used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE VIRTUES OF SUSPICION During that week Mallalieu was to learn by sad experience that it is a very poor thing to acquire information at second hand.
accurateadjectiveUS /ˈækjərət/
conforming exactly or almost exactly to fact or to a standard or performing with total accuracy
From this reading He was constantly asking for newspapers, and was skilfully put off--it was not within Christopher's scheme of things to let Mallalieu get any accurate notion of what was really going on.
acquireverbUS /əˈkwaɪər/
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading THE VIRTUES OF SUSPICION During that week Mallalieu was to learn by sad experience that it is a very poor thing to acquire information at second hand.
(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 There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
the verbal act of requesting
From this reading He was constantly asking for newspapers, and was skilfully put off--it was not within Christopher's scheme of things to let Mallalieu get any accurate notion of what was really going on.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE VIRTUES OF SUSPICION During that week Mallalieu was to learn by sad experience that it is a very poor thing to acquire information at second hand.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading There were books enough on the shelves of his prison-parlour, but the late Kitely's taste had been of a purely professional nature, and just then Mallalieu had no liking for murder cases, criminal trials, and that sort of gruesomeness.
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading There were books enough on the shelves of his prison-parlour, but the late Kitely's taste had been of a purely professional nature, and just then Mallalieu had no liking for murder cases, criminal trials, and that sort of gruesomeness.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading There were books enough on the shelves of his prison-parlour, but the late Kitely's taste had been of a purely professional nature, and just then Mallalieu had no liking for murder cases, criminal trials, and that sort of gruesomeness.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading THE VIRTUES OF SUSPICION During that week Mallalieu was to learn by sad experience that it is a very poor thing to acquire information at second hand.
plural of “case” — an occurrence of something
From this reading There were books enough on the shelves of his prison-parlour, but the late Kitely's taste had been of a purely professional nature, and just then Mallalieu had no liking for murder cases, criminal trials, and that sort of gruesomeness.
Chris
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
Christopher'snounUS /ˈkrɪstəfərz/
possessive form of “christopher” — Christian martyr and patron saint of travellers (3rd century)
From this reading He was constantly asking for newspapers, and was skilfully put off--it was not within Christopher's scheme of things to let Mallalieu get any accurate notion of what was really going on.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
without variation or change, in every case
From this reading He was constantly asking for newspapers, and was skilfully put off--it was not within Christopher's scheme of things to let Mallalieu get any accurate notion of what was really going on.
cosseted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
a small house with a single story
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
bringing or deserving severe rebuke or censure
From this reading There were books enough on the shelves of his prison-parlour, but the late Kitely's taste had been of a purely professional nature, and just then Mallalieu had no liking for murder cases, criminal trials, and that sort of gruesomeness.
to a great depth psychologically or emotionally
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
dependentadjectiveUS /dɪˈpendənt/
relying on or requiring a person or thing for support, supply, or what is needed
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading THE VIRTUES OF SUSPICION During that week Mallalieu was to learn by sad experience that it is a very poor thing to acquire information at second hand.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading There were books enough on the shelves of his prison-parlour, but the late Kitely's taste had been of a purely professional nature, and just then Mallalieu had no liking for murder cases, criminal trials, and that sort of gruesomeness.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
undergo or live through a difficult experience
From this reading THE VIRTUES OF SUSPICION During that week Mallalieu was to learn by sad experience that it is a very poor thing to acquire information at second hand.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading He was constantly asking for newspapers, and was skilfully put off--it was not within Christopher's scheme of things to let Mallalieu get any accurate notion of what was really going on.
the act of departing
From this reading He was constantly asking for newspapers, and was skilfully put off--it was not within Christopher's scheme of things to let Mallalieu get any accurate notion of what was really going on.
gruesomenessnoun
the quality of being ghastly
From this reading There were books enough on the shelves of his prison-parlour, but the late Kitely's taste had been of a purely professional nature, and just then Mallalieu had no liking for murder cases, criminal trials, and that sort of gruesomeness.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading There were books enough on the shelves of his prison-parlour, but the late Kitely's taste had been of a purely professional nature, and just then Mallalieu had no liking for murder cases, criminal trials, and that sort of gruesomeness.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading THE VIRTUES OF SUSPICION During that week Mallalieu was to learn by sad experience that it is a very poor thing to acquire information at second hand.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading Time hung very heavily on his hands.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
to a considerable degree
From this reading Time hung very heavily on his hands.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging
From this reading Time hung very heavily on his hands.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
importantlyadverbUS /ˌɪmˈpɔːrtəntli/
in an important way or to an important degree
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
a message received and understood
From this reading THE VIRTUES OF SUSPICION During that week Mallalieu was to learn by sad experience that it is a very poor thing to acquire information at second hand.
