Chapter XII · Chapter 12

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

From this reading "You did a great job, considering what you had to work with," he reassured her.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading "Besides, who cares about a few patches?

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

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

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

any thing at all

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

clothing in general

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

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

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

in addition to; as well as

From this reading "Besides, who cares about a few patches?

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

the two together, not just one

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

treated by heating to a high temperature but below the melting or fusing point

From this reading Thorns and underbrush had pierced and torn their once natty outing costumes, and sparks and flying drops of molten metal from Stevens' first crude forges had burned in them many gaping holes.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

a heavy, closely woven fabric (used for clothing or chairs or sails or tents)

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

plural of “care” — the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something

From this reading "Besides, who cares about a few patches?

plural of “castaway” — a person who is rejected (from society or home)

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

a covering designed to be worn on a person's body

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

-ing form of “consider” — deem to be

From this reading "You did a great job, considering what you had to work with," he reassured her.

plural of “costume” — the attire worn in a play or at a fancy dress ball

From this reading Thorns and underbrush had pierced and torn their once natty outing costumes, and sparks and flying drops of molten metal from Stevens' first crude forges had burned in them many gaping holes.

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

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

not carefully or expertly made

From this reading Thorns and underbrush had pierced and torn their once natty outing costumes, and sparks and flying drops of molten metal from Stevens' first crude forges had burned in them many gaping holes.

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

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

plural of “darn” — something of little value

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

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

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

inflected form of “don” — put clothing on one's body

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

plural of “drop” — a shape that is spherical and small

From this reading Thorns and underbrush had pierced and torn their once natty outing costumes, and sparks and flying drops of molten metal from Stevens' first crude forges had burned in them many gaping holes.

of or belonging to or characteristic of this earth as distinguished from heaven

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

to or in any or all places

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading "Besides, who cares about a few patches?

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Thorns and underbrush had pierced and torn their once natty outing costumes, and sparks and flying drops of molten metal from Stevens' first crude forges had burned in them many gaping holes.

moving swiftly

From this reading Thorns and underbrush had pierced and torn their once natty outing costumes, and sparks and flying drops of molten metal from Stevens' first crude forges had burned in them many gaping holes.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

plural of “forge” — furnace consisting of a special hearth where metal is heated before shaping

From this reading Thorns and underbrush had pierced and torn their once natty outing costumes, and sparks and flying drops of molten metal from Stevens' first crude forges had burned in them many gaping holes.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Thorns and underbrush had pierced and torn their once natty outing costumes, and sparks and flying drops of molten metal from Stevens' first crude forges had burned in them many gaping holes.

(Greek mythology) a Trojan boy who was so beautiful that Zeus carried him away to serve as cupbearer to the gods

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

with the mouth wide open as in wonder or awe

From this reading Thorns and underbrush had pierced and torn their once natty outing costumes, and sparks and flying drops of molten metal from Stevens' first crude forges had burned in them many gaping holes.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading "You did a great job, considering what you had to work with," he reassured her.

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

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

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

From this reading "You did a great job, considering what you had to work with," he reassured her.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

plural of “hole” — an opening into or through something

From this reading Thorns and underbrush had pierced and torn their once natty outing costumes, and sparks and flying drops of molten metal from Stevens' first crude forges had burned in them many gaping holes.

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

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

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

From this reading Thorns and underbrush had pierced and torn their once natty outing costumes, and sparks and flying drops of molten metal from Stevens' first crude forges had burned in them many gaping holes.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

impossible or nearly impossible to see; imperceptible by the eye

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

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

From this reading "You did a great job, considering what you had to work with," he reassured her.

an intermediate platform in a staircase

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

immediately past

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

an animal skin made smooth and flexible by removing the hair and then tanning

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

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

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

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 Thorns and underbrush had pierced and torn their once natty outing costumes, and sparks and flying drops of molten metal from Stevens' first crude forges had burned in them many gaping holes.

any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc.

From this reading Thorns and underbrush had pierced and torn their once natty outing costumes, and sparks and flying drops of molten metal from Stevens' first crude forges had burned in them many gaping holes.

