Chapter I

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

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

the quality of having a superior or more favorable position

From this reading Taking advantage of the impetus that had unseated him, he flung his legs over the door and alighted on the well-kept gravel.

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

From this reading Taking advantage of the impetus that had unseated him, he flung his legs over the door and alighted on the well-kept gravel.

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

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

declared publicly; made widely known

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

move towards

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

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

From this reading “This car may be sort of cranky when it comes to _going_, Mac,” he said, “but she sure can _stop_!”

earlier than; in front of

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

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

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading “This car may be sort of cranky when it comes to _going_, Mac,” he said, “but she sure can _stop_!”

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

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading “This car may be sort of cranky when it comes to _going_, Mac,” he said, “but she sure can _stop_!”

a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine

From this reading “This car may be sort of cranky when it comes to _going_, Mac,” he said, “but she sure can _stop_!”

past form of “chuckle” — laugh quietly or with restraint

From this reading “Well, she got you here,” chuckled Harley McLeod.

-ing form of “circle” — travel around something

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

(physics) a brief event in which two or more bodies come together

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

plural of “come” — the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract

From this reading “This car may be sort of cranky when it comes to _going_, Mac,” he said, “but she sure can _stop_!”

(used of boats) inclined to heel over easily under sail

From this reading “This car may be sort of cranky when it comes to _going_, Mac,” he said, “but she sure can _stop_!”

causing an emotional disturbance

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

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

From this reading Taking advantage of the impetus that had unseated him, he flung his legs over the door and alighted on the well-kept gravel.

operate or control a vehicle

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

having escaped, especially from confinement

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

inflected form of “fling” — throw with force or recklessness

From this reading Taking advantage of the impetus that had unseated him, he flung his legs over the door and alighted on the well-kept gravel.

tastelessly showy

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading “Give the kid a hand with the suit-cases, Jimmy.

the act of departing

From this reading “This car may be sort of cranky when it comes to _going_, Mac,” he said, “but she sure can _stop_!”

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading “Well, she got you here,” chuckled Harley McLeod.

rock fragments and pebbles

From this reading Taking advantage of the impetus that had unseated him, he flung his legs over the door and alighted on the well-kept gravel.

an utterance expressing pain or disapproval

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

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

From this reading Taking advantage of the impetus that had unseated him, he flung his legs over the door and alighted on the well-kept gravel.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading “Give the kid a hand with the suit-cases, Jimmy.

maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings)

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

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

From this reading “Well, she got you here,” chuckled Harley McLeod.

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

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

in direct opposition; directly

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading “Well, she got you here,” chuckled Harley McLeod.

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

From this reading Taking advantage of the impetus that had unseated him, he flung his legs over the door and alighted on the well-kept gravel.

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

From this reading Taking advantage of the impetus that had unseated him, he flung his legs over the door and alighted on the well-kept gravel.

a noisemaker (as at parties or games) that makes a loud noise when you blow through it

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

a force that moves something along

From this reading Taking advantage of the impetus that had unseated him, he flung his legs over the door and alighted on the well-kept gravel.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading “This car may be sort of cranky when it comes to _going_, Mac,” he said, “but she sure can _stop_!”

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

to move or force, especially in an effort to get something open

From this reading “Give the kid a hand with the suit-cases, Jimmy.

tell false information to for fun

From this reading “Give the kid a hand with the suit-cases, Jimmy.

diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

staying power

From this reading Taking advantage of the impetus that had unseated him, he flung his legs over the door and alighted on the well-kept gravel.

a waterproof raincoat made of rubberized fabric

From this reading “This car may be sort of cranky when it comes to _going_, Mac,” he said, “but she sure can _stop_!”

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading “This car may be sort of cranky when it comes to _going_, Mac,” he said, “but she sure can _stop_!”

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

From this reading “Well, she got you here,” chuckled Harley McLeod.

in a narrow manner; not allowing for exceptions

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

someone who lives at a particular place for a prolonged period or who was born there

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Taking advantage of the impetus that had unseated him, he flung his legs over the door and alighted on the well-kept gravel.

above and across; more than

From this reading Taking advantage of the impetus that had unseated him, he flung his legs over the door and alighted on the well-kept gravel.

a coniferous tree

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

a porch or entrance to a building consisting of a covered and often columned area

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

located on or directed toward the right

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “This car may be sort of cranky when it comes to _going_, Mac,” he said, “but she sure can _stop_!”

a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading “This car may be sort of cranky when it comes to _going_, Mac,” he said, “but she sure can _stop_!”

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading “This car may be sort of cranky when it comes to _going_, Mac,” he said, “but she sure can _stop_!”

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

come to a halt, stop moving

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

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

From this reading “Give the kid a hand with the suit-cases, Jimmy.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading “This car may be sort of cranky when it comes to _going_, Mac,” he said, “but she sure can _stop_!”

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading Taking advantage of the impetus that had unseated him, he flung his legs over the door and alighted on the well-kept gravel.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

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

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading “This car may be sort of cranky when it comes to _going_, Mac,” he said, “but she sure can _stop_!”

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

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

past form of “unseat” — remove from political office

From this reading Taking advantage of the impetus that had unseated him, he flung his legs over the door and alighted on the well-kept gravel.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

precisely as stated

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading “Well, she got you here,” chuckled Harley McLeod.

kept in good condition

From this reading Taking advantage of the impetus that had unseated him, he flung his legs over the door and alighted on the well-kept gravel.

having a tone of a reed instrument

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

at the time that

From this reading “This car may be sort of cranky when it comes to _going_, Mac,” he said, “but she sure can _stop_!”

past form of “whirl” — turn in a twisting or spinning motion

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

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

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

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

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

in the company of; together with

From this reading A very gaudy red automobile whirled up the circling drive that led to the white-pillared portico of the big hotel at Pine Harbor, announced its approach with a wheezy groan of the horn and came to a sudden stop before the steps, a stop so disconcerting to the extreme right-hand occupant of the single seat that he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with the wind-shield.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “Well, she got you here,” chuckled Harley McLeod.