arousing or holding the attention
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE VIRTUES OF SUSPICION During that week Mallalieu was to learn by sad experience that it is a very poor thing to acquire information at second hand.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE VIRTUES OF SUSPICION During that week Mallalieu was to learn by sad experience that it is a very poor thing to acquire information at second hand.
and nothing more
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
Kitely's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were books enough on the shelves of his prison-parlour, but the late Kitely's taste had been of a purely professional nature, and just then Mallalieu had no liking for murder cases, criminal trials, and that sort of gruesomeness.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading There were books enough on the shelves of his prison-parlour, but the late Kitely's taste had been of a purely professional nature, and just then Mallalieu had no liking for murder cases, criminal trials, and that sort of gruesomeness.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
gain knowledge or skills
From this reading THE VIRTUES OF SUSPICION During that week Mallalieu was to learn by sad experience that it is a very poor thing to acquire information at second hand.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading He was constantly asking for newspapers, and was skilfully put off--it was not within Christopher's scheme of things to let Mallalieu get any accurate notion of what was really going on.
likingnounUS /ˈlaɪkɪŋ/
a feeling of pleasure and enjoyment
From this reading There were books enough on the shelves of his prison-parlour, but the late Kitely's taste had been of a purely professional nature, and just then Mallalieu had no liking for murder cases, criminal trials, and that sort of gruesomeness.
Mallalieu
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE VIRTUES OF SUSPICION During that week Mallalieu was to learn by sad experience that it is a very poor thing to acquire information at second hand.
kill intentionally and with premeditation
From this reading There were books enough on the shelves of his prison-parlour, but the late Kitely's taste had been of a purely professional nature, and just then Mallalieu had no liking for murder cases, criminal trials, and that sort of gruesomeness.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading There were books enough on the shelves of his prison-parlour, but the late Kitely's taste had been of a purely professional nature, and just then Mallalieu had no liking for murder cases, criminal trials, and that sort of gruesomeness.
information about recent and important events
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
newspapersnounUS /ˈnuːzpeɪpərz/
plural of “newspaper” — a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements
From this reading He was constantly asking for newspapers, and was skilfully put off--it was not within Christopher's scheme of things to let Mallalieu get any accurate notion of what was really going on.
not any; not one
From this reading There were books enough on the shelves of his prison-parlour, but the late Kitely's taste had been of a purely professional nature, and just then Mallalieu had no liking for murder cases, criminal trials, and that sort of gruesomeness.
the organ of smell and entrance to the respiratory tract; the prominent part of the face of man or other mammals
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He was constantly asking for newspapers, and was skilfully put off--it was not within Christopher's scheme of things to let Mallalieu get any accurate notion of what was really going on.
a vague idea in which some confidence is placed
From this reading He was constantly asking for newspapers, and was skilfully put off--it was not within Christopher's scheme of things to let Mallalieu get any accurate notion of what was really going on.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE VIRTUES OF SUSPICION During that week Mallalieu was to learn by sad experience that it is a very poor thing to acquire information at second hand.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading He was constantly asking for newspapers, and was skilfully put off--it was not within Christopher's scheme of things to let Mallalieu get any accurate notion of what was really going on.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
pamperedverbUS /ˈpæmpərd/
past form of “pamper” — treat with excessive indulgence
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
Pett
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading THE VIRTUES OF SUSPICION During that week Mallalieu was to learn by sad experience that it is a very poor thing to acquire information at second hand.
prison-parlour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were books enough on the shelves of his prison-parlour, but the late Kitely's taste had been of a purely professional nature, and just then Mallalieu had no liking for murder cases, criminal trials, and that sort of gruesomeness.
a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
professionaladjectiveUS /prəˈfeʃənəl/
engaged in a profession or engaging in as a profession or means of livelihood
From this reading There were books enough on the shelves of his prison-parlour, but the late Kitely's taste had been of a purely professional nature, and just then Mallalieu had no liking for murder cases, criminal trials, and that sort of gruesomeness.
