used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A LETTER.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Blair glanced anxiously in the direction where Derry had disappeared, almost fearing to see that clenched hand coming forth to do its threatened work of vengeance.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading But Derry was already far away, and Brimstone joined his mess-mates without receiving a word or sign of rebuke.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The men passed by him in silence, save the single remark of Brimstone, "Give my love to your _sweet_ mother," delivered in an insulting tone, and with a laugh more repulsive than the hiss of a snake.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Blair would gladly have chosen another time and place for the composition of the difficult letter he was called on to write, but he felt compelled to fulfil his promise at once.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading Blair would gladly have chosen another time and place for the composition of the difficult letter he was called on to write, but he felt compelled to fulfil his promise at once.
with anxiety or apprehension
From this reading Blair glanced anxiously in the direction where Derry had disappeared, almost fearing to see that clenched hand coming forth to do its threatened work of vengeance.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Blair would gladly have chosen another time and place for the composition of the difficult letter he was called on to write, but he felt compelled to fulfil his promise at once.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading But Derry was already far away, and Brimstone joined his mess-mates without receiving a word or sign of rebuke.
BlairnounUS /bler/
British statesman who became prime minister in 1997 (born in 1953)
From this reading Blair would gladly have chosen another time and place for the composition of the difficult letter he was called on to write, but he felt compelled to fulfil his promise at once.
BrimstonenounUS /ˈbrɪmstoʊn/
an old name for sulfur
From this reading The men passed by him in silence, save the single remark of Brimstone, "Give my love to your _sweet_ mother," delivered in an insulting tone, and with a laugh more repulsive than the hiss of a snake.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Blair would gladly have chosen another time and place for the composition of the difficult letter he was called on to write, but he felt compelled to fulfil his promise at once.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The men passed by him in silence, save the single remark of Brimstone, "Give my love to your _sweet_ mother," delivered in an insulting tone, and with a laugh more repulsive than the hiss of a snake.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Blair would gladly have chosen another time and place for the composition of the difficult letter he was called on to write, but he felt compelled to fulfil his promise at once.
one who is the object of choice; who is given preference
From this reading Blair would gladly have chosen another time and place for the composition of the difficult letter he was called on to write, but he felt compelled to fulfil his promise at once.
clenchedadjectiveUS /klentʃt/
closed or squeezed together tightly
From this reading Blair glanced anxiously in the direction where Derry had disappeared, almost fearing to see that clenched hand coming forth to do its threatened work of vengeance.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading Blair glanced anxiously in the direction where Derry had disappeared, almost fearing to see that clenched hand coming forth to do its threatened work of vengeance.
inflected form of “compel” — force somebody to do something
From this reading Blair would gladly have chosen another time and place for the composition of the difficult letter he was called on to write, but he felt compelled to fulfil his promise at once.
compositionnounUS /ˌkɑːmpəˈzɪʃən/
the spatial property resulting from the arrangement of parts in relation to each other and to the whole
From this reading Blair would gladly have chosen another time and place for the composition of the difficult letter he was called on to write, but he felt compelled to fulfil his promise at once.
past form of “deliver” — deliver (a speech, oration, or idea)
From this reading The men passed by him in silence, save the single remark of Brimstone, "Give my love to your _sweet_ mother," delivered in an insulting tone, and with a laugh more repulsive than the hiss of a snake.
Derry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Blair glanced anxiously in the direction where Derry had disappeared, almost fearing to see that clenched hand coming forth to do its threatened work of vengeance.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading Blair would gladly have chosen another time and place for the composition of the difficult letter he was called on to write, but he felt compelled to fulfil his promise at once.
a line leading to a place or point
From this reading Blair glanced anxiously in the direction where Derry had disappeared, almost fearing to see that clenched hand coming forth to do its threatened work of vengeance.
past form of “disappear” — get lost, as without warning or explanation
From this reading Blair glanced anxiously in the direction where Derry had disappeared, almost fearing to see that clenched hand coming forth to do its threatened work of vengeance.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Blair glanced anxiously in the direction where Derry had disappeared, almost fearing to see that clenched hand coming forth to do its threatened work of vengeance.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading But Derry was already far away, and Brimstone joined his mess-mates without receiving a word or sign of rebuke.
fearingverbUS /ˈfɪrɪŋ/
-ing form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading Blair glanced anxiously in the direction where Derry had disappeared, almost fearing to see that clenched hand coming forth to do its threatened work of vengeance.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading Blair would gladly have chosen another time and place for the composition of the difficult letter he was called on to write, but he felt compelled to fulfil his promise at once.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Blair would gladly have chosen another time and place for the composition of the difficult letter he was called on to write, but he felt compelled to fulfil his promise at once.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Blair glanced anxiously in the direction where Derry had disappeared, almost fearing to see that clenched hand coming forth to do its threatened work of vengeance.
