Chapter XVII · Chapter 17

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

From this reading When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering sound.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading Aware that the teachers and servants were retired to rest, she could not account for the circumstance; she now heard doors slowly opening, and was persuaded that different persons were passing her room.

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

From this reading When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering sound.

farther along in physical or mental development

From this reading Alarmed, but at the same time collected, she cautiously opened her own door; and perceiving a glimmering light proceed from the chamber where her daughter's remains were laid, resolved to be satisfied, and with light, slow steps, advanced to the spot.

experiencing a sudden sense of danger

From this reading Alarmed, but at the same time collected, she cautiously opened her own door; and perceiving a glimmering light proceed from the chamber where her daughter's remains were laid, resolved to be satisfied, and with light, slow steps, advanced to the spot.

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

From this reading When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering sound.

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

From this reading At the head of the bed stood Miss Arden, with eyes mournfully bent upon the face of the departed; Miss Damer stooped to kiss the corpse, and then burst into a violent flood of tears.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Alarmed, but at the same time collected, she cautiously opened her own door; and perceiving a glimmering light proceed from the chamber where her daughter's remains were laid, resolved to be satisfied, and with light, slow steps, advanced to the spot.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering sound.

(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception

From this reading Aware that the teachers and servants were retired to rest, she could not account for the circumstance; she now heard doors slowly opening, and was persuaded that different persons were passing her room.

exceptionally bad or displeasing

From this reading When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering sound.

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

From this reading Alarmed, but at the same time collected, she cautiously opened her own door; and perceiving a glimmering light proceed from the chamber where her daughter's remains were laid, resolved to be satisfied, and with light, slow steps, advanced to the spot.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading At the head of the bed stood Miss Arden, with eyes mournfully bent upon the face of the departed; Miss Damer stooped to kiss the corpse, and then burst into a violent flood of tears.

inflected form of “behold” — see with attention

From this reading There, with surprise, she beheld several of her pupils.

a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way

From this reading At the head of the bed stood Miss Arden, with eyes mournfully bent upon the face of the departed; Miss Damer stooped to kiss the corpse, and then burst into a violent flood of tears.

come open suddenly and violently, as if from internal pressure

From this reading At the head of the bed stood Miss Arden, with eyes mournfully bent upon the face of the departed; Miss Damer stooped to kiss the corpse, and then burst into a violent flood of tears.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Alarmed, but at the same time collected, she cautiously opened her own door; and perceiving a glimmering light proceed from the chamber where her daughter's remains were laid, resolved to be satisfied, and with light, slow steps, advanced to the spot.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering sound.

as if with kid gloves; with caution or prudence or tact

From this reading Alarmed, but at the same time collected, she cautiously opened her own door; and perceiving a glimmering light proceed from the chamber where her daughter's remains were laid, resolved to be satisfied, and with light, slow steps, advanced to the spot.

a natural or artificial enclosed space

From this reading When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering sound.

a condition that accompanies or influences some event or activity

From this reading Aware that the teachers and servants were retired to rest, she could not account for the circumstance; she now heard doors slowly opening, and was persuaded that different persons were passing her room.

brought together in one place

From this reading Alarmed, but at the same time collected, she cautiously opened her own door; and perceiving a glimmering light proceed from the chamber where her daughter's remains were laid, resolved to be satisfied, and with light, slow steps, advanced to the spot.

the dead body of a human being

From this reading At the head of the bed stood Miss Arden, with eyes mournfully bent upon the face of the departed; Miss Damer stooped to kiss the corpse, and then burst into a violent flood of tears.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Aware that the teachers and servants were retired to rest, she could not account for the circumstance; she now heard doors slowly opening, and was persuaded that different persons were passing her room.

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

From this reading At the head of the bed stood Miss Arden, with eyes mournfully bent upon the face of the departed; Miss Damer stooped to kiss the corpse, and then burst into a violent flood of tears.

possessive form of “daughter” — a female human offspring

From this reading When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering sound.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering sound.

well in the past; former

From this reading At the head of the bed stood Miss Arden, with eyes mournfully bent upon the face of the departed; Miss Damer stooped to kiss the corpse, and then burst into a violent flood of tears.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading Aware that the teachers and servants were retired to rest, she could not account for the circumstance; she now heard doors slowly opening, and was persuaded that different persons were passing her room.

