adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/
from one side of something to the other
From this reading No ink had been used in transcribing the two or three lines which were scrawled across this scrap--the vehicle this time was an indelible pencil, which the writer appeared to have moistened with his tongue every now and then, some letters being thicker and darker than others.
addressverbUS /ˈædres/
speak to
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
ADMIRALnounUS /ˈædmərəl/
the supreme commander of a fleet; ranks above a vice admiral and below a fleet admiral
From this reading And it read thus:-- "THE YOUNG GENTLEMAN STAYING AT 'THE ADMIRAL'--PRIVATE" The envelope contained nothing but a scrap of paper obviously torn from a penny cash book.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading No ink had been used in transcribing the two or three lines which were scrawled across this scrap--the vehicle this time was an indelible pencil, which the writer appeared to have moistened with his tongue every now and then, some letters being thicker and darker than others.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading HOBKIN'S HOLE Copplestone carried the queer-looking missive into his private sitting-room and carefully examined it, back and front, before slitting it open.
appearedverbUS /əˈpɪrd/
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading No ink had been used in transcribing the two or three lines which were scrawled across this scrap--the vehicle this time was an indelible pencil, which the writer appeared to have moistened with his tongue every now and then, some letters being thicker and darker than others.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
backadverbUS /bæk/
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading HOBKIN'S HOLE Copplestone carried the queer-looking missive into his private sitting-room and carefully examined it, back and front, before slitting it open.
badadjectiveUS /bæd/
having undesirable or negative qualities
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading HOBKIN'S HOLE Copplestone carried the queer-looking missive into his private sitting-room and carefully examined it, back and front, before slitting it open.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading No ink had been used in transcribing the two or three lines which were scrawled across this scrap--the vehicle this time was an indelible pencil, which the writer appeared to have moistened with his tongue every now and then, some letters being thicker and darker than others.
bigadjectiveUS /bɪɡ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
booknounUS /bʊk/
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading And it read thus:-- "THE YOUNG GENTLEMAN STAYING AT 'THE ADMIRAL'--PRIVATE" The envelope contained nothing but a scrap of paper obviously torn from a penny cash book.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading And it read thus:-- "THE YOUNG GENTLEMAN STAYING AT 'THE ADMIRAL'--PRIVATE" The envelope contained nothing but a scrap of paper obviously torn from a penny cash book.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
carefullyadverbUS /ˈkerfəli/
taking care or paying attention
From this reading HOBKIN'S HOLE Copplestone carried the queer-looking missive into his private sitting-room and carefully examined it, back and front, before slitting it open.
carriedverbUS /ˈkærid/
inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading HOBKIN'S HOLE Copplestone carried the queer-looking missive into his private sitting-room and carefully examined it, back and front, before slitting it open.
cashnounUS /kæʃ/
money in the form of bills or coins
From this reading And it read thus:-- "THE YOUNG GENTLEMAN STAYING AT 'THE ADMIRAL'--PRIVATE" The envelope contained nothing but a scrap of paper obviously torn from a penny cash book.
charactersnounUS /ˈkærəktərz/
plural of “character” — an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
cheapestadjectiveUS /ˈtʃiːpəst/
superlative of “cheap” — relatively low in price or charging low prices
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
coarse-grainedadjective
composed of or covered with particles resembling meal in texture or consistency
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
containedadjectiveUS /kənˈteɪnd/
gotten under control
From this reading And it read thus:-- "THE YOUNG GENTLEMAN STAYING AT 'THE ADMIRAL'--PRIVATE" The envelope contained nothing but a scrap of paper obviously torn from a penny cash book.
Copplestone
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOBKIN'S HOLE Copplestone carried the queer-looking missive into his private sitting-room and carefully examined it, back and front, before slitting it open.
darkeradjectiveUS /ˈdɑːrkər/
comparative of “dark” — devoid of or deficient in light or brightness; shadowed or black
From this reading No ink had been used in transcribing the two or three lines which were scrawled across this scrap--the vehicle this time was an indelible pencil, which the writer appeared to have moistened with his tongue every now and then, some letters being thicker and darker than others.
difficultynounUS /ˈdɪfəkəlti/
an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
dippedadjectiveUS /dɪpt/
having abnormal sagging of the spine (especially in horses)
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
enoughnounUS /ɪˈnʌf/
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading The message, if mysterious, was straightforward enough.
envelopenounUS /ˈenvəloʊp/
a flat (usually rectangular) container for a letter, thin package, etc.
