Chapter VIII

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

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

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

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

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

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

plural of “author” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

plural of “character” — an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

entrusted with private information and the confidence of another

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

a state in which you want to learn more about something

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

a fat-soluble vitamin that prevents rickets

From this reading (I 'd like to see him in his robe-de-chambre.)

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

From this reading Der Reisende Teufel.

(Judeo-Christian and Islamic religions) chief spirit of evil and adversary of God; tempter of mankind; master of Hell

From this reading (The Travelling Devil.)

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

motion of hands or body to emphasize or help to express a thought or feeling

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

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

From this reading (I 'd like to see him in his robe-de-chambre.)

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

From this reading (I 'd like to see him in his robe-de-chambre.)

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading (I 'd like to see him in his robe-de-chambre.)

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

From this reading Ich möchte ihn im Schlafrock sehen.

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

From this reading Ich möchte ihn im Schlafrock sehen.

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

From this reading Ich möchte ihn im Schlafrock sehen.

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

From this reading (I 'd like to see him in his robe-de-chambre.)

the trait of being indelicate and offensive

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

an inability to resist the gratification of whims and desires

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

tending to intrude (especially upon privacy)

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading (I 'd like to see him in his robe-de-chambre.)

being nothing more than specified

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

used to form the superlative

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

a change of position that does not entail a change of location

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

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

From this reading Ich möchte ihn im Schlafrock sehen.

an old word for “no”

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

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

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

plural of “privilege” — a special advantage or immunity or benefit not enjoyed by all

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

offensive inquisitiveness

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

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

From this reading Der Reisende Teufel.

the state of being retired from one's business or occupation

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

a robe worn before dressing or while lounging

From this reading (I 'd like to see him in his robe-de-chambre.)

inflected form of “sap” — deplete

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

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

From this reading Ich möchte ihn im Schlafrock sehen.

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading (I 'd like to see him in his robe-de-chambre.)

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

From this reading Ich möchte ihn im Schlafrock sehen.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

express in speech

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

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

From this reading Der Reisende Teufel.

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

From this reading (The Travelling Devil.)

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

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

From this reading (I 'd like to see him in his robe-de-chambre.)

the act of going from one place to another

From this reading (The Travelling Devil.)

Betrayal of trust; deceptive action or disloyalty against a host or ally.

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

precisely as stated

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

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

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.

an established custom

From this reading There has always appeared to us something of treachery, not to speak of indelicacy, in the privileges authors are wont to assume in following their characters into their most secret retirement, watching there their every movement and gesture, overhearing their confidential whisperings,--nay, sometimes sapping their very thoughts, for the mere indulgence of a prying, intrusive curiosity.