Chapter XI · Chapter 11

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

From this reading Gambardella knocked at the door of San Domenico twice in quick succession, and then again once after a short interval.

inflected form of “admit” — declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading He found himself in a high and vaulted vestibule which received light from the cloistered garden round which the convent was built, and he was at once confronted by the portress, who seemed much surprised when she saw that she had admitted a fine gentleman.

later than; following

From this reading Gambardella knocked at the door of San Domenico twice in quick succession, and then again once after a short interval.

anew

From this reading Gambardella knocked at the door of San Domenico twice in quick succession, and then again once after a short interval.

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

From this reading Instead of drawing back the small sliding panel in the weather-beaten door to see who was outside and to ask his errand, the portress opened the postern on one side almost immediately, without showing herself, and Gambardella slipped in unchallenged and shut it after him.

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

From this reading Gambardella knocked at the door of San Domenico twice in quick succession, and then again once after a short interval.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading For reasons known to himself he had not hesitated to begin his inquiries for Ortensia at the old Dominican convent then occupied by the nuns of Saint Ursula, and it was at once apparent that his knock inspired confidence.

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading Instead of drawing back the small sliding panel in the weather-beaten door to see who was outside and to ask his errand, the portress opened the postern on one side almost immediately, without showing herself, and Gambardella slipped in unchallenged and shut it after him.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Gambardella knocked at the door of San Domenico twice in quick succession, and then again once after a short interval.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Instead of drawing back the small sliding panel in the weather-beaten door to see who was outside and to ask his errand, the portress opened the postern on one side almost immediately, without showing herself, and Gambardella slipped in unchallenged and shut it after him.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Gambardella bowed respectfully before he spoke.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading For reasons known to himself he had not hesitated to begin his inquiries for Ortensia at the old Dominican convent then occupied by the nuns of Saint Ursula, and it was at once apparent that his knock inspired confidence.

of a stringed instrument; sounded by stroking with a bow

From this reading Gambardella bowed respectfully before he spoke.

(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness

From this reading He found himself in a high and vaulted vestibule which received light from the cloistered garden round which the convent was built, and he was at once confronted by the portress, who seemed much surprised when she saw that she had admitted a fine gentleman.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading For reasons known to himself he had not hesitated to begin his inquiries for Ortensia at the old Dominican convent then occupied by the nuns of Saint Ursula, and it was at once apparent that his knock inspired confidence.

of communal life sequestered from the world under religious vows

From this reading He found himself in a high and vaulted vestibule which received light from the cloistered garden round which the convent was built, and he was at once confronted by the portress, who seemed much surprised when she saw that she had admitted a fine gentleman.

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading For reasons known to himself he had not hesitated to begin his inquiries for Ortensia at the old Dominican convent then occupied by the nuns of Saint Ursula, and it was at once apparent that his knock inspired confidence.

past form of “confront” — oppose, as in hostility or a competition

From this reading He found himself in a high and vaulted vestibule which received light from the cloistered garden round which the convent was built, and he was at once confronted by the portress, who seemed much surprised when she saw that she had admitted a fine gentleman.

a religious residence especially for nuns

From this reading For reasons known to himself he had not hesitated to begin his inquiries for Ortensia at the old Dominican convent then occupied by the nuns of Saint Ursula, and it was at once apparent that his knock inspired confidence.

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

From this reading Gambardella knocked at the door of San Domenico twice in quick succession, and then again once after a short interval.

a Roman Catholic friar wearing the black mantle of the Dominican order

From this reading For reasons known to himself he had not hesitated to begin his inquiries for Ortensia at the old Dominican convent then occupied by the nuns of Saint Ursula, and it was at once apparent that his knock inspired confidence.

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

From this reading Gambardella knocked at the door of San Domenico twice in quick succession, and then again once after a short interval.

