Chapter IV

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

From this reading THE HOUSE OF CLAIRVILLE "High instincts, before which our mortal nature Did tremble like a guilty thing surprised."

an increase by natural growth or addition

From this reading Hideous wallpapers were peeling off the damp and cracking wall, tattered shreds showing, by the accumulation on their fly-specked yellow edges of thick dust, how long they had waved upon the close air of this uncared-for house.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading Hideous wallpapers were peeling off the damp and cracking wall, tattered shreds showing, by the accumulation on their fly-specked yellow edges of thick dust, how long they had waved upon the close air of this uncared-for house.

(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 All the woodwork was rough and horrid to the touch by reason of the millions of similar fly-specks; had nothing ever been washed here?

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

From this reading The hall through which they passed was sufficiently dark to prevent the masculine eye of Ringfield noting that long and systematic neglect marked every inch of the wall, every foot of flooring, every window, door, stair, sill and sash.

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

From this reading Nothing was clean, nothing was orderly, and as the books and papers contained in the invalid's room had overflowed into the halls, lying on the steps and propped up on chairs and in corners, the dirt and confusion was indescribable.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading All the woodwork was rough and horrid to the touch by reason of the millions of similar fly-specks; had nothing ever been washed here?

earlier than; in front of

From this reading THE HOUSE OF CLAIRVILLE "High instincts, before which our mortal nature Did tremble like a guilty thing surprised."

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading Nothing was clean, nothing was orderly, and as the books and papers contained in the invalid's room had overflowed into the halls, lying on the steps and propped up on chairs and in corners, the dirt and confusion was indescribable.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Hideous wallpapers were peeling off the damp and cracking wall, tattered shreds showing, by the accumulation on their fly-specked yellow edges of thick dust, how long they had waved upon the close air of this uncared-for house.

plural of “chair” — a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading Nothing was clean, nothing was orderly, and as the books and papers contained in the invalid's room had overflowed into the halls, lying on the steps and propped up on chairs and in corners, the dirt and confusion was indescribable.

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

From this reading THE HOUSE OF CLAIRVILLE "High instincts, before which our mortal nature Did tremble like a guilty thing surprised."

free from dirt or impurities; or having clean habits

From this reading Nothing was clean, nothing was orderly, and as the books and papers contained in the invalid's room had overflowed into the halls, lying on the steps and propped up on chairs and in corners, the dirt and confusion was indescribable.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading Hideous wallpapers were peeling off the damp and cracking wall, tattered shreds showing, by the accumulation on their fly-specked yellow edges of thick dust, how long they had waved upon the close air of this uncared-for house.

disorder resulting from a failure to behave predictably

From this reading Nothing was clean, nothing was orderly, and as the books and papers contained in the invalid's room had overflowed into the halls, lying on the steps and propped up on chairs and in corners, the dirt and confusion was indescribable.

gotten under control

From this reading Nothing was clean, nothing was orderly, and as the books and papers contained in the invalid's room had overflowed into the halls, lying on the steps and propped up on chairs and in corners, the dirt and confusion was indescribable.

plural of “corner” — a place off to the side of an area

From this reading Nothing was clean, nothing was orderly, and as the books and papers contained in the invalid's room had overflowed into the halls, lying on the steps and propped up on chairs and in corners, the dirt and confusion was indescribable.

a sudden sharp noise

From this reading Hideous wallpapers were peeling off the damp and cracking wall, tattered shreds showing, by the accumulation on their fly-specked yellow edges of thick dust, how long they had waved upon the close air of this uncared-for house.

slightly wet

From this reading Hideous wallpapers were peeling off the damp and cracking wall, tattered shreds showing, by the accumulation on their fly-specked yellow edges of thick dust, how long they had waved upon the close air of this uncared-for house.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading The hall through which they passed was sufficiently dark to prevent the masculine eye of Ringfield noting that long and systematic neglect marked every inch of the wall, every foot of flooring, every window, door, stair, sill and sash.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading THE HOUSE OF CLAIRVILLE "High instincts, before which our mortal nature Did tremble like a guilty thing surprised."

the part of the earth's surface consisting of humus and disintegrated rock

From this reading Nothing was clean, nothing was orderly, and as the books and papers contained in the invalid's room had overflowed into the halls, lying on the steps and propped up on chairs and in corners, the dirt and confusion was indescribable.