purelyadverbUS /ˈpjʊrli/
restricted to something
From this reading There were books enough on the shelves of his prison-parlour, but the late Kitely's taste had been of a purely professional nature, and just then Mallalieu had no liking for murder cases, criminal trials, and that sort of gruesomeness.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading He was constantly asking for newspapers, and was skilfully put off--it was not within Christopher's scheme of things to let Mallalieu get any accurate notion of what was really going on.
experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness
From this reading THE VIRTUES OF SUSPICION During that week Mallalieu was to learn by sad experience that it is a very poor thing to acquire information at second hand.
an elaborate and systematic plan of action
From this reading He was constantly asking for newspapers, and was skilfully put off--it was not within Christopher's scheme of things to let Mallalieu get any accurate notion of what was really going on.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading THE VIRTUES OF SUSPICION During that week Mallalieu was to learn by sad experience that it is a very poor thing to acquire information at second hand.
shelvesnounUS /ʃelvz/
Plural of shelf; the vast wooden or stone structures holding archives.
From this reading There were books enough on the shelves of his prison-parlour, but the late Kitely's taste had been of a purely professional nature, and just then Mallalieu had no liking for murder cases, criminal trials, and that sort of gruesomeness.
skilfullyadverb
with skill
From this reading He was constantly asking for newspapers, and was skilfully put off--it was not within Christopher's scheme of things to let Mallalieu get any accurate notion of what was really going on.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading There were books enough on the shelves of his prison-parlour, but the late Kitely's taste had been of a purely professional nature, and just then Mallalieu had no liking for murder cases, criminal trials, and that sort of gruesomeness.
strictly-guarded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
an impression that something might be the case
From this reading THE VIRTUES OF SUSPICION During that week Mallalieu was to learn by sad experience that it is a very poor thing to acquire information at second hand.
To perceive flavor through the mouth.
From this reading There were books enough on the shelves of his prison-parlour, but the late Kitely's taste had been of a purely professional nature, and just then Mallalieu had no liking for murder cases, criminal trials, and that sort of gruesomeness.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE VIRTUES OF SUSPICION During that week Mallalieu was to learn by sad experience that it is a very poor thing to acquire information at second hand.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE VIRTUES OF SUSPICION During that week Mallalieu was to learn by sad experience that it is a very poor thing to acquire information at second hand.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
a special situation
From this reading THE VIRTUES OF SUSPICION During that week Mallalieu was to learn by sad experience that it is a very poor thing to acquire information at second hand.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading He was constantly asking for newspapers, and was skilfully put off--it was not within Christopher's scheme of things to let Mallalieu get any accurate notion of what was really going on.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Time hung very heavily on his hands.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE VIRTUES OF SUSPICION During that week Mallalieu was to learn by sad experience that it is a very poor thing to acquire information at second hand.
trialsnounUS /ˈtraɪəlz/
plural of “trial” — the act of testing something
From this reading There were books enough on the shelves of his prison-parlour, but the late Kitely's taste had been of a purely professional nature, and just then Mallalieu had no liking for murder cases, criminal trials, and that sort of gruesomeness.
(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
precisely as stated
From this reading THE VIRTUES OF SUSPICION During that week Mallalieu was to learn by sad experience that it is a very poor thing to acquire information at second hand.
VIRTUESnounUS /ˈvɜːrtʃuːz/
plural of “virtue” — the quality of doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong
From this reading THE VIRTUES OF SUSPICION During that week Mallalieu was to learn by sad experience that it is a very poor thing to acquire information at second hand.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE VIRTUES OF SUSPICION During that week Mallalieu was to learn by sad experience that it is a very poor thing to acquire information at second hand.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading THE VIRTUES OF SUSPICION During that week Mallalieu was to learn by sad experience that it is a very poor thing to acquire information at second hand.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There were books enough on the shelves of his prison-parlour, but the late Kitely's taste had been of a purely professional nature, and just then Mallalieu had no liking for murder cases, criminal trials, and that sort of gruesomeness.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading He was constantly asking for newspapers, and was skilfully put off--it was not within Christopher's scheme of things to let Mallalieu get any accurate notion of what was really going on.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading He was constantly asking for newspapers, and was skilfully put off--it was not within Christopher's scheme of things to let Mallalieu get any accurate notion of what was really going on.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading There he was, a strictly-guarded--if a cosseted and pampered--prisoner, unable to put his nose outside the cottage, and entirely dependent on Chris Pett for any and all news of the world which lay so close at hand and was just then so deeply and importantly interesting to him.