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

From this reading Instead of drawing back the small sliding panel in the weather-beaten door to see who was outside and to ask his errand, the portress opened the postern on one side almost immediately, without showing herself, and Gambardella slipped in unchallenged and shut it after him.

a short trip that is taken in the performance of a necessary task or mission

From this reading Instead of drawing back the small sliding panel in the weather-beaten door to see who was outside and to ask his errand, the portress opened the postern on one side almost immediately, without showing herself, and Gambardella slipped in unchallenged and shut it after him.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading He found himself in a high and vaulted vestibule which received light from the cloistered garden round which the convent was built, and he was at once confronted by the portress, who seemed much surprised when she saw that she had admitted a fine gentleman.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For reasons known to himself he had not hesitated to begin his inquiries for Ortensia at the old Dominican convent then occupied by the nuns of Saint Ursula, and it was at once apparent that his knock inspired confidence.

set up or found

From this reading He found himself in a high and vaulted vestibule which received light from the cloistered garden round which the convent was built, and he was at once confronted by the portress, who seemed much surprised when she saw that she had admitted a fine gentleman.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He found himself in a high and vaulted vestibule which received light from the cloistered garden round which the convent was built, and he was at once confronted by the portress, who seemed much surprised when she saw that she had admitted a fine gentleman.

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

From this reading Gambardella knocked at the door of San Domenico twice in quick succession, and then again once after a short interval.

a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading He found himself in a high and vaulted vestibule which received light from the cloistered garden round which the convent was built, and he was at once confronted by the portress, who seemed much surprised when she saw that she had admitted a fine gentleman.

a man of refinement

From this reading He found himself in a high and vaulted vestibule which received light from the cloistered garden round which the convent was built, and he was at once confronted by the portress, who seemed much surprised when she saw that she had admitted a fine gentleman.

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

From this reading For reasons known to himself he had not hesitated to begin his inquiries for Ortensia at the old Dominican convent then occupied by the nuns of Saint Ursula, and it was at once apparent that his knock inspired confidence.

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

From this reading For reasons known to himself he had not hesitated to begin his inquiries for Ortensia at the old Dominican convent then occupied by the nuns of Saint Ursula, and it was at once apparent that his knock inspired confidence.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading Instead of drawing back the small sliding panel in the weather-beaten door to see who was outside and to ask his errand, the portress opened the postern on one side almost immediately, without showing herself, and Gambardella slipped in unchallenged and shut it after him.

past form of “hesitate” — pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness

From this reading For reasons known to himself he had not hesitated to begin his inquiries for Ortensia at the old Dominican convent then occupied by the nuns of Saint Ursula, and it was at once apparent that his knock inspired confidence.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading He found himself in a high and vaulted vestibule which received light from the cloistered garden round which the convent was built, and he was at once confronted by the portress, who seemed much surprised when she saw that she had admitted a fine gentleman.

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

From this reading Instead of drawing back the small sliding panel in the weather-beaten door to see who was outside and to ask his errand, the portress opened the postern on one side almost immediately, without showing herself, and Gambardella slipped in unchallenged and shut it after him.

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

From this reading For reasons known to himself he had not hesitated to begin his inquiries for Ortensia at the old Dominican convent then occupied by the nuns of Saint Ursula, and it was at once apparent that his knock inspired confidence.

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

From this reading For reasons known to himself he had not hesitated to begin his inquiries for Ortensia at the old Dominican convent then occupied by the nuns of Saint Ursula, and it was at once apparent that his knock inspired confidence.

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading Instead of drawing back the small sliding panel in the weather-beaten door to see who was outside and to ask his errand, the portress opened the postern on one side almost immediately, without showing herself, and Gambardella slipped in unchallenged and shut it after him.

