used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading None of them saw Paul when he entered the gate to Mr. Bissell's premises, though his curiosity prompted him to stand there a few minutes to observe the proceedings of the party.
afternoon'snounUS /ˌæftərˈnuːnz/
possessive form of “afternoon” — the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading He expected to see nothing more than a sort of reception of the magnate, who was evidently to be their passenger to Sandy Point, and the students proposed to take him to the scene of the afternoon's sport in state.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Paul Bristol saw the conference between the six Chesterfield students and Major Billcord; but he could not hear what passed between them, and had no suspicion that he was the subject of remark.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading But Major Billcord appeared to have selected the six ruffians best suited to the undertaking in which they were to engage.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He expected to see nothing more than a sort of reception of the magnate, who was evidently to be their passenger to Sandy Point, and the students proposed to take him to the scene of the afternoon's sport in state.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading But Major Billcord appeared to have selected the six ruffians best suited to the undertaking in which they were to engage.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Paul Bristol saw the conference between the six Chesterfield students and Major Billcord; but he could not hear what passed between them, and had no suspicion that he was the subject of remark.
Billcord
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Paul Bristol saw the conference between the six Chesterfield students and Major Billcord; but he could not hear what passed between them, and had no suspicion that he was the subject of remark.
Bissell's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading None of them saw Paul when he entered the gate to Mr. Bissell's premises, though his curiosity prompted him to stand there a few minutes to observe the proceedings of the party.
BristolnounUS /ˈbrɪstəl/
an industrial city and port in southwestern England near the mouth of the River Avon
From this reading Paul Bristol saw the conference between the six Chesterfield students and Major Billcord; but he could not hear what passed between them, and had no suspicion that he was the subject of remark.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Paul Bristol saw the conference between the six Chesterfield students and Major Billcord; but he could not hear what passed between them, and had no suspicion that he was the subject of remark.
ChesterfieldnounUS /ˈtʃestərfiːld/
suave and witty English statesman remembered mostly for letters to his son (1694-1773)
From this reading Paul Bristol saw the conference between the six Chesterfield students and Major Billcord; but he could not hear what passed between them, and had no suspicion that he was the subject of remark.
conferencenounUS /ˈkɑːnfərəns/
a prearranged meeting for consultation or exchange of information or discussion (especially one with a formal agenda)
From this reading Paul Bristol saw the conference between the six Chesterfield students and Major Billcord; but he could not hear what passed between them, and had no suspicion that he was the subject of remark.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Paul Bristol saw the conference between the six Chesterfield students and Major Billcord; but he could not hear what passed between them, and had no suspicion that he was the subject of remark.
a state in which you want to learn more about something
From this reading None of them saw Paul when he entered the gate to Mr. Bissell's premises, though his curiosity prompted him to stand there a few minutes to observe the proceedings of the party.
engageverbUS /enˈɡeɪdʒ/
carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in
From this reading But Major Billcord appeared to have selected the six ruffians best suited to the undertaking in which they were to engage.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading None of them saw Paul when he entered the gate to Mr. Bissell's premises, though his curiosity prompted him to stand there a few minutes to observe the proceedings of the party.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading He expected to see nothing more than a sort of reception of the magnate, who was evidently to be their passenger to Sandy Point, and the students proposed to take him to the scene of the afternoon's sport in state.
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading He expected to see nothing more than a sort of reception of the magnate, who was evidently to be their passenger to Sandy Point, and the students proposed to take him to the scene of the afternoon's sport in state.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading None of them saw Paul when he entered the gate to Mr. Bissell's premises, though his curiosity prompted him to stand there a few minutes to observe the proceedings of the party.
a movable barrier in a fence or wall
From this reading None of them saw Paul when he entered the gate to Mr. Bissell's premises, though his curiosity prompted him to stand there a few minutes to observe the proceedings of the party.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Paul Bristol saw the conference between the six Chesterfield students and Major Billcord; but he could not hear what passed between them, and had no suspicion that he was the subject of remark.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading But Major Billcord appeared to have selected the six ruffians best suited to the undertaking in which they were to engage.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Paul Bristol saw the conference between the six Chesterfield students and Major Billcord; but he could not hear what passed between them, and had no suspicion that he was the subject of remark.
perceive (sound) via the auditory sense
From this reading Paul Bristol saw the conference between the six Chesterfield students and Major Billcord; but he could not hear what passed between them, and had no suspicion that he was the subject of remark.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading None of them saw Paul when he entered the gate to Mr. Bissell's premises, though his curiosity prompted him to stand there a few minutes to observe the proceedings of the party.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading None of them saw Paul when he entered the gate to Mr. Bissell's premises, though his curiosity prompted him to stand there a few minutes to observe the proceedings of the party.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He expected to see nothing more than a sort of reception of the magnate, who was evidently to be their passenger to Sandy Point, and the students proposed to take him to the scene of the afternoon's sport in state.
magnatenounUS /ˈmæɡnət/
a very wealthy or powerful businessman
From this reading He expected to see nothing more than a sort of reception of the magnate, who was evidently to be their passenger to Sandy Point, and the students proposed to take him to the scene of the afternoon's sport in state.
