Chapter XVIII

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

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

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

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

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

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

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

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He could have done this quicker but for his foot, which hampered him at every turn.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading Nor did he attempt to break open the door, which he could probably have done with ease.

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

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading Then, kneeling on the bed, he pushed the little casement wide, tore off the sheets, knotted them together, twisted them round into the semblance of a rope, made one end fast to the head of the bed, and threw the slack out of the window.

a discharge of lightning accompanied by thunder

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

terminate

From this reading Nor did he attempt to break open the door, which he could probably have done with ease.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He could have done this quicker but for his foot, which hampered him at every turn.

a window sash that is hinged (usually on one side)

From this reading Then, kneeling on the bed, he pushed the little casement wide, tore off the sheets, knotted them together, twisted them round into the semblance of a rope, made one end fast to the head of the bed, and threw the slack out of the window.

go upward with gradual or continuous progress

From this reading But he did not climb down it.

clothing in general

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

direct the course of; manage or control

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading He could have done this quicker but for his foot, which hampered him at every turn.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading He could have done this quicker but for his foot, which hampered him at every turn.

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

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading But he did not climb down it.

move gently or carefully

From this reading Nor did he attempt to break open the door, which he could probably have done with ease.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading Then, kneeling on the bed, he pushed the little casement wide, tore off the sheets, knotted them together, twisted them round into the semblance of a rope, made one end fast to the head of the bed, and threw the slack out of the window.

to the same degree (often followed by “as”)

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

the act of escaping physically

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading He could have done this quicker but for his foot, which hampered him at every turn.

quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)

From this reading Then, kneeling on the bed, he pushed the little casement wide, tore off the sheets, knotted them together, twisted them round into the semblance of a rope, made one end fast to the head of the bed, and threw the slack out of the window.

the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading He could have done this quicker but for his foot, which hampered him at every turn.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He could have done this quicker but for his foot, which hampered him at every turn.

elaborate, as of theories and hypotheses

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

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

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

set up or found

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

past form of “hamper” — prevent the progress or free movement of

From this reading He could have done this quicker but for his foot, which hampered him at every turn.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading He could have done this quicker but for his foot, which hampered him at every turn.

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

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

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

From this reading Then, kneeling on the bed, he pushed the little casement wide, tore off the sheets, knotted them together, twisted them round into the semblance of a rope, made one end fast to the head of the bed, and threw the slack out of the window.

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

From this reading He could have done this quicker but for his foot, which hampered him at every turn.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

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

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

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

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading But he did not climb down it.

supporting yourself on your knees

From this reading Then, kneeling on the bed, he pushed the little casement wide, tore off the sheets, knotted them together, twisted them round into the semblance of a rope, made one end fast to the head of the bed, and threw the slack out of the window.

tied with a knot

From this reading Then, kneeling on the bed, he pushed the little casement wide, tore off the sheets, knotted them together, twisted them round into the semblance of a rope, made one end fast to the head of the bed, and threw the slack out of the window.

a white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily; occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

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

From this reading Then, kneeling on the bed, he pushed the little casement wide, tore off the sheets, knotted them together, twisted them round into the semblance of a rope, made one end fast to the head of the bed, and threw the slack out of the window.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Then, kneeling on the bed, he pushed the little casement wide, tore off the sheets, knotted them together, twisted them round into the semblance of a rope, made one end fast to the head of the bed, and threw the slack out of the window.

a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

used as a French courtesy title; equivalent to English “Mr”

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

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

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

used to form the superlative

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

not any; not one

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

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

From this reading Nor did he attempt to break open the door, which he could probably have done with ease.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But he did not climb down it.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Then, kneeling on the bed, he pushed the little casement wide, tore off the sheets, knotted them together, twisted them round into the semblance of a rope, made one end fast to the head of the bed, and threw the slack out of the window.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Then, kneeling on the bed, he pushed the little casement wide, tore off the sheets, knotted them together, twisted them round into the semblance of a rope, made one end fast to the head of the bed, and threw the slack out of the window.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading Nor did he attempt to break open the door, which he could probably have done with ease.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Then, kneeling on the bed, he pushed the little casement wide, tore off the sheets, knotted them together, twisted them round into the semblance of a rope, made one end fast to the head of the bed, and threw the slack out of the window.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

have the will and intention to carry out some action

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

affording no ease or reassurance

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

with considerable certainty; without much doubt

From this reading Nor did he attempt to break open the door, which he could probably have done with ease.