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
evidentlyadverbUS /ˈevədəntli/
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
examinedverbUS /ɪɡˈzæmənd/
past form of “examine” — consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning
From this reading HOBKIN'S HOLE Copplestone carried the queer-looking missive into his private sitting-room and carefully examined it, back and front, before slitting it open.
flapverbUS /flæp/
move in a wavy pattern or with a rising and falling motion
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
flatnessnounUS /ˈflætnəs/
the property of having two dimensions
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
forcingverbUS /ˈfɔːrsɪŋ/
-ing form of “force” — to cause to do through pressure or necessity, by physical, moral or intellectual means
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
fourthnounUS /fɔːrθ/
following the third position; number four in a countable series
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading And it read thus:-- "THE YOUNG GENTLEMAN STAYING AT 'THE ADMIRAL'--PRIVATE" The envelope contained nothing but a scrap of paper obviously torn from a penny cash book.
frontnounUS /frʌnt/
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading HOBKIN'S HOLE Copplestone carried the queer-looking missive into his private sitting-room and carefully examined it, back and front, before slitting it open.
GENTLEMANnounUS /ˈdʒentəlmən/
a man of refinement
From this reading And it read thus:-- "THE YOUNG GENTLEMAN STAYING AT 'THE ADMIRAL'--PRIVATE" The envelope contained nothing but a scrap of paper obviously torn from a penny cash book.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading HOBKIN'S HOLE Copplestone carried the queer-looking missive into his private sitting-room and carefully examined it, back and front, before slitting it open.
HOBKIN'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOBKIN'S HOLE Copplestone carried the queer-looking missive into his private sitting-room and carefully examined it, back and front, before slitting it open.
HOLEnounUS /hoʊl/
an opening into or through something
From this reading HOBKIN'S HOLE Copplestone carried the queer-looking missive into his private sitting-room and carefully examined it, back and front, before slitting it open.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading The message, if mysterious, was straightforward enough.
ill-formedadjective
not grammatical; not conforming to the rules of grammar or accepted usage
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
indelibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈdelɪbəl/
cannot be removed or erased
From this reading No ink had been used in transcribing the two or three lines which were scrawled across this scrap--the vehicle this time was an indelible pencil, which the writer appeared to have moistened with his tongue every now and then, some letters being thicker and darker than others.
inknounUS /ɪŋk/
a liquid used for printing or writing or drawing
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
inscribedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈskraɪbd/
written (by handwriting, printing, engraving, or carving) on or in a surface
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading HOBKIN'S HOLE Copplestone carried the queer-looking missive into his private sitting-room and carefully examined it, back and front, before slitting it open.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading HOBKIN'S HOLE Copplestone carried the queer-looking missive into his private sitting-room and carefully examined it, back and front, before slitting it open.
kindadjectiveUS /kaɪnd/
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
letternounUS /ˈletər/
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
lettersnounUS /ˈletərz/
the literary culture
From this reading No ink had been used in transcribing the two or three lines which were scrawled across this scrap--the vehicle this time was an indelible pencil, which the writer appeared to have moistened with his tongue every now and then, some letters being thicker and darker than others.
linesnounUS /laɪnz/
plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading No ink had been used in transcribing the two or three lines which were scrawled across this scrap--the vehicle this time was an indelible pencil, which the writer appeared to have moistened with his tongue every now and then, some letters being thicker and darker than others.
madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
messagenounUS /ˈmesədʒ/
a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled
From this reading The message, if mysterious, was straightforward enough.
methodnounUS /ˈmeθəd/
a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
missivenounUS /ˈmɪsɪv/
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading HOBKIN'S HOLE Copplestone carried the queer-looking missive into his private sitting-room and carefully examined it, back and front, before slitting it open.
moistenedverbUS /ˈmɔɪsənd/
past form of “moisten” — make moist
From this reading No ink had been used in transcribing the two or three lines which were scrawled across this scrap--the vehicle this time was an indelible pencil, which the writer appeared to have moistened with his tongue every now and then, some letters being thicker and darker than others.
mysteriousadjectiveUS /mɪˈstɪriəs/
of an obscure nature
From this reading The message, if mysterious, was straightforward enough.
NodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading No ink had been used in transcribing the two or three lines which were scrawled across this scrap--the vehicle this time was an indelible pencil, which the writer appeared to have moistened with his tongue every now and then, some letters being thicker and darker than others.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading And it read thus:-- "THE YOUNG GENTLEMAN STAYING AT 'THE ADMIRAL'--PRIVATE" The envelope contained nothing but a scrap of paper obviously torn from a penny cash book.
nowadverbUS /naʊ/
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading No ink had been used in transcribing the two or three lines which were scrawled across this scrap--the vehicle this time was an indelible pencil, which the writer appeared to have moistened with his tongue every now and then, some letters being thicker and darker than others.
obviouslyadverbUS /ˈɑːbviəsli/
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading And it read thus:-- "THE YOUNG GENTLEMAN STAYING AT 'THE ADMIRAL'--PRIVATE" The envelope contained nothing but a scrap of paper obviously torn from a penny cash book.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/
and nothing more
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/
To move from a closed position.
