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 She made a hasty escape after the tea-serving hour and hurried home.

later than; following

From this reading She made a hasty escape after the tea-serving hour and hurried home.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

plural of “alley” — a narrow street with walls on both sides

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

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

From this reading A black cat came slinking around the corner of an old gray-brick stable, disappeared for a moment in a passage, and a moment later she saw him spring to the top of a rotting board fence, pause, and then lightly let himself down into the shadow of the other side.

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

From this reading She made a hasty escape after the tea-serving hour and hurried home.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading A black cat came slinking around the corner of an old gray-brick stable, disappeared for a moment in a passage, and a moment later she saw him spring to the top of a rotting board fence, pause, and then lightly let himself down into the shadow of the other side.

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

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

the residue that remains when something is burned

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something

From this reading She avoided Maida, who in her turn seemed disposed to avoid her.

past form of “avoid” — stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something

From this reading She avoided Maida, who in her turn seemed disposed to avoid her.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading A black cat came slinking around the corner of an old gray-brick stable, disappeared for a moment in a passage, and a moment later she saw him spring to the top of a rotting board fence, pause, and then lightly let himself down into the shadow of the other side.

a committee having supervisory powers

From this reading A black cat came slinking around the corner of an old gray-brick stable, disappeared for a moment in a passage, and a moment later she saw him spring to the top of a rotting board fence, pause, and then lightly let himself down into the shadow of the other side.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading A black cat came slinking around the corner of an old gray-brick stable, disappeared for a moment in a passage, and a moment later she saw him spring to the top of a rotting board fence, pause, and then lightly let himself down into the shadow of the other side.

plural of “can” — airtight sealed metal container for food or drink or paint etc.

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats

From this reading A black cat came slinking around the corner of an old gray-brick stable, disappeared for a moment in a passage, and a moment later she saw him spring to the top of a rotting board fence, pause, and then lightly let himself down into the shadow of the other side.

one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading A black cat came slinking around the corner of an old gray-brick stable, disappeared for a moment in a passage, and a moment later she saw him spring to the top of a rotting board fence, pause, and then lightly let himself down into the shadow of the other side.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading The rest of that troublous day passed hazily for Mary Louise.

a process of becoming deeper and more profound

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

past form of “disappear” — get lost, as without warning or explanation

From this reading A black cat came slinking around the corner of an old gray-brick stable, disappeared for a moment in a passage, and a moment later she saw him spring to the top of a rotting board fence, pause, and then lightly let himself down into the shadow of the other side.

having made preparations

From this reading She avoided Maida, who in her turn seemed disposed to avoid her.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

the act of escaping physically

From this reading She made a hasty escape after the tea-serving hour and hurried home.

enclose with a fence

From this reading A black cat came slinking around the corner of an old gray-brick stable, disappeared for a moment in a passage, and a moment later she saw him spring to the top of a rotting board fence, pause, and then lightly let himself down into the shadow of the other side.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The rest of that troublous day passed hazily for Mary Louise.

food that is discarded (as from a kitchen)

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

an alert and refreshed state

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

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

From this reading A black cat came slinking around the corner of an old gray-brick stable, disappeared for a moment in a passage, and a moment later she saw him spring to the top of a rotting board fence, pause, and then lightly let himself down into the shadow of the other side.

excessively quick

From this reading She made a hasty escape after the tea-serving hour and hurried home.

through a haze

From this reading The rest of that troublous day passed hazily for Mary Louise.

a large number or amount

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

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

From this reading She avoided Maida, who in her turn seemed disposed to avoid her.

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

From this reading A black cat came slinking around the corner of an old gray-brick stable, disappeared for a moment in a passage, and a moment later she saw him spring to the top of a rotting board fence, pause, and then lightly let himself down into the shadow of the other side.

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

From this reading A black cat came slinking around the corner of an old gray-brick stable, disappeared for a moment in a passage, and a moment later she saw him spring to the top of a rotting board fence, pause, and then lightly let himself down into the shadow of the other side.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading She made a hasty escape after the tea-serving hour and hurried home.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading She made a hasty escape after the tea-serving hour and hurried home.

moving rapidly or performed quickly or in great haste

From this reading She made a hasty escape after the tea-serving hour and hurried home.

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

From this reading She avoided Maida, who in her turn seemed disposed to avoid her.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading A black cat came slinking around the corner of an old gray-brick stable, disappeared for a moment in a passage, and a moment later she saw him spring to the top of a rotting board fence, pause, and then lightly let himself down into the shadow of the other side.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading A black cat came slinking around the corner of an old gray-brick stable, disappeared for a moment in a passage, and a moment later she saw him spring to the top of a rotting board fence, pause, and then lightly let himself down into the shadow of the other side.

without good reason

From this reading A black cat came slinking around the corner of an old gray-brick stable, disappeared for a moment in a passage, and a moment later she saw him spring to the top of a rotting board fence, pause, and then lightly let himself down into the shadow of the other side.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

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

From this reading The rest of that troublous day passed hazily for Mary Louise.

past form of “lurk” — lie in wait, lie in ambush, behave in a sneaky and secretive manner

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading She made a hasty escape after the tea-serving hour and hurried home.

