT’S Amesville was a city of some twenty-five thousand population, and on a certain Monday in late September of the year 1911 it increased its population, to our certain knowledge, by one.

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading AT CUMMINGS AND WRIGHT’S Amesville was a city of some twenty-five thousand population, and on a certain Monday in late September of the year 1911 it increased its population, to our certain knowledge, by one.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading AT CUMMINGS AND WRIGHT’S Amesville was a city of some twenty-five thousand population, and on a certain Monday in late September of the year 1911 it increased its population, to our certain knowledge, by one.

fasten with a lock

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

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

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

a white nutritious liquid secreted by mammals and used as food by human beings

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

the second day of the week; the first working day

From this reading AT CUMMINGS AND WRIGHT’S Amesville was a city of some twenty-five thousand population, and on a certain Monday in late September of the year 1911 it increased its population, to our certain knowledge, by one.

a form of address for a man

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading There was a small table in one corner of the room and a bureau near the window.

in spite of what has just been said

From this reading He was not over-supplied with clothes, which, in view of the scanty accommodations provided for such things, was fortunate; but it nevertheless took him quite a while to arrange the contents of the big valise to his satisfaction.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He was not over-supplied with clothes, which, in view of the scanty accommodations provided for such things, was fortunate; but it nevertheless took him quite a while to arrange the contents of the big valise to his satisfaction.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AT CUMMINGS AND WRIGHT’S Amesville was a city of some twenty-five thousand population, and on a certain Monday in late September of the year 1911 it increased its population, to our certain knowledge, by one.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading AT CUMMINGS AND WRIGHT’S Amesville was a city of some twenty-five thousand population, and on a certain Monday in late September of the year 1911 it increased its population, to our certain knowledge, by one.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading AT CUMMINGS AND WRIGHT’S Amesville was a city of some twenty-five thousand population, and on a certain Monday in late September of the year 1911 it increased its population, to our certain knowledge, by one.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading AT CUMMINGS AND WRIGHT’S Amesville was a city of some twenty-five thousand population, and on a certain Monday in late September of the year 1911 it increased its population, to our certain knowledge, by one.

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

From this reading He was not over-supplied with clothes, which, in view of the scanty accommodations provided for such things, was fortunate; but it nevertheless took him quite a while to arrange the contents of the big valise to his satisfaction.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading He spent the better part of an hour in unpacking and distributing his possessions.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

United States artist famous for painting with a drip technique; a leader of abstract expressionism in America (1912-1956)

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

the people who inhabit a territory or state

From this reading AT CUMMINGS AND WRIGHT’S Amesville was a city of some twenty-five thousand population, and on a certain Monday in late September of the year 1911 it increased its population, to our certain knowledge, by one.

plural of “possession” — the act of having and controlling property

From this reading He spent the better part of an hour in unpacking and distributing his possessions.

past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to

From this reading He was not over-supplied with clothes, which, in view of the scanty accommodations provided for such things, was fortunate; but it nevertheless took him quite a while to arrange the contents of the big valise to his satisfaction.

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

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading He was not over-supplied with clothes, which, in view of the scanty accommodations provided for such things, was fortunate; but it nevertheless took him quite a while to arrange the contents of the big valise to his satisfaction.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

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

From this reading There was a small table in one corner of the room and a bureau near the window.

the contentment one feels when one has fulfilled a desire, need, or expectation

From this reading He was not over-supplied with clothes, which, in view of the scanty accommodations provided for such things, was fortunate; but it nevertheless took him quite a while to arrange the contents of the big valise to his satisfaction.

lacking in magnitude or quantity

From this reading He was not over-supplied with clothes, which, in view of the scanty accommodations provided for such things, was fortunate; but it nevertheless took him quite a while to arrange the contents of the big valise to his satisfaction.

the month following August and preceding October

From this reading AT CUMMINGS AND WRIGHT’S Amesville was a city of some twenty-five thousand population, and on a certain Monday in late September of the year 1911 it increased its population, to our certain knowledge, by one.

plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading There was a small table in one corner of the room and a bureau near the window.

