Chapter XX

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

From this reading The general view was that such a deplorable accident could and should have been impossible.

an unfortunate mishap; especially one causing damage or injury

From this reading The general view was that such a deplorable accident could and should have been impossible.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

in the past

From this reading Every one remembered having long ago thought that the old-fashioned windows were unsafe, and having wondered why precautions had never been taken.

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

From this reading The general view was that such a deplorable accident could and should have been impossible.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Every one, the first horror over, canvassed the result of the unavoidable inquest, and speculated whether any one would be censured for carelessness.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Every one, the first horror over, canvassed the result of the unavoidable inquest, and speculated whether any one would be censured for carelessness.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The general view was that such a deplorable accident could and should have been impossible.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

past form of “canvass” — get the opinions (of people) by asking specific questions

From this reading Every one, the first horror over, canvassed the result of the unavoidable inquest, and speculated whether any one would be censured for carelessness.

the quality of not being careful or taking pains

From this reading Every one, the first horror over, canvassed the result of the unavoidable inquest, and speculated whether any one would be censured for carelessness.

past form of “censure” — rebuke formally

From this reading Every one, the first horror over, canvassed the result of the unavoidable inquest, and speculated whether any one would be censured for carelessness.

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

From this reading The general view was that such a deplorable accident could and should have been impossible.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading The sudden death of Louise Denny had shocked, each in her degree, every member of the staff.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading The sudden death of Louise Denny had shocked, each in her degree, every member of the staff.

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

From this reading The sudden death of Louise Denny had shocked, each in her degree, every member of the staff.

bad; unfortunate

From this reading The general view was that such a deplorable accident could and should have been impossible.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

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

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

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

From this reading The sudden death of Louise Denny had shocked, each in her degree, every member of the staff.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading The sudden death of Louise Denny had shocked, each in her degree, every member of the staff.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Every one, the first horror over, canvassed the result of the unavoidable inquest, and speculated whether any one would be censured for carelessness.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Every one, the first horror over, canvassed the result of the unavoidable inquest, and speculated whether any one would be censured for carelessness.

Not remembered; lapsed from memory.

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading The general view was that such a deplorable accident could and should have been impossible.

a person who keeps watch over something or someone

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

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

From this reading The sudden death of Louise Denny had shocked, each in her degree, every member of the staff.

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

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The general view was that such a deplorable accident could and should have been impossible.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Every one remembered having long ago thought that the old-fashioned windows were unsafe, and having wondered why precautions had never been taken.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading The sudden death of Louise Denny had shocked, each in her degree, every member of the staff.

intense and profound fear

From this reading Every one, the first horror over, canvassed the result of the unavoidable inquest, and speculated whether any one would be censured for carelessness.

stricken with horror

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

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

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

in a softened tone

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

bring into intimate and incriminating connection

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading The general view was that such a deplorable accident could and should have been impossible.

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

From this reading The sudden death of Louise Denny had shocked, each in her degree, every member of the staff.

an inquiry into the cause of an unexpected death

From this reading Every one, the first horror over, canvassed the result of the unavoidable inquest, and speculated whether any one would be censured for carelessness.

in an insistent manner

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

with respect to private feelings

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

immediately past

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Every one remembered having long ago thought that the old-fashioned windows were unsafe, and having wondered why precautions had never been taken.

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

From this reading The sudden death of Louise Denny had shocked, each in her degree, every member of the staff.

one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

From this reading The sudden death of Louise Denny had shocked, each in her degree, every member of the staff.

Recollections of past events.

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

plural of “mistress” — an adulterous woman; a woman who has an ongoing extramarital sexual relationship with a man

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

a particular point in time

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Every one remembered having long ago thought that the old-fashioned windows were unsafe, and having wondered why precautions had never been taken.

possessive form of “nobody” — a person of no influence

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The sudden death of Louise Denny had shocked, each in her degree, every member of the staff.

out of fashion

From this reading Every one remembered having long ago thought that the old-fashioned windows were unsafe, and having wondered why precautions had never been taken.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Every one remembered having long ago thought that the old-fashioned windows were unsafe, and having wondered why precautions had never been taken.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

above and across; more than

From this reading Every one, the first horror over, canvassed the result of the unavoidable inquest, and speculated whether any one would be censured for carelessness.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

through chance

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

plural of “precaution” — a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.