From this reading HOBKIN'S HOLE Copplestone carried the queer-looking missive into his private sitting-room and carefully examined it, back and front, before slitting it open.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No ink had been used in transcribing the two or three lines which were scrawled across this scrap--the vehicle this time was an indelible pencil, which the writer appeared to have moistened with his tongue every now and then, some letters being thicker and darker than others.
papernounUS /ˈpeɪpər/
a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses
From this reading And it read thus:-- "THE YOUNG GENTLEMAN STAYING AT 'THE ADMIRAL'--PRIVATE" The envelope contained nothing but a scrap of paper obviously torn from a penny cash book.
pennounUS /pen/
a writing implement with a point from which ink flows
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
pencilnounUS /ˈpensəl/
a thin cylindrical pointed writing implement; a rod of marking substance encased in wood
From this reading No ink had been used in transcribing the two or three lines which were scrawled across this scrap--the vehicle this time was an indelible pencil, which the writer appeared to have moistened with his tongue every now and then, some letters being thicker and darker than others.
pennynounUS /ˈpeni/
a fractional monetary unit of Ireland and the United Kingdom; equal to one hundredth of a pound
From this reading And it read thus:-- "THE YOUNG GENTLEMAN STAYING AT 'THE ADMIRAL'--PRIVATE" The envelope contained nothing but a scrap of paper obviously torn from a penny cash book.
pressedadjectiveUS /prest/
compacted by ironing
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
privateadjectiveUS /ˈpraɪvət/
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading HOBKIN'S HOLE Copplestone carried the queer-looking missive into his private sitting-room and carefully examined it, back and front, before slitting it open.
queer-looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOBKIN'S HOLE Copplestone carried the queer-looking missive into his private sitting-room and carefully examined it, back and front, before slitting it open.
readverbUS /red/
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading And it read thus:-- "THE YOUNG GENTLEMAN STAYING AT 'THE ADMIRAL'--PRIVATE" The envelope contained nothing but a scrap of paper obviously torn from a penny cash book.
rednounUS /red/
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
scrapnounUS /skræp/
a small fragment of something broken off from the whole
From this reading And it read thus:-- "THE YOUNG GENTLEMAN STAYING AT 'THE ADMIRAL'--PRIVATE" The envelope contained nothing but a scrap of paper obviously torn from a penny cash book.
scrawledverbUS /skrɔːld/
past form of “scrawl” — write carelessly
From this reading No ink had been used in transcribing the two or three lines which were scrawled across this scrap--the vehicle this time was an indelible pencil, which the writer appeared to have moistened with his tongue every now and then, some letters being thicker and darker than others.
seemedverbUS /siːmd/
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
sitting-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOBKIN'S HOLE Copplestone carried the queer-looking missive into his private sitting-room and carefully examined it, back and front, before slitting it open.
slittingverbUS /ˈslɪtɪŋ/
inflected form of “slit” — make a clean cut through
From this reading HOBKIN'S HOLE Copplestone carried the queer-looking missive into his private sitting-room and carefully examined it, back and front, before slitting it open.
someadjectiveUS /sʌm/
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading No ink had been used in transcribing the two or three lines which were scrawled across this scrap--the vehicle this time was an indelible pencil, which the writer appeared to have moistened with his tongue every now and then, some letters being thicker and darker than others.
splotchnoun
an irregularly shaped spot
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
STAYINGverbUS /ˈsteɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “stay” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading And it read thus:-- "THE YOUNG GENTLEMAN STAYING AT 'THE ADMIRAL'--PRIVATE" The envelope contained nothing but a scrap of paper obviously torn from a penny cash book.
straightforwardadjectiveUS /ˈstreɪtˈfɔːrwərd/
free from ambiguity
From this reading The message, if mysterious, was straightforward enough.
summarynounUS /ˈsʌməri/
a brief statement that presents the main points in a concise form
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading No ink had been used in transcribing the two or three lines which were scrawled across this scrap--the vehicle this time was an indelible pencil, which the writer appeared to have moistened with his tongue every now and then, some letters being thicker and darker than others.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading HOBKIN'S HOLE Copplestone carried the queer-looking missive into his private sitting-room and carefully examined it, back and front, before slitting it open.