past form of “push” — move with force

From this reading Then, kneeling on the bed, he pushed the little casement wide, tore off the sheets, knotted them together, twisted them round into the semblance of a rope, made one end fast to the head of the bed, and threw the slack out of the window.

more quickly

From this reading He could have done this quicker but for his foot, which hampered him at every turn.

manifest or bring back

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

a strong line

From this reading Then, kneeling on the bed, he pushed the little casement wide, tore off the sheets, knotted them together, twisted them round into the semblance of a rope, made one end fast to the head of the bed, and threw the slack out of the window.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading Then, kneeling on the bed, he pushed the little casement wide, tore off the sheets, knotted them together, twisted them round into the semblance of a rope, made one end fast to the head of the bed, and threw the slack out of the window.

to move hurriedly

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

plural of “second” — 1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

an outward or token appearance or form that is deliberately misleading

From this reading Then, kneeling on the bed, he pushed the little casement wide, tore off the sheets, knotted them together, twisted them round into the semblance of a rope, made one end fast to the head of the bed, and threw the slack out of the window.

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

From this reading Then, kneeling on the bed, he pushed the little casement wide, tore off the sheets, knotted them together, twisted them round into the semblance of a rope, made one end fast to the head of the bed, and threw the slack out of the window.

move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

plural of “situation” — the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

not tense or taut

From this reading Then, kneeling on the bed, he pushed the little casement wide, tore off the sheets, knotted them together, twisted them round into the semblance of a rope, made one end fast to the head of the bed, and threw the slack out of the window.

inflected form of “slide” — move obliquely or sideways, usually in an uncontrolled manner

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

causing surprise or wonder or amazement

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

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

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Then, kneeling on the bed, he pushed the little casement wide, tore off the sheets, knotted them together, twisted them round into the semblance of a rope, made one end fast to the head of the bed, and threw the slack out of the window.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then, kneeling on the bed, he pushed the little casement wide, tore off the sheets, knotted them together, twisted them round into the semblance of a rope, made one end fast to the head of the bed, and threw the slack out of the window.

from that circumstance or source

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

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

From this reading He could have done this quicker but for his foot, which hampered him at every turn.

inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading Then, kneeling on the bed, he pushed the little casement wide, tore off the sheets, knotted them together, twisted them round into the semblance of a rope, made one end fast to the head of the bed, and threw the slack out of the window.

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

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading Then, kneeling on the bed, he pushed the little casement wide, tore off the sheets, knotted them together, twisted them round into the semblance of a rope, made one end fast to the head of the bed, and threw the slack out of the window.

commonly the lowest molding at the base of a column

From this reading Then, kneeling on the bed, he pushed the little casement wide, tore off the sheets, knotted them together, twisted them round into the semblance of a rope, made one end fast to the head of the bed, and threw the slack out of the window.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading He could have done this quicker but for his foot, which hampered him at every turn.

having an intended meaning altered or misrepresented

From this reading Then, kneeling on the bed, he pushed the little casement wide, tore off the sheets, knotted them together, twisted them round into the semblance of a rope, made one end fast to the head of the bed, and threw the slack out of the window.

offensive or disagreeable; causing discomfort or unhappiness

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

precisely as stated

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

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

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

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

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

lacking will power or resolution

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

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

From this reading EQUALLY SURPRISING CONDUCT OF "MONSIEUR AUGUSTIN" (1) Five seconds, no more, did Fortuné de la Vireville allow himself wherein to reflect that he found himself, as the door was shut and the bolt slid into place, in one of the most unpleasant situations of his life; ten to formulate a plan--a very precarious and weak-kneed plan--of escape therefrom, and about a minute and a half to scramble into the rest of his clothes.

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

From this reading He could have done this quicker but for his foot, which hampered him at every turn.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading Then, kneeling on the bed, he pushed the little casement wide, tore off the sheets, knotted them together, twisted them round into the semblance of a rope, made one end fast to the head of the bed, and threw the slack out of the window.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading Then, kneeling on the bed, he pushed the little casement wide, tore off the sheets, knotted them together, twisted them round into the semblance of a rope, made one end fast to the head of the bed, and threw the slack out of the window.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Nor did he attempt to break open the door, which he could probably have done with ease.