Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading Yes, I know, said the night-watchman, thoughtfully, as he sat with a cold pipe in his mouth gazing across the river.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading Yes, I know, said the night-watchman, thoughtfully, as he sat with a cold pipe in his mouth gazing across the river.

a public promotion of some product or service

From this reading Twice men 'ave fallen overboard from this jetty, and I've 'ad to stand my watch here the same night, and not a farthing more for it.

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

From this reading I've 'eard it afore.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

(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 People tell me they don't believe in ghosts and make a laugh of 'em, and all I say is: let them take on a night-watchman's job.

Having no one else present.

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

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

From this reading People tell me they don't believe in ghosts and make a laugh of 'em, and all I say is: let them take on a night-watchman's job.

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

From this reading Yes, I know, said the night-watchman, thoughtfully, as he sat with a cold pipe in his mouth gazing across the river.

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

From this reading Twice men 'ave fallen overboard from this jetty, and I've 'ad to stand my watch here the same night, and not a farthing more for it.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading People tell me they don't believe in ghosts and make a laugh of 'em, and all I say is: let them take on a night-watchman's job.

plural of “bill” — a statute in draft before it becomes law

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading Yes, I know, said the night-watchman, thoughtfully, as he sat with a cold pipe in his mouth gazing across the river.

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

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

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

From this reading People tell me they don't believe in ghosts and make a laugh of 'em, and all I say is: let them take on a night-watchman's job.

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

From this reading I've 'eard it afore.

a quad with a square body

From this reading People tell me they don't believe in ghosts and make a laugh of 'em, and all I say is: let them take on a night-watchman's job.

an old word for “before”

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

having dropped by the force of gravity

From this reading Twice men 'ave fallen overboard from this jetty, and I've 'ad to stand my watch here the same night, and not a farthing more for it.

a former British bronze coin worth a quarter of a penny

From this reading Twice men 'ave fallen overboard from this jetty, and I've 'ad to stand my watch here the same night, and not a farthing more for it.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Twice men 'ave fallen overboard from this jetty, and I've 'ad to stand my watch here the same night, and not a farthing more for it.

-ing form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes

From this reading Yes, I know, said the night-watchman, thoughtfully, as he sat with a cold pipe in his mouth gazing across the river.

plural of “ghost” — a mental representation of some haunting experience

From this reading People tell me they don't believe in ghosts and make a laugh of 'em, and all I say is: let them take on a night-watchman's job.

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

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

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

From this reading Yes, I know, said the night-watchman, thoughtfully, as he sat with a cold pipe in his mouth gazing across the river.

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

From this reading Twice men 'ave fallen overboard from this jetty, and I've 'ad to stand my watch here the same night, and not a farthing more for it.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

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

From this reading Yes, I know, said the night-watchman, thoughtfully, as he sat with a cold pipe in his mouth gazing across the river.

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

From this reading Yes, I know, said the night-watchman, thoughtfully, as he sat with a cold pipe in his mouth gazing across the river.

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

From this reading I've 'eard it afore.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

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

From this reading Yes, I know, said the night-watchman, thoughtfully, as he sat with a cold pipe in his mouth gazing across the river.

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

From this reading People tell me they don't believe in ghosts and make a laugh of 'em, and all I say is: let them take on a night-watchman's job.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading I've 'eard it afore.

a protective structure of stone or concrete; extends from shore into the water to prevent a beach from washing away

From this reading Twice men 'ave fallen overboard from this jetty, and I've 'ad to stand my watch here the same night, and not a farthing more for it.

the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

From this reading People tell me they don't believe in ghosts and make a laugh of 'em, and all I say is: let them take on a night-watchman's job.

and nothing more

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Yes, I know, said the night-watchman, thoughtfully, as he sat with a cold pipe in his mouth gazing across the river.

covering with a design in which one element covers a part of another (as with tiles or shingles)

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

the sound of laughing

From this reading People tell me they don't believe in ghosts and make a laugh of 'em, and all I say is: let them take on a night-watchman's job.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading People tell me they don't believe in ghosts and make a laugh of 'em, and all I say is: let them take on a night-watchman's job.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

engage in

From this reading People tell me they don't believe in ghosts and make a laugh of 'em, and all I say is: let them take on a night-watchman's job.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading People tell me they don't believe in ghosts and make a laugh of 'em, and all I say is: let them take on a night-watchman's job.

the force of workers available

From this reading Twice men 'ave fallen overboard from this jetty, and I've 'ad to stand my watch here the same night, and not a farthing more for it.

