Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading Just a few running steps down there, a quick rap at the door, and, perhaps, in an instant her uncle's voice, and the blessed power to return to her room and sleep!

offensive to the mind

From this reading While her fear grew she called on her pride to let her accomplish that brief, abhorrent journey.

put in effect

From this reading While her fear grew she called on her pride to let her accomplish that brief, abhorrent journey.

filled with fear or apprehension

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

Having no one else present.

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

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

From this reading Just a few running steps down there, a quick rap at the door, and, perhaps, in an instant her uncle's voice, and the blessed power to return to her room and sleep!

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

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

From this reading Just a few running steps down there, a quick rap at the door, and, perhaps, in an instant her uncle's voice, and the blessed power to return to her room and sleep!

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

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Just a few running steps down there, a quick rap at the door, and, perhaps, in an instant her uncle's voice, and the blessed power to return to her room and sleep!

the past participle of “be”

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

the time when something begins (especially life)

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

highly favored or fortunate (as e.g. by divine grace)

From this reading Just a few running steps down there, a quick rap at the door, and, perhaps, in an instant her uncle's voice, and the blessed power to return to her room and sleep!

of short duration or distance

From this reading While her fear grew she called on her pride to let her accomplish that brief, abhorrent journey.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading While her fear grew she called on her pride to let her accomplish that brief, abhorrent journey.

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

From this reading Then for the first time a different doubt came to her.

stick of wax with a wick in the middle

From this reading Her candle outlined the entrance to the musty corridor.

an enclosed passageway; rooms usually open onto it

From this reading Her candle outlined the entrance to the musty corridor.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading Then for the first time a different doubt came to her.

causing distress or worry or anxiety

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

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

From this reading Just a few running steps down there, a quick rap at the door, and, perhaps, in an instant her uncle's voice, and the blessed power to return to her room and sleep!

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading Then for the first time a different doubt came to her.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Just a few running steps down there, a quick rap at the door, and, perhaps, in an instant her uncle's voice, and the blessed power to return to her room and sleep!

something that provides access (to get in or get out)

From this reading Her candle outlined the entrance to the musty corridor.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading While her fear grew she called on her pride to let her accomplish that brief, abhorrent journey.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Just a few running steps down there, a quick rap at the door, and, perhaps, in an instant her uncle's voice, and the blessed power to return to her room and sleep!

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Then for the first time a different doubt came to her.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Then for the first time a different doubt came to her.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading While her fear grew she called on her pride to let her accomplish that brief, abhorrent journey.

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

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

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

From this reading Her candle outlined the entrance to the musty corridor.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

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

From this reading Just a few running steps down there, a quick rap at the door, and, perhaps, in an instant her uncle's voice, and the blessed power to return to her room and sleep!

a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)

From this reading Just a few running steps down there, a quick rap at the door, and, perhaps, in an instant her uncle's voice, and the blessed power to return to her room and sleep!

close or warm friendship

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

any entry into an area not previously occupied

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

undertake a journey or trip

From this reading While her fear grew she called on her pride to let her accomplish that brief, abhorrent journey.

and nothing more

From this reading Just a few running steps down there, a quick rap at the door, and, perhaps, in an instant her uncle's voice, and the blessed power to return to her room and sleep!

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading While her fear grew she called on her pride to let her accomplish that brief, abhorrent journey.

lie in wait, lie in ambush, behave in a sneaky and secretive manner

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

covered with or smelling of mold

From this reading Her candle outlined the entrance to the musty corridor.

not any; not one

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

belonging to or active during the night

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

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

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading While her fear grew she called on her pride to let her accomplish that brief, abhorrent journey.

showing clearly the outline or profile or boundary

From this reading Her candle outlined the entrance to the musty corridor.

by chance

From this reading Just a few running steps down there, a quick rap at the door, and, perhaps, in an instant her uncle's voice, and the blessed power to return to her room and sleep!

possession of controlling influence

From this reading Just a few running steps down there, a quick rap at the door, and, perhaps, in an instant her uncle's voice, and the blessed power to return to her room and sleep!

a feeling of self-respect and personal worth

From this reading While her fear grew she called on her pride to let her accomplish that brief, abhorrent journey.

accomplished rapidly and without delay

From this reading Just a few running steps down there, a quick rap at the door, and, perhaps, in an instant her uncle's voice, and the blessed power to return to her room and sleep!

a reproach for some lapse or misdeed

From this reading Just a few running steps down there, a quick rap at the door, and, perhaps, in an instant her uncle's voice, and the blessed power to return to her room and sleep!

plural of “recollection” — the ability to recall past occurrences

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading Just a few running steps down there, a quick rap at the door, and, perhaps, in an instant her uncle's voice, and the blessed power to return to her room and sleep!

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

From this reading Just a few running steps down there, a quick rap at the door, and, perhaps, in an instant her uncle's voice, and the blessed power to return to her room and sleep!

(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream

From this reading Just a few running steps down there, a quick rap at the door, and, perhaps, in an instant her uncle's voice, and the blessed power to return to her room and sleep!

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

From this reading While her fear grew she called on her pride to let her accomplish that brief, abhorrent journey.

inflected form of “shrink” — wither, as with a loss of moisture

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended

From this reading Just a few running steps down there, a quick rap at the door, and, perhaps, in an instant her uncle's voice, and the blessed power to return to her room and sleep!

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading Just a few running steps down there, a quick rap at the door, and, perhaps, in an instant her uncle's voice, and the blessed power to return to her room and sleep!

a state of acute pain

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading While her fear grew she called on her pride to let her accomplish that brief, abhorrent journey.

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

From this reading Her candle outlined the entrance to the musty corridor.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then for the first time a different doubt came to her.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Just a few running steps down there, a quick rap at the door, and, perhaps, in an instant her uncle's voice, and the blessed power to return to her room and sleep!

a special situation

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Then for the first time a different doubt came to her.

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

From this reading Her candle outlined the entrance to the musty corridor.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

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

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

possessive form of “uncle” — the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading Just a few running steps down there, a quick rap at the door, and, perhaps, in an instant her uncle's voice, and the blessed power to return to her room and sleep!

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading Just a few running steps down there, a quick rap at the door, and, perhaps, in an instant her uncle's voice, and the blessed power to return to her room and sleep!

past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

during the time that

From this reading While her fear grew she called on her pride to let her accomplish that brief, abhorrent journey.

a movable organ for flying (one of a pair)

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

in the company of; together with

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.

past form of “wonder” — have a wish or desire to know something

From this reading As she waited alone in this disturbing nocturnal intimacy of an old house, she shrank from no thought of human intrusion, and she wondered if her uncle had been afraid of that, too, of the sort of thing that might lurk in the ancient wing with its recollections of birth and suffering and death.