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

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

reduced to liquid form by heating

From this reading Thorns and underbrush had pierced and torn their once natty outing costumes, and sparks and flying drops of molten metal from Stevens' first crude forges had burned in them many gaping holes.

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

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners

From this reading Thorns and underbrush had pierced and torn their once natty outing costumes, and sparks and flying drops of molten metal from Stevens' first crude forges had burned in them many gaping holes.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

the organ of smell and entrance to the respiratory tract; the prominent part of the face of man or other mammals

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

on one occasion

From this reading Thorns and underbrush had pierced and torn their once natty outing costumes, and sparks and flying drops of molten metal from Stevens' first crude forges had burned in them many gaping holes.

and nothing more

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

a journey taken for pleasure

From this reading Thorns and underbrush had pierced and torn their once natty outing costumes, and sparks and flying drops of molten metal from Stevens' first crude forges had burned in them many gaping holes.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

plural of “patch” — a small contrasting part of something

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

having a hole cut through

From this reading Thorns and underbrush had pierced and torn their once natty outing costumes, and sparks and flying drops of molten metal from Stevens' first crude forges had burned in them many gaping holes.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

having confidence restored; freed from anxiety

From this reading "You did a great job, considering what you had to work with," he reassured her.

plural of “seam” — joint consisting of a line formed by joining two pieces

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

the brightest star in the sky; in Canis Major

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

plural of “spark” — a momentary flash of light

From this reading Thorns and underbrush had pierced and torn their once natty outing costumes, and sparks and flying drops of molten metal from Stevens' first crude forges had burned in them many gaping holes.

(used of eyes) open and fixed as if in fear or wonder

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

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

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

United States psychologist and psychophysicist who proposed Stevens' power law to replace Fechner's law (1906-1973)

From this reading Thorns and underbrush had pierced and torn their once natty outing costumes, and sparks and flying drops of molten metal from Stevens' first crude forges had burned in them many gaping holes.

produced or marked by conscious design or premeditation

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

plural of “suit” — a set of garments (usually including a jacket and trousers or skirt) for outerwear all of the same fabric and color

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

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

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Thorns and underbrush had pierced and torn their once natty outing costumes, and sparks and flying drops of molten metal from Stevens' first crude forges had burned in them many gaping holes.

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

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

plural of “thorn” — something that causes irritation and annoyance

From this reading Thorns and underbrush had pierced and torn their once natty outing costumes, and sparks and flying drops of molten metal from Stevens' first crude forges had burned in them many gaping holes.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

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

From this reading "You did a great job, considering what you had to work with," he reassured her.

having edges that are jagged from injury

From this reading Thorns and underbrush had pierced and torn their once natty outing costumes, and sparks and flying drops of molten metal from Stevens' first crude forges had burned in them many gaping holes.

the brush (small trees and bushes and ferns etc.) growing beneath taller trees in a wood or forest

From this reading Thorns and underbrush had pierced and torn their once natty outing costumes, and sparks and flying drops of molten metal from Stevens' first crude forges had burned in them many gaping holes.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

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

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

(geology) the mechanical process of wearing or grinding something down (as by particles washing over it)

From this reading Among Friends at Last The time for the landing of the _Sirius_ was drawing near, and the castaways upon Ganymede had donned their only suits of earthly clothing, instead of the makeshifts of mole-skin, canvas, and leather they had been wearing so long.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "You did a great job, considering what you had to work with," he reassured her.

closely twisted hard cord used for the lashes of whips

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

which person or people

From this reading "Besides, who cares about a few patches?

in the company of; together with

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading "You did a great job, considering what you had to work with," he reassured her.

marked by wrinkles

From this reading "I did the best I could with them, Steve, but they look pretty crumby," Nadia wrinkled her nose as she studied the anything but invisible seams, darns, and staring patches everywhere so evident, both in her own apparel of gray silk and in the heavy whipcord clothing of her companion.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "You did a great job, considering what you had to work with," he reassured her.