Chapter XVIII · Chapter 18

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

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

plural of “adventure” — a wild and exciting undertaking (not necessarily lawful)

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

providing enjoyment; pleasantly entertaining

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

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

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

plural of “back” — the posterior part of a human (or animal) body from the neck to the end of the spine

From this reading There were two young gentlemen standing with their backs to the fire in the supper-room of the Garden Club.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

the two together, not just one

From this reading Both were in evening dress, and both still wore the overcoat and crush-hat in which they had come into the club.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

taking care or paying attention

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

past form of “chew” — chew (food); to bite and grind with the teeth

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

finely ground tobacco wrapped in paper; for smoking

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

a rude or vulgar fool

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together

From this reading There were two young gentlemen standing with their backs to the fire in the supper-room of the Garden Club.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Both were in evening dress, and both still wore the overcoat and crush-hat in which they had come into the club.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

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

From this reading Both were in evening dress, and both still wore the overcoat and crush-hat in which they had come into the club.

mark as different

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

providing enjoyment; pleasantly entertaining

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

put on clothes

From this reading Both were in evening dress, and both still wore the overcoat and crush-hat in which they had come into the club.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

a person who tries to please or amuse

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

inflected form of “entrap” — take or catch as if in a snare or trap

From this reading ENTRAPPED.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading Both were in evening dress, and both still wore the overcoat and crush-hat in which they had come into the club.

to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

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

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

start firing a weapon

From this reading There were two young gentlemen standing with their backs to the fire in the supper-room of the Garden Club.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

in a free manner

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading There were two young gentlemen standing with their backs to the fire in the supper-room of the Garden Club.

plural of “gentleman” — a man of refinement

From this reading There were two young gentlemen standing with their backs to the fire in the supper-room of the Garden Club.

pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

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

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

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

From this reading Both were in evening dress, and both still wore the overcoat and crush-hat in which they had come into the club.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

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

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

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

From this reading There were two young gentlemen standing with their backs to the fire in the supper-room of the Garden Club.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Both were in evening dress, and both still wore the overcoat and crush-hat in which they had come into the club.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

the sound of laughing

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

the act of hearing attentively

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

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

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

the force of workers available

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

full of or showing high-spirited merriment

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading There were two young gentlemen standing with their backs to the fire in the supper-room of the Garden Club.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

a heavy coat worn over clothes in winter

From this reading Both were in evening dress, and both still wore the overcoat and crush-hat in which they had come into the club.

inflected form of “overhear” — hear, usually without the knowledge of the speakers

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

a performance using gestures and body movements without words

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

engaged in a profession or engaging in as a profession or means of livelihood

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

of or relating to or resembling or expressed in a proverb

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

on the contrary

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

past form of “release” — release, as from one's grip

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

of superior grade

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

having the beard or hair cut off close to the skin

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

having the hair or wool cut or clipped off as if with shears or clippers

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

having a supporting base

From this reading There were two young gentlemen standing with their backs to the fire in the supper-room of the Garden Club.

not in physical motion

From this reading Both were in evening dress, and both still wore the overcoat and crush-hat in which they had come into the club.

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

From this reading There were two young gentlemen standing with their backs to the fire in the supper-room of the Garden Club.

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

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

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

From this reading There were two young gentlemen standing with their backs to the fire in the supper-room of the Garden Club.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading There were two young gentlemen standing with their backs to the fire in the supper-room of the Garden Club.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There were two young gentlemen standing with their backs to the fire in the supper-room of the Garden Club.

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

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

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

From this reading There were two young gentlemen standing with their backs to the fire in the supper-room of the Garden Club.

pick consisting of a small strip of wood or plastic; used to pick food from between the teeth

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading There were two young gentlemen standing with their backs to the fire in the supper-room of the Garden Club.

marked by dissimilarity

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

precisely as stated

From this reading They were rather good-looking young men, very carefully shaven and shorn, gray-eyed, fair-moustached; and, indeed, they were so extremely like each other that it might have been hard to distinguish between them but that one chewed a toothpick and the other a cigarette.

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

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading There were two young gentlemen standing with their backs to the fire in the supper-room of the Garden Club.

at the time that

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

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

From this reading Both were in evening dress, and both still wore the overcoat and crush-hat in which they had come into the club.

which person or people

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

in the company of; together with

From this reading There were two young gentlemen standing with their backs to the fire in the supper-room of the Garden Club.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading They could talk freely, without risk of being overheard; for the members along there at the supper-table were all listening, with much laughter, to a professional entertainer, who, unlike the proverbial clown released from the pantomime, was never so merry and amusing as when diverting a select little circle of friends with his own marvellous adventures.

inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in

From this reading Both were in evening dress, and both still wore the overcoat and crush-hat in which they had come into the club.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading There were two young gentlemen standing with their backs to the fire in the supper-room of the Garden Club.