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

From this reading The hall through which they passed was sufficiently dark to prevent the masculine eye of Ringfield noting that long and systematic neglect marked every inch of the wall, every foot of flooring, every window, door, stair, sill and sash.

remove the dust from

From this reading Hideous wallpapers were peeling off the damp and cracking wall, tattered shreds showing, by the accumulation on their fly-specked yellow edges of thick dust, how long they had waved upon the close air of this uncared-for house.

plural of “edge” — the boundary of a surface

From this reading Hideous wallpapers were peeling off the damp and cracking wall, tattered shreds showing, by the accumulation on their fly-specked yellow edges of thick dust, how long they had waved upon the close air of this uncared-for house.

at any time

From this reading All the woodwork was rough and horrid to the touch by reason of the millions of similar fly-specks; had nothing ever been washed here?

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading The hall through which they passed was sufficiently dark to prevent the masculine eye of Ringfield noting that long and systematic neglect marked every inch of the wall, every foot of flooring, every window, door, stair, sill and sash.

the organ of sight

From this reading The hall through which they passed was sufficiently dark to prevent the masculine eye of Ringfield noting that long and systematic neglect marked every inch of the wall, every foot of flooring, every window, door, stair, sill and sash.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading The hall through which they passed was sufficiently dark to prevent the masculine eye of Ringfield noting that long and systematic neglect marked every inch of the wall, every foot of flooring, every window, door, stair, sill and sash.

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

From this reading Hideous wallpapers were peeling off the damp and cracking wall, tattered shreds showing, by the accumulation on their fly-specked yellow edges of thick dust, how long they had waved upon the close air of this uncared-for house.

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

From this reading All the woodwork was rough and horrid to the touch by reason of the millions of similar fly-specks; had nothing ever been washed here?

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading The hall through which they passed was sufficiently dark to prevent the masculine eye of Ringfield noting that long and systematic neglect marked every inch of the wall, every foot of flooring, every window, door, stair, sill and sash.

responsible for or chargeable with a reprehensible act

From this reading THE HOUSE OF CLAIRVILLE "High instincts, before which our mortal nature Did tremble like a guilty thing surprised."

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

From this reading Nothing was clean, nothing was orderly, and as the books and papers contained in the invalid's room had overflowed into the halls, lying on the steps and propped up on chairs and in corners, the dirt and confusion was indescribable.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading The hall through which they passed was sufficiently dark to prevent the masculine eye of Ringfield noting that long and systematic neglect marked every inch of the wall, every foot of flooring, every window, door, stair, sill and sash.

plural of “hall” — an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading Nothing was clean, nothing was orderly, and as the books and papers contained in the invalid's room had overflowed into the halls, lying on the steps and propped up on chairs and in corners, the dirt and confusion was indescribable.

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

From this reading All the woodwork was rough and horrid to the touch by reason of the millions of similar fly-specks; had nothing ever been washed here?

grossly offensive to decency or morality; causing horror

From this reading Hideous wallpapers were peeling off the damp and cracking wall, tattered shreds showing, by the accumulation on their fly-specked yellow edges of thick dust, how long they had waved upon the close air of this uncared-for house.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading THE HOUSE OF CLAIRVILLE "High instincts, before which our mortal nature Did tremble like a guilty thing surprised."

exceedingly bad

From this reading All the woodwork was rough and horrid to the touch by reason of the millions of similar fly-specks; had nothing ever been washed here?

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading THE HOUSE OF CLAIRVILLE "High instincts, before which our mortal nature Did tremble like a guilty thing surprised."

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

From this reading Hideous wallpapers were peeling off the damp and cracking wall, tattered shreds showing, by the accumulation on their fly-specked yellow edges of thick dust, how long they had waved upon the close air of this uncared-for house.

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

From this reading Nothing was clean, nothing was orderly, and as the books and papers contained in the invalid's room had overflowed into the halls, lying on the steps and propped up on chairs and in corners, the dirt and confusion was indescribable.

a unit of length equal to one twelfth of a foot

From this reading The hall through which they passed was sufficiently dark to prevent the masculine eye of Ringfield noting that long and systematic neglect marked every inch of the wall, every foot of flooring, every window, door, stair, sill and sash.

defying expression or description

From this reading Nothing was clean, nothing was orderly, and as the books and papers contained in the invalid's room had overflowed into the halls, lying on the steps and propped up on chairs and in corners, the dirt and confusion was indescribable.

plural of “instinct” — inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli

From this reading THE HOUSE OF CLAIRVILLE "High instincts, before which our mortal nature Did tremble like a guilty thing surprised."

