Chapter XVII

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

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

written declaration made under oath; a written statement sworn to be true before someone legally authorized to administer an oath

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

(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 Counting houses, like all other spots beyond the pale of female jurisdiction, are comfortless looking places.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Perched on his apple-sized head, over plastered wind-proof locks, was the shiniest of hats, its wearer turning neither to the right nor the left; and, although possessed of a looking-glass, laboring under the hallucination that _he_, of all masculine moderns, was most dangerous to the female heart.

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

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

having the approximate size of an apple

From this reading Perched on his apple-sized head, over plastered wind-proof locks, was the shiniest of hats, its wearer turning neither to the right nor the left; and, although possessed of a looking-glass, laboring under the hallucination that _he_, of all masculine moderns, was most dangerous to the female heart.

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

From this reading Counting houses, like all other spots beyond the pale of female jurisdiction, are comfortless looking places.

weapons considered collectively

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

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

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

a man who has never been married

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

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

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading Counting houses, like all other spots beyond the pale of female jurisdiction, are comfortless looking places.

(of a surface) not written or printed on

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading Mr. Develin's book store was on the west side of Literary Row.

plural of “boot” — footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

having the limits or boundaries established

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

the location of a visual perception along a continuum from black to white

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

flutter like a butterfly

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

-ing form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

a wormlike and often brightly colored and hairy or spiny larva of a butterfly or moth

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

in a cagey manner

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

a band that fits around the neck and is usually folded over

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

a line of units following one after another

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

without comfort

From this reading Counting houses, like all other spots beyond the pale of female jurisdiction, are comfortless looking places.

Following continuously in unbroken sequence.

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

the process of taking food into the body through the mouth (as by eating)

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

the act of counting; reciting numbers in ascending order

From this reading Counting houses, like all other spots beyond the pale of female jurisdiction, are comfortless looking places.

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

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

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

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm

From this reading Perched on his apple-sized head, over plastered wind-proof locks, was the shiniest of hats, its wearer turning neither to the right nor the left; and, although possessed of a looking-glass, laboring under the hallucination that _he_, of all masculine moderns, was most dangerous to the female heart.

morally blemished; stained or impure

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

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

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

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

From this reading Mr. Develin's book store was on the west side of Literary Row.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

with respect to economic science

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

plural of “envelope” — a flat (usually rectangular) container for a letter, thin package, etc.

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

a deliberate act of omission

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

experiencing or showing fear

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

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

From this reading Counting houses, like all other spots beyond the pale of female jurisdiction, are comfortless looking places.

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

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

a size of paper used especially in Britain

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

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

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

illusory perception; a common symptom of severe mental disorder

From this reading Perched on his apple-sized head, over plastered wind-proof locks, was the shiniest of hats, its wearer turning neither to the right nor the left; and, although possessed of a looking-glass, laboring under the hallucination that _he_, of all masculine moderns, was most dangerous to the female heart.

plural of “hat” — headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim

From this reading Perched on his apple-sized head, over plastered wind-proof locks, was the shiniest of hats, its wearer turning neither to the right nor the left; and, although possessed of a looking-glass, laboring under the hallucination that _he_, of all masculine moderns, was most dangerous to the female heart.

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

From this reading Perched on his apple-sized head, over plastered wind-proof locks, was the shiniest of hats, its wearer turning neither to the right nor the left; and, although possessed of a looking-glass, laboring under the hallucination that _he_, of all masculine moderns, was most dangerous to the female heart.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading Perched on his apple-sized head, over plastered wind-proof locks, was the shiniest of hats, its wearer turning neither to the right nor the left; and, although possessed of a looking-glass, laboring under the hallucination that _he_, of all masculine moderns, was most dangerous to the female heart.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading Perched on his apple-sized head, over plastered wind-proof locks, was the shiniest of hats, its wearer turning neither to the right nor the left; and, although possessed of a looking-glass, laboring under the hallucination that _he_, of all masculine moderns, was most dangerous to the female heart.

