Chapter IX · The Unwelcome Guest

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

From this reading On the very evening of the day of that spirited discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Richards regarding the coming of the latter’s uncle, a railway carriage stopped before the door of their mansion, and an old man alighted.

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

From this reading On the very evening of the day of that spirited discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Richards regarding the coming of the latter’s uncle, a railway carriage stopped before the door of their mansion, and an old man alighted.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading He inquired of the servant who answered his ring for Mrs. Richards, and was told in an indifferent, almost impudent, manner that she was “engaged.”

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading On the very evening of the day of that spirited discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Richards regarding the coming of the latter’s uncle, a railway carriage stopped before the door of their mansion, and an old man alighted.

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

From this reading On the very evening of the day of that spirited discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Richards regarding the coming of the latter’s uncle, a railway carriage stopped before the door of their mansion, and an old man alighted.

react verbally

From this reading “In the library,” was the rather more respectful answer.

past form of “answer” — react verbally

From this reading He inquired of the servant who answered his ring for Mrs. Richards, and was told in an indifferent, almost impudent, manner that she was “engaged.”

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.

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

From this reading He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.

the hair growing on the lower part of a man's face

From this reading He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading On the very evening of the day of that spirited discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Richards regarding the coming of the latter’s uncle, a railway carriage stopped before the door of their mansion, and an old man alighted.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading On the very evening of the day of that spirited discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Richards regarding the coming of the latter’s uncle, a railway carriage stopped before the door of their mansion, and an old man alighted.

the two together, not just one

From this reading He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.

a railcar where passengers ride

From this reading On the very evening of the day of that spirited discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Richards regarding the coming of the latter’s uncle, a railway carriage stopped before the door of their mansion, and an old man alighted.

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

From this reading He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading On the very evening of the day of that spirited discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Richards regarding the coming of the latter’s uncle, a railway carriage stopped before the door of their mansion, and an old man alighted.

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.

to a great extent or degree

From this reading He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.

of the color between blue and yellow in the color spectrum; similar to the color of fresh grass

From this reading He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading On the very evening of the day of that spirited discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Richards regarding the coming of the latter’s uncle, a railway carriage stopped before the door of their mansion, and an old man alighted.

an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic

From this reading On the very evening of the day of that spirited discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Richards regarding the coming of the latter’s uncle, a railway carriage stopped before the door of their mansion, and an old man alighted.

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

From this reading On the very evening of the day of that spirited discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Richards regarding the coming of the latter’s uncle, a railway carriage stopped before the door of their mansion, and an old man alighted.

covered with a layer of dust

From this reading He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.

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

From this reading “Humph!” ejaculated the visitor, lifting the green shade and giving the man a keen look; “where is your master?”

having ones attention or mind or energy engaged

From this reading He inquired of the servant who answered his ring for Mrs. Richards, and was told in an indifferent, almost impudent, manner that she was “engaged.”

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading On the very evening of the day of that spirited discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Richards regarding the coming of the latter’s uncle, a railway carriage stopped before the door of their mansion, and an old man alighted.

opinion or judgment

From this reading He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.

pathetically lacking in force or effectiveness

From this reading He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.

the act of giving

From this reading “Humph!” ejaculated the visitor, lifting the green shade and giving the man a keen look; “where is your master?”

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading “Humph!” ejaculated the visitor, lifting the green shade and giving the man a keen look; “where is your master?”

a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss

From this reading He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.

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

From this reading He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.

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

From this reading He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.

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

From this reading “Humph!” ejaculated the visitor, lifting the green shade and giving the man a keen look; “where is your master?”

marked by casual disrespect

From this reading He inquired of the servant who answered his ring for Mrs. Richards, and was told in an indifferent, almost impudent, manner that she was “engaged.”

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

From this reading He inquired of the servant who answered his ring for Mrs. Richards, and was told in an indifferent, almost impudent, manner that she was “engaged.”

marked by a lack of interest

From this reading He inquired of the servant who answered his ring for Mrs. Richards, and was told in an indifferent, almost impudent, manner that she was “engaged.”

past form of “inquire” — address a question to and expect an answer from

From this reading He inquired of the servant who answered his ring for Mrs. Richards, and was told in an indifferent, almost impudent, manner that she was “engaged.”

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

From this reading “Humph!” ejaculated the visitor, lifting the green shade and giving the man a keen look; “where is your master?”

having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

From this reading “Humph!” ejaculated the visitor, lifting the green shade and giving the man a keen look; “where is your master?”

possessive form of “latter” — the second of two or the second mentioned of two

From this reading On the very evening of the day of that spirited discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Richards regarding the coming of the latter’s uncle, a railway carriage stopped before the door of their mansion, and an old man alighted.

a room where books are kept

From this reading “In the library,” was the rather more respectful answer.

-ing form of “lift” — raise from a lower to a higher position

From this reading “Humph!” ejaculated the visitor, lifting the green shade and giving the man a keen look; “where is your master?”

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading “Humph!” ejaculated the visitor, lifting the green shade and giving the man a keen look; “where is your master?”