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Nothing was clean, nothing was orderly, and as the books and papers contained in the invalid's room had overflowed into the halls, lying on the steps and propped up on chairs and in corners, the dirt and confusion was indescribable.

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

From this reading Nothing was clean, nothing was orderly, and as the books and papers contained in the invalid's room had overflowed into the halls, lying on the steps and propped up on chairs and in corners, the dirt and confusion was indescribable.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading THE HOUSE OF CLAIRVILLE "High instincts, before which our mortal nature Did tremble like a guilty thing surprised."

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 The hall through which they passed was sufficiently dark to prevent the masculine eye of Ringfield noting that long and systematic neglect marked every inch of the wall, every foot of flooring, every window, door, stair, sill and sash.

the deliberate act of deviating from the truth

From this reading Nothing was clean, nothing was orderly, and as the books and papers contained in the invalid's room had overflowed into the halls, lying on the steps and propped up on chairs and in corners, the dirt and confusion was indescribable.

strongly marked; easily noticeable

From this reading The hall through which they passed was sufficiently dark to prevent the masculine eye of Ringfield noting that long and systematic neglect marked every inch of the wall, every foot of flooring, every window, door, stair, sill and sash.

of grammatical gender

From this reading The hall through which they passed was sufficiently dark to prevent the masculine eye of Ringfield noting that long and systematic neglect marked every inch of the wall, every foot of flooring, every window, door, stair, sill and sash.

plural of “million” — the number that is represented as a one followed by 6 zeros

From this reading All the woodwork was rough and horrid to the touch by reason of the millions of similar fly-specks; had nothing ever been washed here?

subject to death

From this reading THE HOUSE OF CLAIRVILLE "High instincts, before which our mortal nature Did tremble like a guilty thing surprised."

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading THE HOUSE OF CLAIRVILLE "High instincts, before which our mortal nature Did tremble like a guilty thing surprised."

leave undone or leave out

From this reading The hall through which they passed was sufficiently dark to prevent the masculine eye of Ringfield noting that long and systematic neglect marked every inch of the wall, every foot of flooring, every window, door, stair, sill and sash.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Nothing was clean, nothing was orderly, and as the books and papers contained in the invalid's room had overflowed into the halls, lying on the steps and propped up on chairs and in corners, the dirt and confusion was indescribable.

-ing form of “note” — make mention of

From this reading The hall through which they passed was sufficiently dark to prevent the masculine eye of Ringfield noting that long and systematic neglect marked every inch of the wall, every foot of flooring, every window, door, stair, sill and sash.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE HOUSE OF CLAIRVILLE "High instincts, before which our mortal nature Did tremble like a guilty thing surprised."

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

From this reading Hideous wallpapers were peeling off the damp and cracking wall, tattered shreds showing, by the accumulation on their fly-specked yellow edges of thick dust, how long they had waved upon the close air of this uncared-for house.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Nothing was clean, nothing was orderly, and as the books and papers contained in the invalid's room had overflowed into the halls, lying on the steps and propped up on chairs and in corners, the dirt and confusion was indescribable.

a soldier who serves as an attendant to a superior officer

From this reading Nothing was clean, nothing was orderly, and as the books and papers contained in the invalid's room had overflowed into the halls, lying on the steps and propped up on chairs and in corners, the dirt and confusion was indescribable.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading THE HOUSE OF CLAIRVILLE "High instincts, before which our mortal nature Did tremble like a guilty thing surprised."

past form of “overflow” — flow or run over (a limit or brim)

From this reading Nothing was clean, nothing was orderly, and as the books and papers contained in the invalid's room had overflowed into the halls, lying on the steps and propped up on chairs and in corners, the dirt and confusion was indescribable.

writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)

From this reading Nothing was clean, nothing was orderly, and as the books and papers contained in the invalid's room had overflowed into the halls, lying on the steps and propped up on chairs and in corners, the dirt and confusion was indescribable.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading The hall through which they passed was sufficiently dark to prevent the masculine eye of Ringfield noting that long and systematic neglect marked every inch of the wall, every foot of flooring, every window, door, stair, sill and sash.