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

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

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

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading Counting houses, like all other spots beyond the pale of female jurisdiction, are comfortless looking places.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

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

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

a person who inhabits a particular place

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

a liquid used for printing or writing or drawing

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

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

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

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

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Perched on his apple-sized head, over plastered wind-proof locks, was the shiniest of hats, its wearer turning neither to the right nor the left; and, although possessed of a looking-glass, laboring under the hallucination that _he_, of all masculine moderns, was most dangerous to the female heart.

plural of “joint” — (anatomy) the point of connection between two bones or elements of a skeleton (especially if it allows motion)

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

(law) the right and power to interpret and apply the law

From this reading Counting houses, like all other spots beyond the pale of female jurisdiction, are comfortless looking places.

the quality of being just or fair

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

doing arduous or unpleasant work

From this reading Perched on his apple-sized head, over plastered wind-proof locks, was the shiniest of hats, its wearer turning neither to the right nor the left; and, although possessed of a looking-glass, laboring under the hallucination that _he_, of all masculine moderns, was most dangerous to the female heart.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading Perched on his apple-sized head, over plastered wind-proof locks, was the shiniest of hats, its wearer turning neither to the right nor the left; and, although possessed of a looking-glass, laboring under the hallucination that _he_, of all masculine moderns, was most dangerous to the female heart.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

the literary culture

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Counting houses, like all other spots beyond the pale of female jurisdiction, are comfortless looking places.

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

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

of or relating to or characteristic of literature

From this reading Mr. Develin's book store was on the west side of Literary Row.

plural of “lock” — a fastener fitted to a door or drawer to keep it firmly closed

From this reading Perched on his apple-sized head, over plastered wind-proof locks, was the shiniest of hats, its wearer turning neither to the right nor the left; and, although possessed of a looking-glass, laboring under the hallucination that _he_, of all masculine moderns, was most dangerous to the female heart.

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

From this reading Counting houses, like all other spots beyond the pale of female jurisdiction, are comfortless looking places.

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

From this reading Perched on his apple-sized head, over plastered wind-proof locks, was the shiniest of hats, its wearer turning neither to the right nor the left; and, although possessed of a looking-glass, laboring under the hallucination that _he_, of all masculine moderns, was most dangerous to the female heart.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

of grammatical gender

From this reading Perched on his apple-sized head, over plastered wind-proof locks, was the shiniest of hats, its wearer turning neither to the right nor the left; and, although possessed of a looking-glass, laboring under the hallucination that _he_, of all masculine moderns, was most dangerous to the female heart.

of or relating to the study of the principles of warfare

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

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

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

plural of “modern” — a contemporary person

From this reading Perched on his apple-sized head, over plastered wind-proof locks, was the shiniest of hats, its wearer turning neither to the right nor the left; and, although possessed of a looking-glass, laboring under the hallucination that _he_, of all masculine moderns, was most dangerous to the female heart.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Perched on his apple-sized head, over plastered wind-proof locks, was the shiniest of hats, its wearer turning neither to the right nor the left; and, although possessed of a looking-glass, laboring under the hallucination that _he_, of all masculine moderns, was most dangerous to the female heart.

in motion

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

a form of address for a man

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

water soaked soil; soft wet earth

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading Perched on his apple-sized head, over plastered wind-proof locks, was the shiniest of hats, its wearer turning neither to the right nor the left; and, although possessed of a looking-glass, laboring under the hallucination that _he_, of all masculine moderns, was most dangerous to the female heart.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

not any; not one

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading Perched on his apple-sized head, over plastered wind-proof locks, was the shiniest of hats, its wearer turning neither to the right nor the left; and, although possessed of a looking-glass, laboring under the hallucination that _he_, of all masculine moderns, was most dangerous to the female heart.

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

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Counting houses, like all other spots beyond the pale of female jurisdiction, are comfortless looking places.

superlative of “old” — (used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

in an original manner

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Counting houses, like all other spots beyond the pale of female jurisdiction, are comfortless looking places.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

above and across; more than

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

a collection of things wrapped or boxed together

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

very light colored; highly diluted with white

From this reading Counting houses, like all other spots beyond the pale of female jurisdiction, are comfortless looking places.

a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

a writing implement with a point from which ink flows

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

past form of “perch” — sit, as on a branch

From this reading Perched on his apple-sized head, over plastered wind-proof locks, was the shiniest of hats, its wearer turning neither to the right nor the left; and, although possessed of a looking-glass, laboring under the hallucination that _he_, of all masculine moderns, was most dangerous to the female heart.

a straight line at right angles to another line

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Counting houses, like all other spots beyond the pale of female jurisdiction, are comfortless looking places.

