used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was a very unusual occasion in the great detective’s household, for he and Chick were actually going away for two weeks’ vacation in the Adirondacks.
in actual fact
From this reading It was a very unusual occasion in the great detective’s household, for he and Chick were actually going away for two weeks’ vacation in the Adirondacks.
Adirondacksnoun
a mountain range in northeastern New York State; a popular resort area
From this reading It was a very unusual occasion in the great detective’s household, for he and Chick were actually going away for two weeks’ vacation in the Adirondacks.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading The train that was to carry the two to the Great North Woods was scheduled to leave shortly after eight o’clock, and many preparations had been deferred until that morning.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Nicholas Carter, and his first assistant, Chickering Carter, had risen early that morning, but not for the usual reason.
assistantnounUS /əˈsɪstənt/
a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
From this reading Nicholas Carter, and his first assistant, Chickering Carter, had risen early that morning, but not for the usual reason.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Now, however, everything was practically ready, their trunk was packed, locked, and strapped, their suit cases were nearly filled, and they had time for a bite of breakfast and a glance at the morning papers, which had thus far been neglected.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading It was a very unusual occasion in the great detective’s household, for he and Chick were actually going away for two weeks’ vacation in the Adirondacks.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The train that was to carry the two to the Great North Woods was scheduled to leave shortly after eight o’clock, and many preparations had been deferred until that morning.
biteverbUS /baɪt/
to grip, cut off, or tear with or as if with the teeth or jaws
From this reading Now, however, everything was practically ready, their trunk was packed, locked, and strapped, their suit cases were nearly filled, and they had time for a bite of breakfast and a glance at the morning papers, which had thus far been neglected.
eat an early morning meal
From this reading Now, however, everything was practically ready, their trunk was packed, locked, and strapped, their suit cases were nearly filled, and they had time for a bite of breakfast and a glance at the morning papers, which had thus far been neglected.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Nicholas Carter, and his first assistant, Chickering Carter, had risen early that morning, but not for the usual reason.
move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading The train that was to carry the two to the Great North Woods was scheduled to leave shortly after eight o’clock, and many preparations had been deferred until that morning.
CarternounUS /ˈkɑːrtər/
Englishman and Egyptologist who in 1922 discovered and excavated the tomb of Tutankhamen (1873-1939)
From this reading Nicholas Carter, and his first assistant, Chickering Carter, had risen early that morning, but not for the usual reason.
plural of “case” — an occurrence of something
From this reading Now, however, everything was practically ready, their trunk was packed, locked, and strapped, their suit cases were nearly filled, and they had time for a bite of breakfast and a glance at the morning papers, which had thus far been neglected.
ChicknounUS /tʃɪk/
young bird especially of domestic fowl
From this reading It was a very unusual occasion in the great detective’s household, for he and Chick were actually going away for two weeks’ vacation in the Adirondacks.
Chickering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nicholas Carter, and his first assistant, Chickering Carter, had risen early that morning, but not for the usual reason.
deferredverbUS /dɪˈfɜːrd/
inflected form of “defer” — hold back to a later time
From this reading The train that was to carry the two to the Great North Woods was scheduled to leave shortly after eight o’clock, and many preparations had been deferred until that morning.
detective'snounUS /dɪˈtektɪvz/
possessive form of “detective” — a police officer who investigates crimes
From this reading It was a very unusual occasion in the great detective’s household, for he and Chick were actually going away for two weeks’ vacation in the Adirondacks.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading Nicholas Carter, and his first assistant, Chickering Carter, had risen early that morning, but not for the usual reason.
being one more than seven
From this reading The train that was to carry the two to the Great North Woods was scheduled to leave shortly after eight o’clock, and many preparations had been deferred until that morning.
all things; all of a situation
From this reading Now, however, everything was practically ready, their trunk was packed, locked, and strapped, their suit cases were nearly filled, and they had time for a bite of breakfast and a glance at the morning papers, which had thus far been neglected.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading Now, however, everything was practically ready, their trunk was packed, locked, and strapped, their suit cases were nearly filled, and they had time for a bite of breakfast and a glance at the morning papers, which had thus far been neglected.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading Now, however, everything was practically ready, their trunk was packed, locked, and strapped, their suit cases were nearly filled, and they had time for a bite of breakfast and a glance at the morning papers, which had thus far been neglected.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Nicholas Carter, and his first assistant, Chickering Carter, had risen early that morning, but not for the usual reason.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Nicholas Carter, and his first assistant, Chickering Carter, had risen early that morning, but not for the usual reason.