-ing form of “moan” — indicate pain, discomfort, or displeasure

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Twice men 'ave fallen overboard from this jetty, and I've 'ad to stand my watch here the same night, and not a farthing more for it.

the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading Yes, I know, said the night-watchman, thoughtfully, as he sat with a cold pipe in his mouth gazing across the river.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Twice men 'ave fallen overboard from this jetty, and I've 'ad to stand my watch here the same night, and not a farthing more for it.

offensive or even (of persons) malicious

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

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

From this reading Yes, I know, said the night-watchman, thoughtfully, as he sat with a cold pipe in his mouth gazing across the river.

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

From this reading People tell me they don't believe in ghosts and make a laugh of 'em, and all I say is: let them take on a night-watchman's job.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Twice men 'ave fallen overboard from this jetty, and I've 'ad to stand my watch here the same night, and not a farthing more for it.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading People tell me they don't believe in ghosts and make a laugh of 'em, and all I say is: let them take on a night-watchman's job.

something offered (as a proposal or bid)

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading People tell me they don't believe in ghosts and make a laugh of 'em, and all I say is: let them take on a night-watchman's job.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

to extremes

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading People tell me they don't believe in ghosts and make a laugh of 'em, and all I say is: let them take on a night-watchman's job.

a tube with a small bowl at one end; used for smoking tobacco

From this reading Yes, I know, said the night-watchman, thoughtfully, as he sat with a cold pipe in his mouth gazing across the river.

plural of “post” — the position where someone (as a guard or sentry) stands or is assigned to stand

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading Yes, I know, said the night-watchman, thoughtfully, as he sat with a cold pipe in his mouth gazing across the river.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Yes, I know, said the night-watchman, thoughtfully, as he sat with a cold pipe in his mouth gazing across the river.

Identical; not different.

From this reading Twice men 'ave fallen overboard from this jetty, and I've 'ad to stand my watch here the same night, and not a farthing more for it.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading Yes, I know, said the night-watchman, thoughtfully, as he sat with a cold pipe in his mouth gazing across the river.

express in words

From this reading People tell me they don't believe in ghosts and make a laugh of 'em, and all I say is: let them take on a night-watchman's job.

be seated

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

inflected form of “slip” — move stealthily

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

be standing; be upright

From this reading Twice men 'ave fallen overboard from this jetty, and I've 'ad to stand my watch here the same night, and not a farthing more for it.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

caught or fixed

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

carry out

From this reading People tell me they don't believe in ghosts and make a laugh of 'em, and all I say is: let them take on a night-watchman's job.

express in words

From this reading People tell me they don't believe in ghosts and make a laugh of 'em, and all I say is: let them take on a night-watchman's job.

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

From this reading Yes, I know, said the night-watchman, thoughtfully, as he sat with a cold pipe in his mouth gazing across the river.

the one or ones belonging to them

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading People tell me they don't believe in ghosts and make a laugh of 'em, and all I say is: let them take on a night-watchman's job.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

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

From this reading People tell me they don't believe in ghosts and make a laugh of 'em, and all I say is: let them take on a night-watchman's job.

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

From this reading Twice men 'ave fallen overboard from this jetty, and I've 'ad to stand my watch here the same night, and not a farthing more for it.

in a thoughtful manner

From this reading Yes, I know, said the night-watchman, thoughtfully, as he sat with a cold pipe in his mouth gazing across the river.

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

From this reading Twice men 'ave fallen overboard from this jetty, and I've 'ad to stand my watch here the same night, and not a farthing more for it.

two times

From this reading Twice men 'ave fallen overboard from this jetty, and I've 'ad to stand my watch here the same night, and not a farthing more for it.

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

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

look attentively

From this reading Twice men 'ave fallen overboard from this jetty, and I've 'ad to stand my watch here the same night, and not a farthing more for it.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading Let 'em sit 'ere all alone of a night with the water lapping against the posts and the wind moaning in the corners; especially if a pal of theirs has slipped overboard, and there is little nasty bills stuck up just outside in the High Street offering a reward for the body.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Yes, I know, said the night-watchman, thoughtfully, as he sat with a cold pipe in his mouth gazing across the river.

an affirmative

From this reading Yes, I know, said the night-watchman, thoughtfully, as he sat with a cold pipe in his mouth gazing across the river.