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

From this reading Gambardella knocked at the door of San Domenico twice in quick succession, and then again once after a short interval.

plural of “inquiry” — a search for knowledge

From this reading For reasons known to himself he had not hesitated to begin his inquiries for Ortensia at the old Dominican convent then occupied by the nuns of Saint Ursula, and it was at once apparent that his knock inspired confidence.

being of such surpassing excellence as to suggest inspiration by the gods

From this reading For reasons known to himself he had not hesitated to begin his inquiries for Ortensia at the old Dominican convent then occupied by the nuns of Saint Ursula, and it was at once apparent that his knock inspired confidence.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading Instead of drawing back the small sliding panel in the weather-beaten door to see who was outside and to ask his errand, the portress opened the postern on one side almost immediately, without showing herself, and Gambardella slipped in unchallenged and shut it after him.

a definite length of time marked off by two instants

From this reading Gambardella knocked at the door of San Domenico twice in quick succession, and then again once after a short interval.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading For reasons known to himself he had not hesitated to begin his inquiries for Ortensia at the old Dominican convent then occupied by the nuns of Saint Ursula, and it was at once apparent that his knock inspired confidence.

deliver a sharp blow or push

From this reading For reasons known to himself he had not hesitated to begin his inquiries for Ortensia at the old Dominican convent then occupied by the nuns of Saint Ursula, and it was at once apparent that his knock inspired confidence.

past form of “knock” — deliver a sharp blow or push

From this reading Gambardella knocked at the door of San Domenico twice in quick succession, and then again once after a short interval.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading For reasons known to himself he had not hesitated to begin his inquiries for Ortensia at the old Dominican convent then occupied by the nuns of Saint Ursula, and it was at once apparent that his knock inspired confidence.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading He found himself in a high and vaulted vestibule which received light from the cloistered garden round which the convent was built, and he was at once confronted by the portress, who seemed much surprised when she saw that she had admitted a fine gentleman.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading He found himself in a high and vaulted vestibule which received light from the cloistered garden round which the convent was built, and he was at once confronted by the portress, who seemed much surprised when she saw that she had admitted a fine gentleman.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading For reasons known to himself he had not hesitated to begin his inquiries for Ortensia at the old Dominican convent then occupied by the nuns of Saint Ursula, and it was at once apparent that his knock inspired confidence.

plural of “nun” — a woman religious

From this reading For reasons known to himself he had not hesitated to begin his inquiries for Ortensia at the old Dominican convent then occupied by the nuns of Saint Ursula, and it was at once apparent that his knock inspired confidence.

held or filled or in use

From this reading For reasons known to himself he had not hesitated to begin his inquiries for Ortensia at the old Dominican convent then occupied by the nuns of Saint Ursula, and it was at once apparent that his knock inspired confidence.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Gambardella knocked at the door of San Domenico twice in quick succession, and then again once after a short interval.

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

From this reading For reasons known to himself he had not hesitated to begin his inquiries for Ortensia at the old Dominican convent then occupied by the nuns of Saint Ursula, and it was at once apparent that his knock inspired confidence.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Instead of drawing back the small sliding panel in the weather-beaten door to see who was outside and to ask his errand, the portress opened the postern on one side almost immediately, without showing herself, and Gambardella slipped in unchallenged and shut it after him.

on one occasion

From this reading Gambardella knocked at the door of San Domenico twice in quick succession, and then again once after a short interval.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Instead of drawing back the small sliding panel in the weather-beaten door to see who was outside and to ask his errand, the portress opened the postern on one side almost immediately, without showing herself, and Gambardella slipped in unchallenged and shut it after him.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading Instead of drawing back the small sliding panel in the weather-beaten door to see who was outside and to ask his errand, the portress opened the postern on one side almost immediately, without showing herself, and Gambardella slipped in unchallenged and shut it after him.

