Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading The house which had elicited Quigg's last sagacious remark, was a three-story brownstone front, and was one of the finest looking on the south side.

(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with

From this reading The heavy mahogany door was opened by a slovenly girl, who ushered the callers into the front parlor, which was carefully darkened, according to the custom of the day.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading MALTBOY'S TWENTIETH AFFAIR.

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

From this reading The house which had elicited Quigg's last sagacious remark, was a three-story brownstone front, and was one of the finest looking on the south side.

any of several bog orchids of the genus Arethusa having 1 or 2 showy flowers

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.

in an artful manner

From this reading The only objects plainly visible were two female figures, each seated near a front window, under the rosy shade of damask curtains artfully disposed.

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

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.

a reddish brown sandstone; used in buildings

From this reading The house which had elicited Quigg's last sagacious remark, was a three-story brownstone front, and was one of the finest looking on the south side.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The heavy mahogany door was opened by a slovenly girl, who ushered the callers into the front parlor, which was carefully darkened, according to the custom of the day.

plural of “caller” — a social or business visitor

From this reading The heavy mahogany door was opened by a slovenly girl, who ushered the callers into the front parlor, which was carefully darkened, according to the custom of the day.

taking care or paying attention

From this reading The heavy mahogany door was opened by a slovenly girl, who ushered the callers into the front parlor, which was carefully darkened, according to the custom of the day.

plural of “curtain” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

From this reading The only objects plainly visible were two female figures, each seated near a front window, under the rosy shade of damask curtains artfully disposed.

having or marked by a curve or smoothly rounded bend

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.

accepted or habitual practice

From this reading The heavy mahogany door was opened by a slovenly girl, who ushered the callers into the front parlor, which was carefully darkened, according to the custom of the day.

a table linen made from linen with a damask pattern

From this reading The only objects plainly visible were two female figures, each seated near a front window, under the rosy shade of damask curtains artfully disposed.

(of fabrics and paper) grown dark in color over time

From this reading The heavy mahogany door was opened by a slovenly girl, who ushered the callers into the front parlor, which was carefully darkened, according to the custom of the day.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading The heavy mahogany door was opened by a slovenly girl, who ushered the callers into the front parlor, which was carefully darkened, according to the custom of the day.

having made preparations

From this reading The only objects plainly visible were two female figures, each seated near a front window, under the rosy shade of damask curtains artfully disposed.

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

From this reading The heavy mahogany door was opened by a slovenly girl, who ushered the callers into the front parlor, which was carefully darkened, according to the custom of the day.

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

From this reading The only objects plainly visible were two female figures, each seated near a front window, under the rosy shade of damask curtains artfully disposed.

called forth from a latent or potential state by stimulation

From this reading The house which had elicited Quigg's last sagacious remark, was a three-story brownstone front, and was one of the finest looking on the south side.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.

being the sex (of plant or animal) that produces fertilizable gametes (ova) from which offspring develop

From this reading The only objects plainly visible were two female figures, each seated near a front window, under the rosy shade of damask curtains artfully disposed.

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.

plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading The only objects plainly visible were two female figures, each seated near a front window, under the rosy shade of damask curtains artfully disposed.

superlative of “fine” — being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading The house which had elicited Quigg's last sagacious remark, was a three-story brownstone front, and was one of the finest looking on the south side.

a structure from which an artificially produced jet of water arises

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading The house which had elicited Quigg's last sagacious remark, was a three-story brownstone front, and was one of the finest looking on the south side.

a young female

From this reading The heavy mahogany door was opened by a slovenly girl, who ushered the callers into the front parlor, which was carefully darkened, according to the custom of the day.

characterized by beauty of movement, style, form, or execution

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.

flowing profusely

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.

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

From this reading The house which had elicited Quigg's last sagacious remark, was a three-story brownstone front, and was one of the finest looking on the south side.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading The heavy mahogany door was opened by a slovenly girl, who ushered the callers into the front parlor, which was carefully darkened, according to the custom of the day.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.

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

From this reading The house which had elicited Quigg's last sagacious remark, was a three-story brownstone front, and was one of the finest looking on the south side.

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

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The heavy mahogany door was opened by a slovenly girl, who ushered the callers into the front parlor, which was carefully darkened, according to the custom of the day.

plural of “jet” — an airplane powered by one or more jet engines

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.

immediately past

From this reading The house which had elicited Quigg's last sagacious remark, was a three-story brownstone front, and was one of the finest looking on the south side.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading The house which had elicited Quigg's last sagacious remark, was a three-story brownstone front, and was one of the finest looking on the south side.

wood of any of various mahogany trees; much used for cabinetwork and furniture

From this reading The heavy mahogany door was opened by a slovenly girl, who ushered the callers into the front parlor, which was carefully darkened, according to the custom of the day.

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

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.

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

From this reading MALTBOY'S TWENTIETH AFFAIR.