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading Now, however, everything was practically ready, their trunk was packed, locked, and strapped, their suit cases were nearly filled, and they had time for a bite of breakfast and a glance at the morning papers, which had thus far been neglected.
the act of departing
From this reading It was a very unusual occasion in the great detective’s household, for he and Chick were actually going away for two weeks’ vacation in the Adirondacks.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading It was a very unusual occasion in the great detective’s household, for he and Chick were actually going away for two weeks’ vacation in the Adirondacks.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Nicholas Carter, and his first assistant, Chickering Carter, had risen early that morning, but not for the usual reason.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was a very unusual occasion in the great detective’s household, for he and Chick were actually going away for two weeks’ vacation in the Adirondacks.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Nicholas Carter, and his first assistant, Chickering Carter, had risen early that morning, but not for the usual reason.
a social unit living together
From this reading It was a very unusual occasion in the great detective’s household, for he and Chick were actually going away for two weeks’ vacation in the Adirondacks.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading Now, however, everything was practically ready, their trunk was packed, locked, and strapped, their suit cases were nearly filled, and they had time for a bite of breakfast and a glance at the morning papers, which had thus far been neglected.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was a very unusual occasion in the great detective’s household, for he and Chick were actually going away for two weeks’ vacation in the Adirondacks.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was a very unusual occasion in the great detective’s household, for he and Chick were actually going away for two weeks’ vacation in the Adirondacks.
go away from a place
From this reading The train that was to carry the two to the Great North Woods was scheduled to leave shortly after eight o’clock, and many preparations had been deferred until that morning.
past form of “lock” — fasten with a lock
From this reading Now, however, everything was practically ready, their trunk was packed, locked, and strapped, their suit cases were nearly filled, and they had time for a bite of breakfast and a glance at the morning papers, which had thus far been neglected.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading The train that was to carry the two to the Great North Woods was scheduled to leave shortly after eight o’clock, and many preparations had been deferred until that morning.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading Nicholas Carter, and his first assistant, Chickering Carter, had risen early that morning, but not for the usual reason.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Now, however, everything was practically ready, their trunk was packed, locked, and strapped, their suit cases were nearly filled, and they had time for a bite of breakfast and a glance at the morning papers, which had thus far been neglected.
neglectedadjectiveUS /nəˈɡlektəd/
disregarded
From this reading Now, however, everything was practically ready, their trunk was packed, locked, and strapped, their suit cases were nearly filled, and they had time for a bite of breakfast and a glance at the morning papers, which had thus far been neglected.
information about recent and important events
From this reading STARTLING NEWS.
NicholasnounUS /ˈnɪkələs/
a bishop in Asia Minor who is associated with Santa Claus (4th century)
From this reading Nicholas Carter, and his first assistant, Chickering Carter, had risen early that morning, but not for the usual reason.
the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading The train that was to carry the two to the Great North Woods was scheduled to leave shortly after eight o’clock, and many preparations had been deferred until that morning.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Nicholas Carter, and his first assistant, Chickering Carter, had risen early that morning, but not for the usual reason.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Now, however, everything was practically ready, their trunk was packed, locked, and strapped, their suit cases were nearly filled, and they had time for a bite of breakfast and a glance at the morning papers, which had thus far been neglected.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading The train that was to carry the two to the Great North Woods was scheduled to leave shortly after eight o’clock, and many preparations had been deferred until that morning.
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading It was a very unusual occasion in the great detective’s household, for he and Chick were actually going away for two weeks’ vacation in the Adirondacks.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Now, however, everything was practically ready, their trunk was packed, locked, and strapped, their suit cases were nearly filled, and they had time for a bite of breakfast and a glance at the morning papers, which had thus far been neglected.
packedadjectiveUS /pækt/
extremely crowed or filled to capacity
From this reading Now, however, everything was practically ready, their trunk was packed, locked, and strapped, their suit cases were nearly filled, and they had time for a bite of breakfast and a glance at the morning papers, which had thus far been neglected.
writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)
From this reading Now, however, everything was practically ready, their trunk was packed, locked, and strapped, their suit cases were nearly filled, and they had time for a bite of breakfast and a glance at the morning papers, which had thus far been neglected.
practicallyadverbUS /ˈpræktɪkli/
almost; nearly
From this reading Now, however, everything was practically ready, their trunk was packed, locked, and strapped, their suit cases were nearly filled, and they had time for a bite of breakfast and a glance at the morning papers, which had thus far been neglected.
preparationsnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading The train that was to carry the two to the Great North Woods was scheduled to leave shortly after eight o’clock, and many preparations had been deferred until that morning.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading Now, however, everything was practically ready, their trunk was packed, locked, and strapped, their suit cases were nearly filled, and they had time for a bite of breakfast and a glance at the morning papers, which had thus far been neglected.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading Nicholas Carter, and his first assistant, Chickering Carter, had risen early that morning, but not for the usual reason.