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

From this reading AT CUMMINGS AND WRIGHT’S Amesville was a city of some twenty-five thousand population, and on a certain Monday in late September of the year 1911 it increased its population, to our certain knowledge, by one.

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading He spent the better part of an hour in unpacking and distributing his possessions.

past form of “stagger” — walk as if unable to control one's movements

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

lacking natural ease

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

plural of “strap” — an elongated leather strip (or a strip of similar material) for binding things together or holding something in position

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading He was not over-supplied with clothes, which, in view of the scanty accommodations provided for such things, was fortunate; but it nevertheless took him quite a while to arrange the contents of the big valise to his satisfaction.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading There was a small table in one corner of the room and a bureau near the window.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

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

From this reading AT CUMMINGS AND WRIGHT’S Amesville was a city of some twenty-five thousand population, and on a certain Monday in late September of the year 1911 it increased its population, to our certain knowledge, by one.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was a small table in one corner of the room and a bureau near the window.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading He was not over-supplied with clothes, which, in view of the scanty accommodations provided for such things, was fortunate; but it nevertheless took him quite a while to arrange the contents of the big valise to his satisfaction.

United States clockmaker who introduced mass production (1785-1859)

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading AT CUMMINGS AND WRIGHT’S Amesville was a city of some twenty-five thousand population, and on a certain Monday in late September of the year 1911 it increased its population, to our certain knowledge, by one.

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

From this reading AT CUMMINGS AND WRIGHT’S Amesville was a city of some twenty-five thousand population, and on a certain Monday in late September of the year 1911 it increased its population, to our certain knowledge, by one.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading He was not over-supplied with clothes, which, in view of the scanty accommodations provided for such things, was fortunate; but it nevertheless took him quite a while to arrange the contents of the big valise to his satisfaction.

create by training and teaching

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

being five more than twenty

From this reading AT CUMMINGS AND WRIGHT’S Amesville was a city of some twenty-five thousand population, and on a certain Monday in late September of the year 1911 it increased its population, to our certain knowledge, by one.

-ing form of “unpack” — remove from its packing

From this reading He spent the better part of an hour in unpacking and distributing his possessions.

a small overnight bag for short trips

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading He was not over-supplied with clothes, which, in view of the scanty accommodations provided for such things, was fortunate; but it nevertheless took him quite a while to arrange the contents of the big valise to his satisfaction.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading AT CUMMINGS AND WRIGHT’S Amesville was a city of some twenty-five thousand population, and on a certain Monday in late September of the year 1911 it increased its population, to our certain knowledge, by one.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading He was not over-supplied with clothes, which, in view of the scanty accommodations provided for such things, was fortunate; but it nevertheless took him quite a while to arrange the contents of the big valise to his satisfaction.

during the time that

From this reading He was not over-supplied with clothes, which, in view of the scanty accommodations provided for such things, was fortunate; but it nevertheless took him quite a while to arrange the contents of the big valise to his satisfaction.

which person or people

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

belonging to which person

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

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 There was a small table in one corner of the room and a bureau near the window.

in the company of; together with

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading That one was Mr. Thomas Pollock, who stepped off the milk train at a quarter-past six and staggered across the dust-strewn road to Mrs. Cleary’s lodging-house, burdened with a valise whose bulging sides would certainly have strained the lock to the breaking point without the straps that encircled them.

possessive form of “wright” — United States writer of detective novels (1888-1939)

From this reading AT CUMMINGS AND WRIGHT’S Amesville was a city of some twenty-five thousand population, and on a certain Monday in late September of the year 1911 it increased its population, to our certain knowledge, by one.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading AT CUMMINGS AND WRIGHT’S Amesville was a city of some twenty-five thousand population, and on a certain Monday in late September of the year 1911 it increased its population, to our certain knowledge, by one.