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

From this reading For reasons known to himself he had not hesitated to begin his inquiries for Ortensia at the old Dominican convent then occupied by the nuns of Saint Ursula, and it was at once apparent that his knock inspired confidence.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading Instead of drawing back the small sliding panel in the weather-beaten door to see who was outside and to ask his errand, the portress opened the postern on one side almost immediately, without showing herself, and Gambardella slipped in unchallenged and shut it after him.

sheet that forms a distinct (usually flat and rectangular) section or component of something

From this reading Instead of drawing back the small sliding panel in the weather-beaten door to see who was outside and to ask his errand, the portress opened the postern on one side almost immediately, without showing herself, and Gambardella slipped in unchallenged and shut it after him.

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

From this reading Instead of drawing back the small sliding panel in the weather-beaten door to see who was outside and to ask his errand, the portress opened the postern on one side almost immediately, without showing herself, and Gambardella slipped in unchallenged and shut it after him.

a small gate in the rear of a fort or castle

From this reading Instead of drawing back the small sliding panel in the weather-beaten door to see who was outside and to ask his errand, the portress opened the postern on one side almost immediately, without showing herself, and Gambardella slipped in unchallenged and shut it after him.

accomplished rapidly and without delay

From this reading Gambardella knocked at the door of San Domenico twice in quick succession, and then again once after a short interval.

plural of “reason” — a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading For reasons known to himself he had not hesitated to begin his inquiries for Ortensia at the old Dominican convent then occupied by the nuns of Saint Ursula, and it was at once apparent that his knock inspired confidence.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading He found himself in a high and vaulted vestibule which received light from the cloistered garden round which the convent was built, and he was at once confronted by the portress, who seemed much surprised when she saw that she had admitted a fine gentleman.

in a respectful manner

From this reading Gambardella bowed respectfully before he spoke.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading He found himself in a high and vaulted vestibule which received light from the cloistered garden round which the convent was built, and he was at once confronted by the portress, who seemed much surprised when she saw that she had admitted a fine gentleman.

a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization

From this reading For reasons known to himself he had not hesitated to begin his inquiries for Ortensia at the old Dominican convent then occupied by the nuns of Saint Ursula, and it was at once apparent that his knock inspired confidence.

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

From this reading Gambardella knocked at the door of San Domenico twice in quick succession, and then again once after a short interval.

cut with a saw

From this reading He found himself in a high and vaulted vestibule which received light from the cloistered garden round which the convent was built, and he was at once confronted by the portress, who seemed much surprised when she saw that she had admitted a fine gentleman.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Instead of drawing back the small sliding panel in the weather-beaten door to see who was outside and to ask his errand, the portress opened the postern on one side almost immediately, without showing herself, and Gambardella slipped in unchallenged and shut it after him.

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

From this reading He found himself in a high and vaulted vestibule which received light from the cloistered garden round which the convent was built, and he was at once confronted by the portress, who seemed much surprised when she saw that she had admitted a fine gentleman.

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

From this reading He found himself in a high and vaulted vestibule which received light from the cloistered garden round which the convent was built, and he was at once confronted by the portress, who seemed much surprised when she saw that she had admitted a fine gentleman.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading Gambardella knocked at the door of San Domenico twice in quick succession, and then again once after a short interval.

the display of a motion picture

From this reading Instead of drawing back the small sliding panel in the weather-beaten door to see who was outside and to ask his errand, the portress opened the postern on one side almost immediately, without showing herself, and Gambardella slipped in unchallenged and shut it after him.

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

From this reading Instead of drawing back the small sliding panel in the weather-beaten door to see who was outside and to ask his errand, the portress opened the postern on one side almost immediately, without showing herself, and Gambardella slipped in unchallenged and shut it after him.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading Instead of drawing back the small sliding panel in the weather-beaten door to see who was outside and to ask his errand, the portress opened the postern on one side almost immediately, without showing herself, and Gambardella slipped in unchallenged and shut it after him.

being a smooth continuous motion

From this reading Instead of drawing back the small sliding panel in the weather-beaten door to see who was outside and to ask his errand, the portress opened the postern on one side almost immediately, without showing herself, and Gambardella slipped in unchallenged and shut it after him.

inflected form of “slip” — move stealthily

From this reading Instead of drawing back the small sliding panel in the weather-beaten door to see who was outside and to ask his errand, the portress opened the postern on one side almost immediately, without showing herself, and Gambardella slipped in unchallenged and shut it after him.