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

From this reading Alarmed, but at the same time collected, she cautiously opened her own door; and perceiving a glimmering light proceed from the chamber where her daughter's remains were laid, resolved to be satisfied, and with light, slow steps, advanced to the spot.

plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Aware that the teachers and servants were retired to rest, she could not account for the circumstance; she now heard doors slowly opening, and was persuaded that different persons were passing her room.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering sound.

something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering sound.

opinion or judgment

From this reading At the head of the bed stood Miss Arden, with eyes mournfully bent upon the face of the departed; Miss Damer stooped to kiss the corpse, and then burst into a violent flood of tears.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading At the head of the bed stood Miss Arden, with eyes mournfully bent upon the face of the departed; Miss Damer stooped to kiss the corpse, and then burst into a violent flood of tears.

the rising of a body of water and its overflowing onto normally dry land

From this reading At the head of the bed stood Miss Arden, with eyes mournfully bent upon the face of the departed; Miss Damer stooped to kiss the corpse, and then burst into a violent flood of tears.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Aware that the teachers and servants were retired to rest, she could not account for the circumstance; she now heard doors slowly opening, and was persuaded that different persons were passing her room.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering sound.

a slight suggestion or vague understanding

From this reading Alarmed, but at the same time collected, she cautiously opened her own door; and perceiving a glimmering light proceed from the chamber where her daughter's remains were laid, resolved to be satisfied, and with light, slow steps, advanced to the spot.

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

From this reading When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering sound.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading At the head of the bed stood Miss Arden, with eyes mournfully bent upon the face of the departed; Miss Damer stooped to kiss the corpse, and then burst into a violent flood of tears.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Aware that the teachers and servants were retired to rest, she could not account for the circumstance; she now heard doors slowly opening, and was persuaded that different persons were passing her room.

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

From this reading When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering sound.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading At the head of the bed stood Miss Arden, with eyes mournfully bent upon the face of the departed; Miss Damer stooped to kiss the corpse, and then burst into a violent flood of tears.

the act of caressing with the lips (or an instance thereof)

From this reading At the head of the bed stood Miss Arden, with eyes mournfully bent upon the face of the departed; Miss Damer stooped to kiss the corpse, and then burst into a violent flood of tears.

set down according to a plan

From this reading Alarmed, but at the same time collected, she cautiously opened her own door; and perceiving a glimmering light proceed from the chamber where her daughter's remains were laid, resolved to be satisfied, and with light, slow steps, advanced to the spot.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading Alarmed, but at the same time collected, she cautiously opened her own door; and perceiving a glimmering light proceed from the chamber where her daughter's remains were laid, resolved to be satisfied, and with light, slow steps, advanced to the spot.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering sound.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading At the head of the bed stood Miss Arden, with eyes mournfully bent upon the face of the departed; Miss Damer stooped to kiss the corpse, and then burst into a violent flood of tears.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering sound.

in a mournful manner

From this reading At the head of the bed stood Miss Arden, with eyes mournfully bent upon the face of the departed; Miss Damer stooped to kiss the corpse, and then burst into a violent flood of tears.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering sound.

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

From this reading When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering sound.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Aware that the teachers and servants were retired to rest, she could not account for the circumstance; she now heard doors slowly opening, and was persuaded that different persons were passing her room.

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

From this reading Aware that the teachers and servants were retired to rest, she could not account for the circumstance; she now heard doors slowly opening, and was persuaded that different persons were passing her room.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering sound.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering sound.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading Alarmed, but at the same time collected, she cautiously opened her own door; and perceiving a glimmering light proceed from the chamber where her daughter's remains were laid, resolved to be satisfied, and with light, slow steps, advanced to the spot.

an open or empty space in or between things

From this reading Aware that the teachers and servants were retired to rest, she could not account for the circumstance; she now heard doors slowly opening, and was persuaded that different persons were passing her room.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering sound.

(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate

From this reading Aware that the teachers and servants were retired to rest, she could not account for the circumstance; she now heard doors slowly opening, and was persuaded that different persons were passing her room.

-ing form of “perceive” — to become aware of through the senses

From this reading Alarmed, but at the same time collected, she cautiously opened her own door; and perceiving a glimmering light proceed from the chamber where her daughter's remains were laid, resolved to be satisfied, and with light, slow steps, advanced to the spot.

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading Aware that the teachers and servants were retired to rest, she could not account for the circumstance; she now heard doors slowly opening, and was persuaded that different persons were passing her room.

past form of “persuade” — win approval or support for

From this reading Aware that the teachers and servants were retired to rest, she could not account for the circumstance; she now heard doors slowly opening, and was persuaded that different persons were passing her room.

continue talking

From this reading Alarmed, but at the same time collected, she cautiously opened her own door; and perceiving a glimmering light proceed from the chamber where her daughter's remains were laid, resolved to be satisfied, and with light, slow steps, advanced to the spot.

plural of “pupil” — a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution

From this reading There, with surprise, she beheld several of her pupils.

causing reflection or having a device that reflects

From this reading When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering sound.

any object that is left unused or still extant

From this reading Alarmed, but at the same time collected, she cautiously opened her own door; and perceiving a glimmering light proceed from the chamber where her daughter's remains were laid, resolved to be satisfied, and with light, slow steps, advanced to the spot.

determined

From this reading Alarmed, but at the same time collected, she cautiously opened her own door; and perceiving a glimmering light proceed from the chamber where her daughter's remains were laid, resolved to be satisfied, and with light, slow steps, advanced to the spot.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading Aware that the teachers and servants were retired to rest, she could not account for the circumstance; she now heard doors slowly opening, and was persuaded that different persons were passing her room.

no longer active in your work or profession

From this reading When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering sound.

