Chapter XIII · A Clever Idea

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

From this reading Abington saw the teary warning of the pen going dry and dropping blots on the book, and signed his name as a witness before all the ink ran out.

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

From this reading Abington saw the teary warning of the pen going dry and dropping blots on the book, and signed his name as a witness before all the ink ran out.

(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 Abington saw the teary warning of the pen going dry and dropping blots on the book, and signed his name as a witness before all the ink ran out.

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

From this reading Bill threw back his shoulders with an unconscious gesture of relief, and stepped away.

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

From this reading Abington saw the teary warning of the pen going dry and dropping blots on the book, and signed his name as a witness before all the ink ran out.

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

From this reading Abington saw the teary warning of the pen going dry and dropping blots on the book, and signed his name as a witness before all the ink ran out.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Bill threw back his shoulders with an unconscious gesture of relief, and stepped away.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Bill threw back his shoulders with an unconscious gesture of relief, and stepped away.

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

From this reading “Now, die and be damned to you!” he said as he turned his back and walked off.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

a statute in draft before it becomes law

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

plural of “blot” — a blemish made by dirt

From this reading Abington saw the teary warning of the pen going dry and dropping blots on the book, and signed his name as a witness before all the ink ran out.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading Abington saw the teary warning of the pen going dry and dropping blots on the book, and signed his name as a witness before all the ink ran out.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

(United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

expletives used informally as intensifiers

From this reading “Now, die and be damned to you!” he said as he turned his back and walked off.

pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading “Now, die and be damned to you!” he said as he turned his back and walked off.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading The thing was done.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

compelled forcibly by an outside agency

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

coming down freely under the influence of gravity

From this reading Abington saw the teary warning of the pen going dry and dropping blots on the book, and signed his name as a witness before all the ink ran out.

free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet

From this reading Abington saw the teary warning of the pen going dry and dropping blots on the book, and signed his name as a witness before all the ink ran out.

the point or degree to which something extends

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

motion of hands or body to emphasize or help to express a thought or feeling

From this reading Bill threw back his shoulders with an unconscious gesture of relief, and stepped away.

the act of departing

From this reading Abington saw the teary warning of the pen going dry and dropping blots on the book, and signed his name as a witness before all the ink ran out.

the state of having committed an offense

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

disabled in the feet or legs

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

-ing form of “hate” — dislike intensely; feel antipathy or aversion towards

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

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

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

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

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

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

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

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

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

a liquid used for printing or writing or drawing

From this reading Abington saw the teary warning of the pen going dry and dropping blots on the book, and signed his name as a witness before all the ink ran out.

arousing or holding the attention

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

a small worthless amount

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

engage in

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading “Now, die and be damned to you!” he said as he turned his back and walked off.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading “Now, die and be damned to you!” he said as he turned his back and walked off.

plural of “official” — a worker who holds or is invested with an office

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Abington saw the teary warning of the pen going dry and dropping blots on the book, and signed his name as a witness before all the ink ran out.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Abington saw the teary warning of the pen going dry and dropping blots on the book, and signed his name as a witness before all the ink ran out.

plural of “page” — one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

a writing implement with a point from which ink flows

From this reading Abington saw the teary warning of the pen going dry and dropping blots on the book, and signed his name as a witness before all the ink ran out.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

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

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading Abington saw the teary warning of the pen going dry and dropping blots on the book, and signed his name as a witness before all the ink ran out.

the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced

From this reading Bill threw back his shoulders with an unconscious gesture of relief, and stepped away.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “Now, die and be damned to you!” he said as he turned his back and walked off.

cut with a saw

From this reading Abington saw the teary warning of the pen going dry and dropping blots on the book, and signed his name as a witness before all the ink ran out.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm

From this reading Bill threw back his shoulders with an unconscious gesture of relief, and stepped away.

having a handwritten signature

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step

From this reading Bill threw back his shoulders with an unconscious gesture of relief, and stepped away.

with eyes full of tears

From this reading Abington saw the teary warning of the pen going dry and dropping blots on the book, and signed his name as a witness before all the ink ran out.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

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

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

a special situation

From this reading The thing was done.

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

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading Bill threw back his shoulders with an unconscious gesture of relief, and stepped away.

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

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading “Now, die and be damned to you!” he said as he turned his back and walked off.

not conscious; lacking awareness and the capacity for sensory perception as if asleep or dead

From this reading Bill threw back his shoulders with an unconscious gesture of relief, and stepped away.

past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps

From this reading “Now, die and be damned to you!” he said as he turned his back and walked off.

a message informing of danger

From this reading Abington saw the teary warning of the pen going dry and dropping blots on the book, and signed his name as a witness before all the ink ran out.

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

From this reading The thing was done.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Bill threw back his shoulders with an unconscious gesture of relief, and stepped away.

someone who sees an event and reports what happened

From this reading Abington saw the teary warning of the pen going dry and dropping blots on the book, and signed his name as a witness before all the ink ran out.

the words that are spoken

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

inflected form of “write” — produce a literary work

From this reading Halting, hating to set down in plain words the full extent of his guilt, driven to it by the relentless promptings of Bill, Jack Huntley wrote three precious pages, that would make interesting reading for the county officials, before he signed his name.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “Now, die and be damned to you!” he said as he turned his back and walked off.