loss of bits of outer skin by peeling or shedding or coming off in scales

From this reading Hideous wallpapers were peeling off the damp and cracking wall, tattered shreds showing, by the accumulation on their fly-specked yellow edges of thick dust, how long they had waved upon the close air of this uncared-for house.

keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading The hall through which they passed was sufficiently dark to prevent the masculine eye of Ringfield noting that long and systematic neglect marked every inch of the wall, every foot of flooring, every window, door, stair, sill and sash.

inflected form of “prop” — support by placing against something solid or rigid

From this reading Nothing was clean, nothing was orderly, and as the books and papers contained in the invalid's room had overflowed into the halls, lying on the steps and propped up on chairs and in corners, the dirt and confusion was indescribable.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading All the woodwork was rough and horrid to the touch by reason of the millions of similar fly-specks; had nothing ever been washed here?

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

From this reading The hall through which they passed was sufficiently dark to prevent the masculine eye of Ringfield noting that long and systematic neglect marked every inch of the wall, every foot of flooring, every window, door, stair, sill and sash.

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

From this reading Nothing was clean, nothing was orderly, and as the books and papers contained in the invalid's room had overflowed into the halls, lying on the steps and propped up on chairs and in corners, the dirt and confusion was indescribable.

having or caused by an irregular surface

From this reading All the woodwork was rough and horrid to the touch by reason of the millions of similar fly-specks; had nothing ever been washed here?

a framework that holds the panes of a window in the window frame

From this reading The hall through which they passed was sufficiently dark to prevent the masculine eye of Ringfield noting that long and systematic neglect marked every inch of the wall, every foot of flooring, every window, door, stair, sill and sash.

the display of a motion picture

From this reading Hideous wallpapers were peeling off the damp and cracking wall, tattered shreds showing, by the accumulation on their fly-specked yellow edges of thick dust, how long they had waved upon the close air of this uncared-for house.

plural of “shred” — a tiny or scarcely detectable amount

From this reading Hideous wallpapers were peeling off the damp and cracking wall, tattered shreds showing, by the accumulation on their fly-specked yellow edges of thick dust, how long they had waved upon the close air of this uncared-for house.

structural member consisting of a continuous horizontal timber forming the lowest member of a framework or supporting structure

From this reading The hall through which they passed was sufficiently dark to prevent the masculine eye of Ringfield noting that long and systematic neglect marked every inch of the wall, every foot of flooring, every window, door, stair, sill and sash.

marked by correspondence or resemblance

From this reading All the woodwork was rough and horrid to the touch by reason of the millions of similar fly-specks; had nothing ever been washed here?

support consisting of a place to rest the foot while ascending or descending a stairway

From this reading The hall through which they passed was sufficiently dark to prevent the masculine eye of Ringfield noting that long and systematic neglect marked every inch of the wall, every foot of flooring, every window, door, stair, sill and sash.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading Nothing was clean, nothing was orderly, and as the books and papers contained in the invalid's room had overflowed into the halls, lying on the steps and propped up on chairs and in corners, the dirt and confusion was indescribable.

to a sufficient degree

From this reading The hall through which they passed was sufficiently dark to prevent the masculine eye of Ringfield noting that long and systematic neglect marked every inch of the wall, every foot of flooring, every window, door, stair, sill and sash.

taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment

From this reading THE HOUSE OF CLAIRVILLE "High instincts, before which our mortal nature Did tremble like a guilty thing surprised."

characterized by order and planning

From this reading The hall through which they passed was sufficiently dark to prevent the masculine eye of Ringfield noting that long and systematic neglect marked every inch of the wall, every foot of flooring, every window, door, stair, sill and sash.

worn to shreds; or wearing torn or ragged clothing

From this reading Hideous wallpapers were peeling off the damp and cracking wall, tattered shreds showing, by the accumulation on their fly-specked yellow edges of thick dust, how long they had waved upon the close air of this uncared-for house.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The hall through which they passed was sufficiently dark to prevent the masculine eye of Ringfield noting that long and systematic neglect marked every inch of the wall, every foot of flooring, every window, door, stair, sill and sash.

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

From this reading THE HOUSE OF CLAIRVILLE "High instincts, before which our mortal nature Did tremble like a guilty thing surprised."