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

From this reading Instead of drawing back the small sliding panel in the weather-beaten door to see who was outside and to ask his errand, the portress opened the postern on one side almost immediately, without showing herself, and Gambardella slipped in unchallenged and shut it after him.

support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim

From this reading Gambardella bowed respectfully before he spoke.

a following of one thing after another in time

From this reading Gambardella knocked at the door of San Domenico twice in quick succession, and then again once after a short interval.

taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment

From this reading He found himself in a high and vaulted vestibule which received light from the cloistered garden round which the convent was built, and he was at once confronted by the portress, who seemed much surprised when she saw that she had admitted a fine gentleman.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading For reasons known to himself he had not hesitated to begin his inquiries for Ortensia at the old Dominican convent then occupied by the nuns of Saint Ursula, and it was at once apparent that his knock inspired confidence.

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

From this reading Gambardella knocked at the door of San Domenico twice in quick succession, and then again once after a short interval.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Gambardella knocked at the door of San Domenico twice in quick succession, and then again once after a short interval.

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

From this reading For reasons known to himself he had not hesitated to begin his inquiries for Ortensia at the old Dominican convent then occupied by the nuns of Saint Ursula, and it was at once apparent that his knock inspired confidence.

two times

From this reading Gambardella knocked at the door of San Domenico twice in quick succession, and then again once after a short interval.

generally agreed upon; not subject to dispute

From this reading Instead of drawing back the small sliding panel in the weather-beaten door to see who was outside and to ask his errand, the portress opened the postern on one side almost immediately, without showing herself, and Gambardella slipped in unchallenged and shut it after him.

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

From this reading For reasons known to himself he had not hesitated to begin his inquiries for Ortensia at the old Dominican convent then occupied by the nuns of Saint Ursula, and it was at once apparent that his knock inspired confidence.

having a hemispherical vault or dome

From this reading He found himself in a high and vaulted vestibule which received light from the cloistered garden round which the convent was built, and he was at once confronted by the portress, who seemed much surprised when she saw that she had admitted a fine gentleman.

a large entrance or reception room or area

From this reading He found himself in a high and vaulted vestibule which received light from the cloistered garden round which the convent was built, and he was at once confronted by the portress, who seemed much surprised when she saw that she had admitted a fine gentleman.

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

From this reading For reasons known to himself he had not hesitated to begin his inquiries for Ortensia at the old Dominican convent then occupied by the nuns of Saint Ursula, and it was at once apparent that his knock inspired confidence.

tanned and coarsened from being outdoors

From this reading Instead of drawing back the small sliding panel in the weather-beaten door to see who was outside and to ask his errand, the portress opened the postern on one side almost immediately, without showing herself, and Gambardella slipped in unchallenged and shut it after him.

at the time that

From this reading He found himself in a high and vaulted vestibule which received light from the cloistered garden round which the convent was built, and he was at once confronted by the portress, who seemed much surprised when she saw that she had admitted a fine gentleman.

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

From this reading He found himself in a high and vaulted vestibule which received light from the cloistered garden round which the convent was built, and he was at once confronted by the portress, who seemed much surprised when she saw that she had admitted a fine gentleman.

which person or people

From this reading Instead of drawing back the small sliding panel in the weather-beaten door to see who was outside and to ask his errand, the portress opened the postern on one side almost immediately, without showing herself, and Gambardella slipped in unchallenged and shut it after him.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Instead of drawing back the small sliding panel in the weather-beaten door to see who was outside and to ask his errand, the portress opened the postern on one side almost immediately, without showing herself, and Gambardella slipped in unchallenged and shut it after him.