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

From this reading Aware that the teachers and servants were retired to rest, she could not account for the circumstance; she now heard doors slowly opening, and was persuaded that different persons were passing her room.

Identical; not different.

From this reading Alarmed, but at the same time collected, she cautiously opened her own door; and perceiving a glimmering light proceed from the chamber where her daughter's remains were laid, resolved to be satisfied, and with light, slow steps, advanced to the spot.

filled with satisfaction

From this reading Alarmed, but at the same time collected, she cautiously opened her own door; and perceiving a glimmering light proceed from the chamber where her daughter's remains were laid, resolved to be satisfied, and with light, slow steps, advanced to the spot.

plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading Aware that the teachers and servants were retired to rest, she could not account for the circumstance; she now heard doors slowly opening, and was persuaded that different persons were passing her room.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading There, with surprise, she beheld several of her pupils.

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

From this reading Aware that the teachers and servants were retired to rest, she could not account for the circumstance; she now heard doors slowly opening, and was persuaded that different persons were passing her room.

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading Alarmed, but at the same time collected, she cautiously opened her own door; and perceiving a glimmering light proceed from the chamber where her daughter's remains were laid, resolved to be satisfied, and with light, slow steps, advanced to the spot.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading Aware that the teachers and servants were retired to rest, she could not account for the circumstance; she now heard doors slowly opening, and was persuaded that different persons were passing her room.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering sound.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Alarmed, but at the same time collected, she cautiously opened her own door; and perceiving a glimmering light proceed from the chamber where her daughter's remains were laid, resolved to be satisfied, and with light, slow steps, advanced to the spot.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading Alarmed, but at the same time collected, she cautiously opened her own door; and perceiving a glimmering light proceed from the chamber where her daughter's remains were laid, resolved to be satisfied, and with light, slow steps, advanced to the spot.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading At the head of the bed stood Miss Arden, with eyes mournfully bent upon the face of the departed; Miss Damer stooped to kiss the corpse, and then burst into a violent flood of tears.

having the back and shoulders rounded; not erect

From this reading At the head of the bed stood Miss Arden, with eyes mournfully bent upon the face of the departed; Miss Damer stooped to kiss the corpse, and then burst into a violent flood of tears.

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering sound.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading There, with surprise, she beheld several of her pupils.

plural of “teacher” — a person whose occupation is teaching

From this reading Aware that the teachers and servants were retired to rest, she could not account for the circumstance; she now heard doors slowly opening, and was persuaded that different persons were passing her room.

the process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds)

From this reading At the head of the bed stood Miss Arden, with eyes mournfully bent upon the face of the departed; Miss Damer stooped to kiss the corpse, and then burst into a violent flood of tears.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Aware that the teachers and servants were retired to rest, she could not account for the circumstance; she now heard doors slowly opening, and was persuaded that different persons were passing her room.

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

From this reading When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering sound.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading At the head of the bed stood Miss Arden, with eyes mournfully bent upon the face of the departed; Miss Damer stooped to kiss the corpse, and then burst into a violent flood of tears.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There, with surprise, she beheld several of her pupils.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Alarmed, but at the same time collected, she cautiously opened her own door; and perceiving a glimmering light proceed from the chamber where her daughter's remains were laid, resolved to be satisfied, and with light, slow steps, advanced to the spot.

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

From this reading When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering sound.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering sound.

acting with or marked by or resulting from great force or energy or emotional intensity

From this reading At the head of the bed stood Miss Arden, with eyes mournfully bent upon the face of the departed; Miss Damer stooped to kiss the corpse, and then burst into a violent flood of tears.

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

From this reading When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering sound.

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

From this reading Aware that the teachers and servants were retired to rest, she could not account for the circumstance; she now heard doors slowly opening, and was persuaded that different persons were passing her room.

at the time that

From this reading When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering sound.

in or at the place that

From this reading Alarmed, but at the same time collected, she cautiously opened her own door; and perceiving a glimmering light proceed from the chamber where her daughter's remains were laid, resolved to be satisfied, and with light, slow steps, advanced to the spot.

a light noise, like the noise of silk clothing or leaves blowing in the wind

From this reading When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering sound.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Alarmed, but at the same time collected, she cautiously opened her own door; and perceiving a glimmering light proceed from the chamber where her daughter's remains were laid, resolved to be satisfied, and with light, slow steps, advanced to the spot.