MajoradjectiveUS /ˈmeɪdʒər/
of greater importance or stature or rank
From this reading Paul Bristol saw the conference between the six Chesterfield students and Major Billcord; but he could not hear what passed between them, and had no suspicion that he was the subject of remark.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading None of them saw Paul when he entered the gate to Mr. Bissell's premises, though his curiosity prompted him to stand there a few minutes to observe the proceedings of the party.
an organization of missionaries in a foreign land sent to carry on religious work
From this reading THE MISSION OF THE SIX RUFFIANS.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading He expected to see nothing more than a sort of reception of the magnate, who was evidently to be their passenger to Sandy Point, and the students proposed to take him to the scene of the afternoon's sport in state.
a form of address for a man
From this reading None of them saw Paul when he entered the gate to Mr. Bissell's premises, though his curiosity prompted him to stand there a few minutes to observe the proceedings of the party.
not any; not one
From this reading Paul Bristol saw the conference between the six Chesterfield students and Major Billcord; but he could not hear what passed between them, and had no suspicion that he was the subject of remark.
not one, and not any
From this reading None of them saw Paul when he entered the gate to Mr. Bissell's premises, though his curiosity prompted him to stand there a few minutes to observe the proceedings of the party.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Paul Bristol saw the conference between the six Chesterfield students and Major Billcord; but he could not hear what passed between them, and had no suspicion that he was the subject of remark.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading He expected to see nothing more than a sort of reception of the magnate, who was evidently to be their passenger to Sandy Point, and the students proposed to take him to the scene of the afternoon's sport in state.
discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading None of them saw Paul when he entered the gate to Mr. Bissell's premises, though his curiosity prompted him to stand there a few minutes to observe the proceedings of the party.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE MISSION OF THE SIX RUFFIANS.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading None of them saw Paul when he entered the gate to Mr. Bissell's premises, though his curiosity prompted him to stand there a few minutes to observe the proceedings of the party.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading Paul Bristol saw the conference between the six Chesterfield students and Major Billcord; but he could not hear what passed between them, and had no suspicion that he was the subject of remark.
passengernounUS /ˈpæsəndʒər/
a traveler riding in a vehicle (a boat or bus or car or plane or train etc) who is not operating it
From this reading He expected to see nothing more than a sort of reception of the magnate, who was evidently to be their passenger to Sandy Point, and the students proposed to take him to the scene of the afternoon's sport in state.
United States feminist (1885-1977)
From this reading Paul Bristol saw the conference between the six Chesterfield students and Major Billcord; but he could not hear what passed between them, and had no suspicion that he was the subject of remark.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading He expected to see nothing more than a sort of reception of the magnate, who was evidently to be their passenger to Sandy Point, and the students proposed to take him to the scene of the afternoon's sport in state.
premisesnounUS /ˈpreməsəz/
land and the buildings on it
From this reading None of them saw Paul when he entered the gate to Mr. Bissell's premises, though his curiosity prompted him to stand there a few minutes to observe the proceedings of the party.
proceedingsnounUS /proʊˈsiːdɪŋz/
(law) the institution of a sequence of steps by which legal judgments are invoked
From this reading None of them saw Paul when he entered the gate to Mr. Bissell's premises, though his curiosity prompted him to stand there a few minutes to observe the proceedings of the party.
promptedverbUS /ˈprɑːmptɪd/
past form of “prompt” — give an incentive for action
From this reading None of them saw Paul when he entered the gate to Mr. Bissell's premises, though his curiosity prompted him to stand there a few minutes to observe the proceedings of the party.
past form of “propose” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading He expected to see nothing more than a sort of reception of the magnate, who was evidently to be their passenger to Sandy Point, and the students proposed to take him to the scene of the afternoon's sport in state.
receptionnounUS /rɪˈsepʃən/
the manner in which something is greeted
From this reading He expected to see nothing more than a sort of reception of the magnate, who was evidently to be their passenger to Sandy Point, and the students proposed to take him to the scene of the afternoon's sport in state.
a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information
From this reading Paul Bristol saw the conference between the six Chesterfield students and Major Billcord; but he could not hear what passed between them, and had no suspicion that he was the subject of remark.
RUFFIANS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE MISSION OF THE SIX RUFFIANS.