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Hideous wallpapers were peeling off the damp and cracking wall, tattered shreds showing, by the accumulation on their fly-specked yellow edges of thick dust, how long they had waved upon the close air of this uncared-for house.

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

From this reading The hall through which they passed was sufficiently dark to prevent the masculine eye of Ringfield noting that long and systematic neglect marked every inch of the wall, every foot of flooring, every window, door, stair, sill and sash.

not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions

From this reading Hideous wallpapers were peeling off the damp and cracking wall, tattered shreds showing, by the accumulation on their fly-specked yellow edges of thick dust, how long they had waved upon the close air of this uncared-for house.

a special situation

From this reading THE HOUSE OF CLAIRVILLE "High instincts, before which our mortal nature Did tremble like a guilty thing surprised."

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

From this reading Hideous wallpapers were peeling off the damp and cracking wall, tattered shreds showing, by the accumulation on their fly-specked yellow edges of thick dust, how long they had waved upon the close air of this uncared-for house.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading The hall through which they passed was sufficiently dark to prevent the masculine eye of Ringfield noting that long and systematic neglect marked every inch of the wall, every foot of flooring, every window, door, stair, sill and sash.

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

From this reading The hall through which they passed was sufficiently dark to prevent the masculine eye of Ringfield noting that long and systematic neglect marked every inch of the wall, every foot of flooring, every window, door, stair, sill and sash.

make physical contact with, come in contact with

From this reading All the woodwork was rough and horrid to the touch by reason of the millions of similar fly-specks; had nothing ever been washed here?

move or jerk quickly and involuntarily up and down or sideways

From this reading THE HOUSE OF CLAIRVILLE "High instincts, before which our mortal nature Did tremble like a guilty thing surprised."

lacking needed care and attention

From this reading Hideous wallpapers were peeling off the damp and cracking wall, tattered shreds showing, by the accumulation on their fly-specked yellow edges of thick dust, how long they had waved upon the close air of this uncared-for house.

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

From this reading Nothing was clean, nothing was orderly, and as the books and papers contained in the invalid's room had overflowed into the halls, lying on the steps and propped up on chairs and in corners, the dirt and confusion was indescribable.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Hideous wallpapers were peeling off the damp and cracking wall, tattered shreds showing, by the accumulation on their fly-specked yellow edges of thick dust, how long they had waved upon the close air of this uncared-for house.

an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading The hall through which they passed was sufficiently dark to prevent the masculine eye of Ringfield noting that long and systematic neglect marked every inch of the wall, every foot of flooring, every window, door, stair, sill and sash.

plural of “wallpaper” — a decorative paper for the walls of rooms

From this reading Hideous wallpapers were peeling off the damp and cracking wall, tattered shreds showing, by the accumulation on their fly-specked yellow edges of thick dust, how long they had waved upon the close air of this uncared-for house.

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

From this reading The hall through which they passed was sufficiently dark to prevent the masculine eye of Ringfield noting that long and systematic neglect marked every inch of the wall, every foot of flooring, every window, door, stair, sill and sash.

clean by virtue of having been washed in water

From this reading All the woodwork was rough and horrid to the touch by reason of the millions of similar fly-specks; had nothing ever been washed here?

past form of “wave” — signal with the hands or nod

From this reading Hideous wallpapers were peeling off the damp and cracking wall, tattered shreds showing, by the accumulation on their fly-specked yellow edges of thick dust, how long they had waved upon the close air of this uncared-for house.

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

From this reading Hideous wallpapers were peeling off the damp and cracking wall, tattered shreds showing, by the accumulation on their fly-specked yellow edges of thick dust, how long they had waved upon the close air of this uncared-for house.

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

From this reading THE HOUSE OF CLAIRVILLE "High instincts, before which our mortal nature Did tremble like a guilty thing surprised."

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

From this reading The hall through which they passed was sufficiently dark to prevent the masculine eye of Ringfield noting that long and systematic neglect marked every inch of the wall, every foot of flooring, every window, door, stair, sill and sash.

work made of wood; especially moldings or stairways or furniture

From this reading All the woodwork was rough and horrid to the touch by reason of the millions of similar fly-specks; had nothing ever been washed here?

of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk

From this reading Hideous wallpapers were peeling off the damp and cracking wall, tattered shreds showing, by the accumulation on their fly-specked yellow edges of thick dust, how long they had waved upon the close air of this uncared-for house.