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

From this reading She avoided Maida, who in her turn seemed disposed to avoid her.

the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics

From this reading The rest of that troublous day passed hazily for Mary Louise.

a particular point in time

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

plural of “nook” — a sheltered and secluded place

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The rest of that troublous day passed hazily for Mary Louise.

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

From this reading A black cat came slinking around the corner of an old gray-brick stable, disappeared for a moment in a passage, and a moment later she saw him spring to the top of a rotting board fence, pause, and then lightly let himself down into the shadow of the other side.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading A black cat came slinking around the corner of an old gray-brick stable, disappeared for a moment in a passage, and a moment later she saw him spring to the top of a rotting board fence, pause, and then lightly let himself down into the shadow of the other side.

plural of “palm” — the inner surface of the hand from the wrist to the base of the fingers

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading A black cat came slinking around the corner of an old gray-brick stable, disappeared for a moment in a passage, and a moment later she saw him spring to the top of a rotting board fence, pause, and then lightly let himself down into the shadow of the other side.

plural of “passage” — the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading The rest of that troublous day passed hazily for Mary Louise.

a time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something

From this reading A black cat came slinking around the corner of an old gray-brick stable, disappeared for a moment in a passage, and a moment later she saw him spring to the top of a rotting board fence, pause, and then lightly let himself down into the shadow of the other side.

past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

plural of “recess” — a state of abeyance or suspended business

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading The rest of that troublous day passed hazily for Mary Louise.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

(biology) the process of decay caused by bacterial or fungal action

From this reading A black cat came slinking around the corner of an old gray-brick stable, disappeared for a moment in a passage, and a moment later she saw him spring to the top of a rotting board fence, pause, and then lightly let himself down into the shadow of the other side.

worthless material that is to be disposed of

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

inclined to a healthy reddish color often associated with outdoor life

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

cut with a saw

From this reading A black cat came slinking around the corner of an old gray-brick stable, disappeared for a moment in a passage, and a moment later she saw him spring to the top of a rotting board fence, pause, and then lightly let himself down into the shadow of the other side.

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

From this reading She avoided Maida, who in her turn seemed disposed to avoid her.

the context and environment in which something is set

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading A black cat came slinking around the corner of an old gray-brick stable, disappeared for a moment in a passage, and a moment later she saw him spring to the top of a rotting board fence, pause, and then lightly let himself down into the shadow of the other side.

plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

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

From this reading She avoided Maida, who in her turn seemed disposed to avoid her.

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

From this reading A black cat came slinking around the corner of an old gray-brick stable, disappeared for a moment in a passage, and a moment later she saw him spring to the top of a rotting board fence, pause, and then lightly let himself down into the shadow of the other side.

structural member consisting of a continuous horizontal timber forming the lowest member of a framework or supporting structure

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

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

From this reading A black cat came slinking around the corner of an old gray-brick stable, disappeared for a moment in a passage, and a moment later she saw him spring to the top of a rotting board fence, pause, and then lightly let himself down into the shadow of the other side.

a tall tower that forms the superstructure of a building (usually a church or temple) and that tapers to a point at the top

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

the season of growth

From this reading A black cat came slinking around the corner of an old gray-brick stable, disappeared for a moment in a passage, and a moment later she saw him spring to the top of a rotting board fence, pause, and then lightly let himself down into the shadow of the other side.

resistant to change of position or condition

From this reading A black cat came slinking around the corner of an old gray-brick stable, disappeared for a moment in a passage, and a moment later she saw him spring to the top of a rotting board fence, pause, and then lightly let himself down into the shadow of the other side.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

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

From this reading She made a hasty escape after the tea-serving hour and hurried home.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The rest of that troublous day passed hazily for Mary Louise.

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

From this reading The rest of that troublous day passed hazily for Mary Louise.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading A black cat came slinking around the corner of an old gray-brick stable, disappeared for a moment in a passage, and a moment later she saw him spring to the top of a rotting board fence, pause, and then lightly let himself down into the shadow of the other side.

inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

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

From this reading She avoided Maida, who in her turn seemed disposed to avoid her.

the upper part of anything

From this reading A black cat came slinking around the corner of an old gray-brick stable, disappeared for a moment in a passage, and a moment later she saw him spring to the top of a rotting board fence, pause, and then lightly let himself down into the shadow of the other side.

full of trouble

From this reading The rest of that troublous day passed hazily for Mary Louise.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading She avoided Maida, who in her turn seemed disposed to avoid her.

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

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

in or at the place that

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

which person or people

From this reading She avoided Maida, who in her turn seemed disposed to avoid her.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The sun was setting as she entered her room; the tall spire of the First Church was all ruddy with the glow of it as she threw open the window, and as she paused for a moment with palms on the sill, she looked down into the deepening shadows of back passages and alleys, nooks and recesses, where lurked ash and garbage cans and heaps of rubbish.