SandyadjectiveUS /ˈsændi/
of hair color; pale yellowish to yellowish brown
From this reading He expected to see nothing more than a sort of reception of the magnate, who was evidently to be their passenger to Sandy Point, and the students proposed to take him to the scene of the afternoon's sport in state.
cut with a saw
From this reading Paul Bristol saw the conference between the six Chesterfield students and Major Billcord; but he could not hear what passed between them, and had no suspicion that he was the subject of remark.
the place where some action occurs
From this reading He expected to see nothing more than a sort of reception of the magnate, who was evidently to be their passenger to Sandy Point, and the students proposed to take him to the scene of the afternoon's sport in state.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading He expected to see nothing more than a sort of reception of the magnate, who was evidently to be their passenger to Sandy Point, and the students proposed to take him to the scene of the afternoon's sport in state.
selectedadjectiveUS /səˈlektɪd/
chosen in preference to another
From this reading But Major Billcord appeared to have selected the six ruffians best suited to the undertaking in which they were to engage.
the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
From this reading THE MISSION OF THE SIX RUFFIANS.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading He expected to see nothing more than a sort of reception of the magnate, who was evidently to be their passenger to Sandy Point, and the students proposed to take him to the scene of the afternoon's sport in state.
an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition
From this reading He expected to see nothing more than a sort of reception of the magnate, who was evidently to be their passenger to Sandy Point, and the students proposed to take him to the scene of the afternoon's sport in state.
be standing; be upright
From this reading None of them saw Paul when he entered the gate to Mr. Bissell's premises, though his curiosity prompted him to stand there a few minutes to observe the proceedings of the party.
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading He expected to see nothing more than a sort of reception of the magnate, who was evidently to be their passenger to Sandy Point, and the students proposed to take him to the scene of the afternoon's sport in state.
studentsnounUS /ˈstuːdənts/
plural of “student” — a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution
From this reading Paul Bristol saw the conference between the six Chesterfield students and Major Billcord; but he could not hear what passed between them, and had no suspicion that he was the subject of remark.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading Paul Bristol saw the conference between the six Chesterfield students and Major Billcord; but he could not hear what passed between them, and had no suspicion that he was the subject of remark.
suitedadjectiveUS /ˈsuːtɪd/
meant or adapted for an occasion or use
From this reading But Major Billcord appeared to have selected the six ruffians best suited to the undertaking in which they were to engage.
an impression that something might be the case
From this reading Paul Bristol saw the conference between the six Chesterfield students and Major Billcord; but he could not hear what passed between them, and had no suspicion that he was the subject of remark.
carry out
From this reading He expected to see nothing more than a sort of reception of the magnate, who was evidently to be their passenger to Sandy Point, and the students proposed to take him to the scene of the afternoon's sport in state.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading He expected to see nothing more than a sort of reception of the magnate, who was evidently to be their passenger to Sandy Point, and the students proposed to take him to the scene of the afternoon's sport in state.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Paul Bristol saw the conference between the six Chesterfield students and Major Billcord; but he could not hear what passed between them, and had no suspicion that he was the subject of remark.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE MISSION OF THE SIX RUFFIANS.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading He expected to see nothing more than a sort of reception of the magnate, who was evidently to be their passenger to Sandy Point, and the students proposed to take him to the scene of the afternoon's sport in state.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Paul Bristol saw the conference between the six Chesterfield students and Major Billcord; but he could not hear what passed between them, and had no suspicion that he was the subject of remark.
in or at that place or location
From this reading None of them saw Paul when he entered the gate to Mr. Bissell's premises, though his curiosity prompted him to stand there a few minutes to observe the proceedings of the party.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But Major Billcord appeared to have selected the six ruffians best suited to the undertaking in which they were to engage.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading None of them saw Paul when he entered the gate to Mr. Bissell's premises, though his curiosity prompted him to stand there a few minutes to observe the proceedings of the party.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading None of them saw Paul when he entered the gate to Mr. Bissell's premises, though his curiosity prompted him to stand there a few minutes to observe the proceedings of the party.
undertakingnounUS /ˈʌndərteɪkɪŋ/
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading But Major Billcord appeared to have selected the six ruffians best suited to the undertaking in which they were to engage.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Paul Bristol saw the conference between the six Chesterfield students and Major Billcord; but he could not hear what passed between them, and had no suspicion that he was the subject of remark.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading But Major Billcord appeared to have selected the six ruffians best suited to the undertaking in which they were to engage.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Paul Bristol saw the conference between the six Chesterfield students and Major Billcord; but he could not hear what passed between them, and had no suspicion that he was the subject of remark.
at the time that
From this reading None of them saw Paul when he entered the gate to Mr. Bissell's premises, though his curiosity prompted him to stand there a few minutes to observe the proceedings of the party.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading But Major Billcord appeared to have selected the six ruffians best suited to the undertaking in which they were to engage.
which person or people
From this reading He expected to see nothing more than a sort of reception of the magnate, who was evidently to be their passenger to Sandy Point, and the students proposed to take him to the scene of the afternoon's sport in state.