From this reading Every one remembered having long ago thought that the old-fashioned windows were unsafe, and having wondered why precautions had never been taken.

-ing form of “proclaim” — declare formally; declare someone to be something; of titles

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

make a promise or commitment

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

wrongfully emptied or stripped of anything of value

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

-ing form of “relieve” — provide physical relief, as from pain

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

past form of “remember” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

From this reading Every one remembered having long ago thought that the old-fashioned windows were unsafe, and having wondered why precautions had never been taken.

located far away spatially

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading Every one, the first horror over, canvassed the result of the unavoidable inquest, and speculated whether any one would be censured for carelessness.

struck with fear, dread, or consternation

From this reading The sudden death of Louise Denny had shocked, each in her degree, every member of the staff.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading The general view was that such a deplorable accident could and should have been impossible.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

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

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

past form of “speculate” — to believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds

From this reading Every one, the first horror over, canvassed the result of the unavoidable inquest, and speculated whether any one would be censured for carelessness.

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

personnel who assist their superior in carrying out an assigned task

From this reading The sudden death of Louise Denny had shocked, each in her degree, every member of the staff.

having a supporting base

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

put in the place of another; switch seemingly equivalent items

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The general view was that such a deplorable accident could and should have been impossible.

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading The sudden death of Louise Denny had shocked, each in her degree, every member of the staff.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading Every one remembered having long ago thought that the old-fashioned windows were unsafe, and having wondered why precautions had never been taken.

disclosing unintentionally something concealed

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The general view was that such a deplorable accident could and should have been impossible.

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

From this reading The sudden death of Louise Denny had shocked, each in her degree, every member of the staff.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

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

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Every one remembered having long ago thought that the old-fashioned windows were unsafe, and having wondered why precautions had never been taken.

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

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

a cold pudding made of layers of sponge cake spread with fruit or jelly; may be decorated with nuts, cream, or chocolate

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

impossible to avoid or evade

From this reading Every one, the first horror over, canvassed the result of the unavoidable inquest, and speculated whether any one would be censured for carelessness.

lacking in security or safety

From this reading Every one remembered having long ago thought that the old-fashioned windows were unsafe, and having wondered why precautions had never been taken.

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading The general view was that such a deplorable accident could and should have been impossible.

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

From this reading The general view was that such a deplorable accident could and should have been impossible.

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

From this reading Every one remembered having long ago thought that the old-fashioned windows were unsafe, and having wondered why precautions had never been taken.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading Every one, the first horror over, canvassed the result of the unavoidable inquest, and speculated whether any one would be censured for carelessness.

during the time that

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading Every one remembered having long ago thought that the old-fashioned windows were unsafe, and having wondered why precautions had never been taken.

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading Every one remembered having long ago thought that the old-fashioned windows were unsafe, and having wondered why precautions had never been taken.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.

past form of “wonder” — have a wish or desire to know something

From this reading Every one remembered having long ago thought that the old-fashioned windows were unsafe, and having wondered why precautions had never been taken.

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

From this reading Every one, the first horror over, canvassed the result of the unavoidable inquest, and speculated whether any one would be censured for carelessness.

used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father

From this reading The younger mistresses were so sure that it was nobody's business to be on duty in the dressing-room at that particular hour that they spent the rest of the hushed, horror-stricken day in telling each other so, proclaiming, a trifle too insistently, their relief that they at least had nothing, however remote, to do with the affair: while inwardly they ransacked their memories to recall if perchance some half-heard order, some forgotten promise of standing substitute or relieving guard could, at the last moment, implicate them.