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading On the very evening of the day of that spirited discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Richards regarding the coming of the latter’s uncle, a railway carriage stopped before the door of their mansion, and an old man alighted.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading He inquired of the servant who answered his ring for Mrs. Richards, and was told in an indifferent, almost impudent, manner that she was “engaged.”

(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided

From this reading On the very evening of the day of that spirited discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Richards regarding the coming of the latter’s uncle, a railway carriage stopped before the door of their mansion, and an old man alighted.

an artist of consummate skill

From this reading “Humph!” ejaculated the visitor, lifting the green shade and giving the man a keen look; “where is your master?”

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

From this reading “In the library,” was the rather more respectful answer.

a form of address for a man

From this reading On the very evening of the day of that spirited discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Richards regarding the coming of the latter’s uncle, a railway carriage stopped before the door of their mansion, and an old man alighted.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading On the very evening of the day of that spirited discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Richards regarding the coming of the latter’s uncle, a railway carriage stopped before the door of their mansion, and an old man alighted.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading On the very evening of the day of that spirited discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Richards regarding the coming of the latter’s uncle, a railway carriage stopped before the door of their mansion, and an old man alighted.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading On the very evening of the day of that spirited discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Richards regarding the coming of the latter’s uncle, a railway carriage stopped before the door of their mansion, and an old man alighted.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On the very evening of the day of that spirited discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Richards regarding the coming of the latter’s uncle, a railway carriage stopped before the door of their mansion, and an old man alighted.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.

above and across; more than

From this reading He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.

line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight

From this reading On the very evening of the day of that spirited discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Richards regarding the coming of the latter’s uncle, a railway carriage stopped before the door of their mansion, and an old man alighted.

on the contrary

From this reading “In the library,” was the rather more respectful answer.

-ing form of “regard” — deem to be

From this reading On the very evening of the day of that spirited discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Richards regarding the coming of the latter’s uncle, a railway carriage stopped before the door of their mansion, and an old man alighted.

full of or exhibiting respect

From this reading “In the library,” was the rather more respectful answer.

English literary critic who collaborated with C. K. Ogden and contributed to the development of Basic English (1893-1979)

From this reading On the very evening of the day of that spirited discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Richards regarding the coming of the latter’s uncle, a railway carriage stopped before the door of their mansion, and an old man alighted.

sound loudly and sonorously

From this reading He inquired of the servant who answered his ring for Mrs. Richards, and was told in an indifferent, almost impudent, manner that she was “engaged.”

a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading He inquired of the servant who answered his ring for Mrs. Richards, and was told in an indifferent, almost impudent, manner that she was “engaged.”

relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body

From this reading He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.

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

From this reading He inquired of the servant who answered his ring for Mrs. Richards, and was told in an indifferent, almost impudent, manner that she was “engaged.”

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.

displaying animation, vigor, or liveliness

From this reading On the very evening of the day of that spirited discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Richards regarding the coming of the latter’s uncle, a railway carriage stopped before the door of their mansion, and an old man alighted.

(of a nose) blocked

From this reading On the very evening of the day of that spirited discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Richards regarding the coming of the latter’s uncle, a railway carriage stopped before the door of their mansion, and an old man alighted.

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading On the very evening of the day of that spirited discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Richards regarding the coming of the latter’s uncle, a railway carriage stopped before the door of their mansion, and an old man alighted.

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

From this reading On the very evening of the day of that spirited discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Richards regarding the coming of the latter’s uncle, a railway carriage stopped before the door of their mansion, and an old man alighted.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading On the very evening of the day of that spirited discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Richards regarding the coming of the latter’s uncle, a railway carriage stopped before the door of their mansion, and an old man alighted.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading He inquired of the servant who answered his ring for Mrs. Richards, and was told in an indifferent, almost impudent, manner that she was “engaged.”

soiled from travel

From this reading He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading On the very evening of the day of that spirited discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Richards regarding the coming of the latter’s uncle, a railway carriage stopped before the door of their mansion, and an old man alighted.

precisely as stated

From this reading On the very evening of the day of that spirited discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Richards regarding the coming of the latter’s uncle, a railway carriage stopped before the door of their mansion, and an old man alighted.

someone who visits

From this reading “Humph!” ejaculated the visitor, lifting the green shade and giving the man a keen look; “where is your master?”

a piece of armor plate (with eye slits) fixed or hinged to a medieval helmet to protect the face

From this reading He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.

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

From this reading He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.

be dressed in

From this reading He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.

exhaust or get tired through overuse or great strain or stress

From this reading He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.

in or at the place that

From this reading “Humph!” ejaculated the visitor, lifting the green shade and giving the man a keen look; “where is your master?”

during the time that

From this reading He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.

a Caucasian

From this reading He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.

which person or people

From this reading He inquired of the servant who answered his ring for Mrs. Richards, and was told in an indifferent, almost impudent, manner that she was “engaged.”

inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in

From this reading He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.

(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability

From this reading He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “Humph!” ejaculated the visitor, lifting the green shade and giving the man a keen look; “where is your master?”