used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading One of the men was Stephen Melville, and the identity of the others may be easily guessed.
delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration
From this reading On the table was a litter of papers, typewritten specifications and blue prints, but the most conspicuous object was a beautiful model of Mr. Peregrine’s vanishing motor gun.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading In the livery stable on Emmons Street, the same one in which Ralph had been confined, sat four men.
people who have severe visual impairments, considered as a group
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading On the table was a litter of papers, typewritten specifications and blue prints, but the most conspicuous object was a beautiful model of Mr. Peregrine’s vanishing motor gun.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading On the table was a litter of papers, typewritten specifications and blue prints, but the most conspicuous object was a beautiful model of Mr. Peregrine’s vanishing motor gun.
plural of “character” — an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
confinedadjectiveUS /kənˈfaɪnd/
not invading healthy tissue
From this reading In the livery stable on Emmons Street, the same one in which Ralph had been confined, sat four men.
conspicuousadjectiveUS /kənˈspɪkjuːəs/
obvious to the eye or mind
From this reading On the table was a litter of papers, typewritten specifications and blue prints, but the most conspicuous object was a beautiful model of Mr. Peregrine’s vanishing motor gun.
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading One of the men was Stephen Melville, and the identity of the others may be easily guessed.
Emmons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the livery stable on Emmons Street, the same one in which Ralph had been confined, sat four men.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
plural of “force” — a powerful effect or influence
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading In the livery stable on Emmons Street, the same one in which Ralph had been confined, sat four men.
groupedadjectiveUS /ɡruːpt/
arranged into groups
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
past form of “guess” — expect, believe, or suppose
From this reading One of the men was Stephen Melville, and the identity of the others may be easily guessed.
a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)
From this reading On the table was a litter of papers, typewritten specifications and blue prints, but the most conspicuous object was a beautiful model of Mr. Peregrine’s vanishing motor gun.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading In the livery stable on Emmons Street, the same one in which Ralph had been confined, sat four men.
identitynounUS /aɪˈdentɪtiː/
the distinct personality of an individual regarded as a persisting entity
From this reading One of the men was Stephen Melville, and the identity of the others may be easily guessed.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In the livery stable on Emmons Street, the same one in which Ralph had been confined, sat four men.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
Jake
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were Sawdon, Jake Rook and Radcliff.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
the collection of rules imposed by authority
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
litternounUS /ˈlɪtər/
the offspring at one birth of a multiparous mammal
From this reading On the table was a litter of papers, typewritten specifications and blue prints, but the most conspicuous object was a beautiful model of Mr. Peregrine’s vanishing motor gun.
liverynounUS /ˈlɪvəri/
uniform worn by some menservants and chauffeurs
From this reading In the livery stable on Emmons Street, the same one in which Ralph had been confined, sat four men.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading One of the men was Stephen Melville, and the identity of the others may be easily guessed.
MelvillenounUS /ˈmelvɪl/
United States writer of novels and short stories (1819-1891)
From this reading One of the men was Stephen Melville, and the identity of the others may be easily guessed.
the force of workers available
From this reading In the livery stable on Emmons Street, the same one in which Ralph had been confined, sat four men.
modelnounUS /ˈmɑːdəl/
a hypothetical description of a complex entity or process
From this reading On the table was a litter of papers, typewritten specifications and blue prints, but the most conspicuous object was a beautiful model of Mr. Peregrine’s vanishing motor gun.
used to form the superlative
From this reading On the table was a litter of papers, typewritten specifications and blue prints, but the most conspicuous object was a beautiful model of Mr. Peregrine’s vanishing motor gun.
motornounUS /ˈmoʊtər/
machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion
From this reading On the table was a litter of papers, typewritten specifications and blue prints, but the most conspicuous object was a beautiful model of Mr. Peregrine’s vanishing motor gun.
a form of address for a man
From this reading On the table was a litter of papers, typewritten specifications and blue prints, but the most conspicuous object was a beautiful model of Mr. Peregrine’s vanishing motor gun.
a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading On the table was a litter of papers, typewritten specifications and blue prints, but the most conspicuous object was a beautiful model of Mr. Peregrine’s vanishing motor gun.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading In the livery stable on Emmons Street, the same one in which Ralph had been confined, sat four men.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading In the livery stable on Emmons Street, the same one in which Ralph had been confined, sat four men.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of the men was Stephen Melville, and the identity of the others may be easily guessed.
writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)
From this reading On the table was a litter of papers, typewritten specifications and blue prints, but the most conspicuous object was a beautiful model of Mr. Peregrine’s vanishing motor gun.
Peregrine's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the table was a litter of papers, typewritten specifications and blue prints, but the most conspicuous object was a beautiful model of Mr. Peregrine’s vanishing motor gun.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
printsnounUS /prɪnts/
plural of “print” — the text appearing in a book, newspaper, or other printed publication
From this reading On the table was a litter of papers, typewritten specifications and blue prints, but the most conspicuous object was a beautiful model of Mr. Peregrine’s vanishing motor gun.
Radcliff
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were Sawdon, Jake Rook and Radcliff.
Ralph
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the livery stable on Emmons Street, the same one in which Ralph had been confined, sat four men.
the back of a military formation or procession
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
resortnounUS /rɪˈzɔːrt/
a hotel located in a resort area
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
RooknounUS /rʊk/
(chess) the piece that can move any number of unoccupied squares in a direction parallel to the sides of the chessboard
From this reading They were Sawdon, Jake Rook and Radcliff.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
Identical; not different.
From this reading In the livery stable on Emmons Street, the same one in which Ralph had been confined, sat four men.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading In the livery stable on Emmons Street, the same one in which Ralph had been confined, sat four men.
Sawdon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were Sawdon, Jake Rook and Radcliff.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
plural of “sort” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
specificationsnounUS /ˌspesəfəˈkeɪʃənz/
plural of “specification” — a detailed description of design criteria for a piece of work
From this reading On the table was a litter of papers, typewritten specifications and blue prints, but the most conspicuous object was a beautiful model of Mr. Peregrine’s vanishing motor gun.
stableadjectiveUS /ˈsteɪbəl/
resistant to change of position or condition
From this reading In the livery stable on Emmons Street, the same one in which Ralph had been confined, sat four men.
StephennounUS /ˈstiːvən/
English writer (1832-1904)
From this reading One of the men was Stephen Melville, and the identity of the others may be easily guessed.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading In the livery stable on Emmons Street, the same one in which Ralph had been confined, sat four men.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In the livery stable on Emmons Street, the same one in which Ralph had been confined, sat four men.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
typewrittenverbUS /ˈtaɪprɪtən/
inflected form of “typewrite” — write by means of a keyboard with types
From this reading On the table was a litter of papers, typewritten specifications and blue prints, but the most conspicuous object was a beautiful model of Mr. Peregrine’s vanishing motor gun.
unprincipledadjectiveUS /ənˈprɪnsəpəld/
lacking principles or moral scruples
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
vanishingnounUS /ˈvænɪʃɪŋ/
a sudden or mysterious disappearance
From this reading On the table was a litter of papers, typewritten specifications and blue prints, but the most conspicuous object was a beautiful model of Mr. Peregrine’s vanishing motor gun.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading In the livery stable on Emmons Street, the same one in which Ralph had been confined, sat four men.
which person or people
From this reading They were grouped about a table in a small room in the rear of the place, for the stable was what is sometimes known as “a blind,” and the place was the resort of all sorts of unprincipled characters who had reason to fear the forces of law and order.