(of hair) made smooth by applying a sticky or glossy substance

From this reading Perched on his apple-sized head, over plastered wind-proof locks, was the shiniest of hats, its wearer turning neither to the right nor the left; and, although possessed of a looking-glass, laboring under the hallucination that _he_, of all masculine moderns, was most dangerous to the female heart.

influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion

From this reading Perched on his apple-sized head, over plastered wind-proof locks, was the shiniest of hats, its wearer turning neither to the right nor the left; and, although possessed of a looking-glass, laboring under the hallucination that _he_, of all masculine moderns, was most dangerous to the female heart.

indicating exactness or preciseness

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

the quality of being reproducible in amount or performance

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

a recklessly extravagant consumer

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

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

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

delivered from danger

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

precisely, exactly

From this reading Perched on his apple-sized head, over plastered wind-proof locks, was the shiniest of hats, its wearer turning neither to the right nor the left; and, although possessed of a looking-glass, laboring under the hallucination that _he_, of all masculine moderns, was most dangerous to the female heart.

an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line

From this reading Mr. Develin's book store was on the west side of Literary Row.

a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

Identical; not different.

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

except for; apart from

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

plural of “sheet” — any broad thin expanse or surface

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

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

From this reading Perched on his apple-sized head, over plastered wind-proof locks, was the shiniest of hats, its wearer turning neither to the right nor the left; and, although possessed of a looking-glass, laboring under the hallucination that _he_, of all masculine moderns, was most dangerous to the female heart.

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

From this reading Mr. Develin's book store was on the west side of Literary Row.

move stealthily

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

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

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

having a pattern of dots

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

anesthesia of the lower half of the body; caused by injury to the spinal cord or by injecting an anesthetic beneath the arachnoid membrane that surrounds the spinal cord

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

spots before the eyes caused by opaque cell fragments in the vitreous humor and lens

From this reading Counting houses, like all other spots beyond the pale of female jurisdiction, are comfortless looking places.

plural of “stamp” — the distinctive form in which a thing is made

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services

From this reading Mr. Develin's book store was on the west side of Literary Row.

furnishing support and encouragement

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

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

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

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

From this reading Counting houses, like all other spots beyond the pale of female jurisdiction, are comfortless looking places.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

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

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

male cat

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

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

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course

From this reading Perched on his apple-sized head, over plastered wind-proof locks, was the shiniest of hats, its wearer turning neither to the right nor the left; and, although possessed of a looking-glass, laboring under the hallucination that _he_, of all masculine moderns, was most dangerous to the female heart.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Perched on his apple-sized head, over plastered wind-proof locks, was the shiniest of hats, its wearer turning neither to the right nor the left; and, although possessed of a looking-glass, laboring under the hallucination that _he_, of all masculine moderns, was most dangerous to the female heart.

disturb in mind or make uneasy or cause to be worried or alarmed

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

not necessary

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

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

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

a person who wears or carries or displays something as a body covering or accessory

From this reading Perched on his apple-sized head, over plastered wind-proof locks, was the shiniest of hats, its wearer turning neither to the right nor the left; and, although possessed of a looking-glass, laboring under the hallucination that _he_, of all masculine moderns, was most dangerous to the female heart.

the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

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

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

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

From this reading Perched on his apple-sized head, over plastered wind-proof locks, was the shiniest of hats, its wearer turning neither to the right nor the left; and, although possessed of a looking-glass, laboring under the hallucination that _he_, of all masculine moderns, was most dangerous to the female heart.

a worker who wipes

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

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

From this reading It is unnecessary to add that Mr. Tom Develin was a bachelor; perpendicular as a ram-rod, moving over _terra firma_ as if fearful his joints would unhinge, or his spinal column slip into his boots; carrying his _arms_ with military precision; supporting his ears with a collar, never known by 'the oldest inhabitant' to be limpsey; and stepping circumspectly in boots of mirror-like brightness, never defiled with the mud of the world.

a late time of life

From this reading The counting-room of Mr. Tom Develin was no exception to the above rule; though we will do him the justice to give in our affidavit, that the ink-stand, for seven consecutive years, had stood precisely in the same spot, bounded on the north by a box of letter stamps, on the south by a package of brown business envelopes, on the east by a pen wiper, made originally in the form of a butterfly, but which frequent ink dabs had transmuted into a speckled caterpillar, on the west by half sheets of blank paper, rescued economically from business letters, to save too prodigal consumption of foolscap.