thenadverbUS /ðen/
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading No ink had been used in transcribing the two or three lines which were scrawled across this scrap--the vehicle this time was an indelible pencil, which the writer appeared to have moistened with his tongue every now and then, some letters being thicker and darker than others.
thickeradjectiveUS /ˈθɪkər/
comparative of “thick” — not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions
From this reading No ink had been used in transcribing the two or three lines which were scrawled across this scrap--the vehicle this time was an indelible pencil, which the writer appeared to have moistened with his tongue every now and then, some letters being thicker and darker than others.
thirdnounUS /θɜːrd/
one of three equal parts of a divisible whole
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading No ink had been used in transcribing the two or three lines which were scrawled across this scrap--the vehicle this time was an indelible pencil, which the writer appeared to have moistened with his tongue every now and then, some letters being thicker and darker than others.
threenounUS /θriː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading No ink had been used in transcribing the two or three lines which were scrawled across this scrap--the vehicle this time was an indelible pencil, which the writer appeared to have moistened with his tongue every now and then, some letters being thicker and darker than others.
thumbnounUS /θʌm/
the thick short innermost digit of the forelimb
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
thusadverbUS /ðʌs/
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading And it read thus:-- "THE YOUNG GENTLEMAN STAYING AT 'THE ADMIRAL'--PRIVATE" The envelope contained nothing but a scrap of paper obviously torn from a penny cash book.
timenounUS /taɪm/
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading No ink had been used in transcribing the two or three lines which were scrawled across this scrap--the vehicle this time was an indelible pencil, which the writer appeared to have moistened with his tongue every now and then, some letters being thicker and darker than others.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
tonguenounUS /tʌŋ/
a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity
From this reading No ink had been used in transcribing the two or three lines which were scrawled across this scrap--the vehicle this time was an indelible pencil, which the writer appeared to have moistened with his tongue every now and then, some letters being thicker and darker than others.
tooadverbUS /tuː/
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
tornadjectiveUS /tɔːrn/
having edges that are jagged from injury
From this reading And it read thus:-- "THE YOUNG GENTLEMAN STAYING AT 'THE ADMIRAL'--PRIVATE" The envelope contained nothing but a scrap of paper obviously torn from a penny cash book.
transcribingverbUS /trænˈskraɪbɪŋ/
-ing form of “transcribe” — write out from speech, notes, etc.
From this reading No ink had been used in transcribing the two or three lines which were scrawled across this scrap--the vehicle this time was an indelible pencil, which the writer appeared to have moistened with his tongue every now and then, some letters being thicker and darker than others.
twonounUS /tuː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading No ink had been used in transcribing the two or three lines which were scrawled across this scrap--the vehicle this time was an indelible pencil, which the writer appeared to have moistened with his tongue every now and then, some letters being thicker and darker than others.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
usedadjectiveUS /juːzd/
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading No ink had been used in transcribing the two or three lines which were scrawled across this scrap--the vehicle this time was an indelible pencil, which the writer appeared to have moistened with his tongue every now and then, some letters being thicker and darker than others.
vehiclenounUS /ˈviːhɪkəl/
a conveyance that transports people or objects
From this reading No ink had been used in transcribing the two or three lines which were scrawled across this scrap--the vehicle this time was an indelible pencil, which the writer appeared to have moistened with his tongue every now and then, some letters being thicker and darker than others.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
wateryadjectiveUS /ˈwɔːtəri/
filled with water
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
waxverbUS /wæks/
cover with wax
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading No ink had been used in transcribing the two or three lines which were scrawled across this scrap--the vehicle this time was an indelible pencil, which the writer appeared to have moistened with his tongue every now and then, some letters being thicker and darker than others.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The envelope was of the cheapest kind, the big splotch of red wax at the flap had been pressed into flatness by the summary method of forcing a coarse-grained thumb upon it; the address was inscribed in ill-formed characters only too evidently made with difficulty by a bad pen, which seemed to have been dipped into watery ink at every third or fourth letter.
writernounUS /ˈraɪtər/
writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading No ink had been used in transcribing the two or three lines which were scrawled across this scrap--the vehicle this time was an indelible pencil, which the writer appeared to have moistened with his tongue every now and then, some letters being thicker and darker than others.
YOUNGadjectiveUS /jʌŋ/
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading And it read thus:-- "THE YOUNG GENTLEMAN STAYING AT 'THE ADMIRAL'--PRIVATE" The envelope contained nothing but a scrap of paper obviously torn from a penny cash book.
