Chapter XXXVIII

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

From this reading The bed was very low, hardly a foot from the ground, so that the women were seated on the floor, leaning against its frame.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

later than; following

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading The bed was very low, hardly a foot from the ground, so that the women were seated on the floor, leaning against its frame.

(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 They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

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

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

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

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

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

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

in a state of sleep

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

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

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

terminate

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

the bodily process of inhalation and exhalation; the process of taking in oxygen from inhaled air and releasing carbon dioxide by exhalation

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

of textures that are rough to the touch or substances consisting of relatively large particles

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

occurring with or following as a consequence

From this reading All four women were weeping silently, and their faces had that worn, haggard expression which is consequent upon long and continuous watching.

continuing in time or space without interruption

From this reading All four women were weeping silently, and their faces had that worn, haggard expression which is consequent upon long and continuous watching.

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

the first light of day

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading All four women were weeping silently, and their faces had that worn, haggard expression which is consequent upon long and continuous watching.

plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading All four women were weeping silently, and their faces had that worn, haggard expression which is consequent upon long and continuous watching.

deficient in magnitude; barely perceptible; lacking clarity or brightness or loudness etc

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

inflected form of “fan” — strike out (a batter), (of a pitcher)

From this reading One was fanning her gently.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading The bed was very low, hardly a foot from the ground, so that the women were seated on the floor, leaning against its frame.

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading All four women were weeping silently, and their faces had that worn, haggard expression which is consequent upon long and continuous watching.

enclose in or as if in a frame

From this reading The bed was very low, hardly a foot from the ground, so that the women were seated on the floor, leaning against its frame.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

plural of “garment” — an article of clothing

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

in a gradual manner

From this reading One was fanning her gently.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading The bed was very low, hardly a foot from the ground, so that the women were seated on the floor, leaning against its frame.

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

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading All four women were weeping silently, and their faces had that worn, haggard expression which is consequent upon long and continuous watching.

only a very short time before

From this reading The bed was very low, hardly a foot from the ground, so that the women were seated on the floor, leaning against its frame.

plural of “head” — the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

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

From this reading One was fanning her gently.

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

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

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

From this reading All four women were weeping silently, and their faces had that worn, haggard expression which is consequent upon long and continuous watching.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The bed was very low, hardly a foot from the ground, so that the women were seated on the floor, leaning against its frame.

and nothing more

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

an artificial source of visible illumination

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

immediately past

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

departing or being caused to depart from the true vertical or horizontal

From this reading The bed was very low, hardly a foot from the ground, so that the women were seated on the floor, leaning against its frame.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

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

From this reading All four women were weeping silently, and their faces had that worn, haggard expression which is consequent upon long and continuous watching.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The bed was very low, hardly a foot from the ground, so that the women were seated on the floor, leaning against its frame.

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

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

the deliberate act of deviating from the truth

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

having notes of fixed rhythmic value

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

a position particularly well suited to the person who occupies it

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One was fanning her gently.

above and across; more than

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

plural of “pair” — a set of two similar things considered as a unit

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

set down or registered in a permanent form especially on film or tape for reproduction

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

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

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks

From this reading The bed was very low, hardly a foot from the ground, so that the women were seated on the floor, leaning against its frame.

a twilled woolen fabric

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

having the beard or hair cut off close to the skin

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

any broad thin expanse or surface

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

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

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

without speaking

From this reading All four women were weeping silently, and their faces had that worn, haggard expression which is consequent upon long and continuous watching.

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

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

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The bed was very low, hardly a foot from the ground, so that the women were seated on the floor, leaning against its frame.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

a village in eastern Ireland (northwest of Dublin); seat of Irish kings until 6th century

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The bed was very low, hardly a foot from the ground, so that the women were seated on the floor, leaning against its frame.

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

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

in or at that place or location

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

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

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

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

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

plural of “turn” — a circular segment of a curve

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

a porch along the outside of a building (sometimes partly enclosed)

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

precisely as stated

From this reading The bed was very low, hardly a foot from the ground, so that the women were seated on the floor, leaning against its frame.

an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

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

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading They had watched all night in pairs by turns, and the dawn was just about to break; but a small lamp, in a niche of the wall, threw a faint light over the room and the verandah beyond, and fell upon a figure lying there, covered in a sheet, which appeared, from its measured breathing, to be asleep.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading All four women were weeping silently, and their faces had that worn, haggard expression which is consequent upon long and continuous watching.

plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

showing sorrow

From this reading All four women were weeping silently, and their faces had that worn, haggard expression which is consequent upon long and continuous watching.

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

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

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

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

plural of “widow” — a woman whose husband is dead especially one who has not remarried

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.

Damaged or thinned by continuous use.

From this reading All four women were weeping silently, and their faces had that worn, haggard expression which is consequent upon long and continuous watching.

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

From this reading Some three weeks after the events recorded in the last chapter, Zyna and Lurlee were sitting near the foot of the bed on which Tara was lying, and two Brahmun women--widows, as appeared from their shaven heads and coarse serge garments--sat on each side of it.