risenadjectiveUS /ˈrɪzən/
(of e.g. celestial bodies) above the horizon
From this reading Nicholas Carter, and his first assistant, Chickering Carter, had risen early that morning, but not for the usual reason.
scheduledadjectiveUS /ˈskedʒʊld/
planned or scheduled for some certain time or times
From this reading The train that was to carry the two to the Great North Woods was scheduled to leave shortly after eight o’clock, and many preparations had been deferred until that morning.
for a short time
From this reading The train that was to carry the two to the Great North Woods was scheduled to leave shortly after eight o’clock, and many preparations had been deferred until that morning.
STARTLINGadjectiveUS /ˈstɑːrtlɪŋ/
so remarkably different or sudden as to cause momentary shock or alarm
From this reading STARTLING NEWS.
strappedverbUS /stræpt/
inflected form of “strap” — tie with a strap
From this reading Now, however, everything was practically ready, their trunk was packed, locked, and strapped, their suit cases were nearly filled, and they had time for a bite of breakfast and a glance at the morning papers, which had thus far been neglected.
be agreeable or acceptable to
From this reading Now, however, everything was practically ready, their trunk was packed, locked, and strapped, their suit cases were nearly filled, and they had time for a bite of breakfast and a glance at the morning papers, which had thus far been neglected.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Nicholas Carter, and his first assistant, Chickering Carter, had risen early that morning, but not for the usual reason.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Nicholas Carter, and his first assistant, Chickering Carter, had risen early that morning, but not for the usual reason.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Now, however, everything was practically ready, their trunk was packed, locked, and strapped, their suit cases were nearly filled, and they had time for a bite of breakfast and a glance at the morning papers, which had thus far been neglected.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Now, however, everything was practically ready, their trunk was packed, locked, and strapped, their suit cases were nearly filled, and they had time for a bite of breakfast and a glance at the morning papers, which had thus far been neglected.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading Now, however, everything was practically ready, their trunk was packed, locked, and strapped, their suit cases were nearly filled, and they had time for a bite of breakfast and a glance at the morning papers, which had thus far been neglected.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Now, however, everything was practically ready, their trunk was packed, locked, and strapped, their suit cases were nearly filled, and they had time for a bite of breakfast and a glance at the morning papers, which had thus far been neglected.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The train that was to carry the two to the Great North Woods was scheduled to leave shortly after eight o’clock, and many preparations had been deferred until that morning.
create by training and teaching
From this reading The train that was to carry the two to the Great North Woods was scheduled to leave shortly after eight o’clock, and many preparations had been deferred until that morning.
the main stem of a tree; usually covered with bark; the bole is usually the part that is commercially useful for lumber
From this reading Now, however, everything was practically ready, their trunk was packed, locked, and strapped, their suit cases were nearly filled, and they had time for a bite of breakfast and a glance at the morning papers, which had thus far been neglected.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading It was a very unusual occasion in the great detective’s household, for he and Chick were actually going away for two weeks’ vacation in the Adirondacks.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading The train that was to carry the two to the Great North Woods was scheduled to leave shortly after eight o’clock, and many preparations had been deferred until that morning.
not usual or common or ordinary
From this reading It was a very unusual occasion in the great detective’s household, for he and Chick were actually going away for two weeks’ vacation in the Adirondacks.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading Nicholas Carter, and his first assistant, Chickering Carter, had risen early that morning, but not for the usual reason.
vacationnounUS /veɪˈkeɪʃən/
leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure
From this reading It was a very unusual occasion in the great detective’s household, for he and Chick were actually going away for two weeks’ vacation in the Adirondacks.
precisely as stated
From this reading It was a very unusual occasion in the great detective’s household, for he and Chick were actually going away for two weeks’ vacation in the Adirondacks.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was a very unusual occasion in the great detective’s household, for he and Chick were actually going away for two weeks’ vacation in the Adirondacks.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading It was a very unusual occasion in the great detective’s household, for he and Chick were actually going away for two weeks’ vacation in the Adirondacks.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It was a very unusual occasion in the great detective’s household, for he and Chick were actually going away for two weeks’ vacation in the Adirondacks.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Now, however, everything was practically ready, their trunk was packed, locked, and strapped, their suit cases were nearly filled, and they had time for a bite of breakfast and a glance at the morning papers, which had thus far been neglected.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading The train that was to carry the two to the Great North Woods was scheduled to leave shortly after eight o’clock, and many preparations had been deferred until that morning.