(New Testament) disciple of Jesus; traditionally considered to be the author of the first Gospel

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.

belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading The only objects plainly visible were two female figures, each seated near a front window, under the rosy shade of damask curtains artfully disposed.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.

plural of “object” — a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading The only objects plainly visible were two female figures, each seated near a front window, under the rosy shade of damask curtains artfully disposed.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The house which had elicited Quigg's last sagacious remark, was a three-story brownstone front, and was one of the finest looking on the south side.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The house which had elicited Quigg's last sagacious remark, was a three-story brownstone front, and was one of the finest looking on the south side.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The house which had elicited Quigg's last sagacious remark, was a three-story brownstone front, and was one of the finest looking on the south side.

and nothing more

From this reading The only objects plainly visible were two female figures, each seated near a front window, under the rosy shade of damask curtains artfully disposed.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading The heavy mahogany door was opened by a slovenly girl, who ushered the callers into the front parlor, which was carefully darkened, according to the custom of the day.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.

reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received

From this reading The heavy mahogany door was opened by a slovenly girl, who ushered the callers into the front parlor, which was carefully darkened, according to the custom of the day.

a light shade of red

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading The only objects plainly visible were two female figures, each seated near a front window, under the rosy shade of damask curtains artfully disposed.

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

From this reading The house which had elicited Quigg's last sagacious remark, was a three-story brownstone front, and was one of the finest looking on the south side.

accept (someone) to be what is claimed or accept his power and authority

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.

a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information

From this reading The house which had elicited Quigg's last sagacious remark, was a three-story brownstone front, and was one of the finest looking on the south side.

(of e.g. celestial bodies) above the horizon

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.

reflecting optimism

From this reading The only objects plainly visible were two female figures, each seated near a front window, under the rosy shade of damask curtains artfully disposed.

acutely insightful and wise

From this reading The house which had elicited Quigg's last sagacious remark, was a three-story brownstone front, and was one of the finest looking on the south side.

(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks

From this reading The only objects plainly visible were two female figures, each seated near a front window, under the rosy shade of damask curtains artfully disposed.

relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body

From this reading The only objects plainly visible were two female figures, each seated near a front window, under the rosy shade of damask curtains artfully disposed.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading The house which had elicited Quigg's last sagacious remark, was a three-story brownstone front, and was one of the finest looking on the south side.

a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.

being of delicate or slender build

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.

negligent of neatness especially in dress and person; habitually dirty and unkempt

From this reading The heavy mahogany door was opened by a slovenly girl, who ushered the callers into the front parlor, which was carefully darkened, according to the custom of the day.

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading The house which had elicited Quigg's last sagacious remark, was a three-story brownstone front, and was one of the finest looking on the south side.

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

From this reading The house which had elicited Quigg's last sagacious remark, was a three-story brownstone front, and was one of the finest looking on the south side.

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

From this reading The house which had elicited Quigg's last sagacious remark, was a three-story brownstone front, and was one of the finest looking on the south side.

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

From this reading The heavy mahogany door was opened by a slovenly girl, who ushered the callers into the front parlor, which was carefully darkened, according to the custom of the day.

position 20 in a countable series of things

From this reading MALTBOY'S TWENTIETH AFFAIR.

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

From this reading The only objects plainly visible were two female figures, each seated near a front window, under the rosy shade of damask curtains artfully disposed.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading The only objects plainly visible were two female figures, each seated near a front window, under the rosy shade of damask curtains artfully disposed.

past form of “usher” — take (someone) to their seats, as in theaters or auditoriums

From this reading The heavy mahogany door was opened by a slovenly girl, who ushered the callers into the front parlor, which was carefully darkened, according to the custom of the day.

intensity or forcefulness of expression

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.

capable of being seen; or open to easy view

From this reading The only objects plainly visible were two female figures, each seated near a front window, under the rosy shade of damask curtains artfully disposed.

the narrowing of the body between the ribs and hips

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.

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

From this reading The house which had elicited Quigg's last sagacious remark, was a three-story brownstone front, and was one of the finest looking on the south side.

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

From this reading The only objects plainly visible were two female figures, each seated near a front window, under the rosy shade of damask curtains artfully disposed.

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

From this reading The house which had elicited Quigg's last sagacious remark, was a three-story brownstone front, and was one of the finest looking on the south side.

which person or people

From this reading The heavy mahogany door was opened by a slovenly girl, who ushered the callers into the front parlor, which was carefully darkened, according to the custom of the day.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.

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 only objects plainly visible were two female figures, each seated near a front window, under the rosy shade of damask curtains artfully disposed.

in the company of; together with

From this reading One of the ladies, whom Matthew Maltboy was not slow to recognize, looked like a fountain of pink silk, gushing out with great vehemence in high, curving jets on every side; from which fountain a slim, graceful figure had risen, as far as the waist, like a modern Arethusa.