fulfilverbUS /fʊlˈfɪl/
put in effect
From this reading Blair would gladly have chosen another time and place for the composition of the difficult letter he was called on to write, but he felt compelled to fulfil his promise at once.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading The men passed by him in silence, save the single remark of Brimstone, "Give my love to your _sweet_ mother," delivered in an insulting tone, and with a laugh more repulsive than the hiss of a snake.
gladlyadverbUS /ˈɡlædli/
in a willing manner
From this reading Blair would gladly have chosen another time and place for the composition of the difficult letter he was called on to write, but he felt compelled to fulfil his promise at once.
past form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading Blair glanced anxiously in the direction where Derry had disappeared, almost fearing to see that clenched hand coming forth to do its threatened work of vengeance.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Blair glanced anxiously in the direction where Derry had disappeared, almost fearing to see that clenched hand coming forth to do its threatened work of vengeance.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Blair glanced anxiously in the direction where Derry had disappeared, almost fearing to see that clenched hand coming forth to do its threatened work of vengeance.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Blair would gladly have chosen another time and place for the composition of the difficult letter he was called on to write, but he felt compelled to fulfil his promise at once.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Blair would gladly have chosen another time and place for the composition of the difficult letter he was called on to write, but he felt compelled to fulfil his promise at once.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The men passed by him in silence, save the single remark of Brimstone, "Give my love to your _sweet_ mother," delivered in an insulting tone, and with a laugh more repulsive than the hiss of a snake.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Blair would gladly have chosen another time and place for the composition of the difficult letter he was called on to write, but he felt compelled to fulfil his promise at once.
hissverbUS /hɪs/
make a sharp hissing sound, as if to show disapproval
From this reading The men passed by him in silence, save the single remark of Brimstone, "Give my love to your _sweet_ mother," delivered in an insulting tone, and with a laugh more repulsive than the hiss of a snake.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The men passed by him in silence, save the single remark of Brimstone, "Give my love to your _sweet_ mother," delivered in an insulting tone, and with a laugh more repulsive than the hiss of a snake.
insultingadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈsʌltɪŋ/
expressing extreme contempt
From this reading The men passed by him in silence, save the single remark of Brimstone, "Give my love to your _sweet_ mother," delivered in an insulting tone, and with a laugh more repulsive than the hiss of a snake.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Blair glanced anxiously in the direction where Derry had disappeared, almost fearing to see that clenched hand coming forth to do its threatened work of vengeance.
of or relating to two people who are married to each other
From this reading But Derry was already far away, and Brimstone joined his mess-mates without receiving a word or sign of rebuke.
the sound of laughing
From this reading The men passed by him in silence, save the single remark of Brimstone, "Give my love to your _sweet_ mother," delivered in an insulting tone, and with a laugh more repulsive than the hiss of a snake.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading A LETTER.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading The men passed by him in silence, save the single remark of Brimstone, "Give my love to your _sweet_ mother," delivered in an insulting tone, and with a laugh more repulsive than the hiss of a snake.
the force of workers available
From this reading The men passed by him in silence, save the single remark of Brimstone, "Give my love to your _sweet_ mother," delivered in an insulting tone, and with a laugh more repulsive than the hiss of a snake.
mess-mates
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But Derry was already far away, and Brimstone joined his mess-mates without receiving a word or sign of rebuke.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The men passed by him in silence, save the single remark of Brimstone, "Give my love to your _sweet_ mother," delivered in an insulting tone, and with a laugh more repulsive than the hiss of a snake.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading The men passed by him in silence, save the single remark of Brimstone, "Give my love to your _sweet_ mother," delivered in an insulting tone, and with a laugh more repulsive than the hiss of a snake.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading The men passed by him in silence, save the single remark of Brimstone, "Give my love to your _sweet_ mother," delivered in an insulting tone, and with a laugh more repulsive than the hiss of a snake.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Blair would gladly have chosen another time and place for the composition of the difficult letter he was called on to write, but he felt compelled to fulfil his promise at once.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Blair would gladly have chosen another time and place for the composition of the difficult letter he was called on to write, but he felt compelled to fulfil his promise at once.
on one occasion
From this reading Blair would gladly have chosen another time and place for the composition of the difficult letter he was called on to write, but he felt compelled to fulfil his promise at once.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading But Derry was already far away, and Brimstone joined his mess-mates without receiving a word or sign of rebuke.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading The men passed by him in silence, save the single remark of Brimstone, "Give my love to your _sweet_ mother," delivered in an insulting tone, and with a laugh more repulsive than the hiss of a snake.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Blair would gladly have chosen another time and place for the composition of the difficult letter he was called on to write, but he felt compelled to fulfil his promise at once.
make a promise or commitment
From this reading Blair would gladly have chosen another time and place for the composition of the difficult letter he was called on to write, but he felt compelled to fulfil his promise at once.
rebukeverbUS /riˈbjuːk/
censure severely or angrily
From this reading But Derry was already far away, and Brimstone joined his mess-mates without receiving a word or sign of rebuke.
receivingverbUS /rəˈsiːvɪŋ/
-ing form of “receive” — get something; come into possession of
From this reading But Derry was already far away, and Brimstone joined his mess-mates without receiving a word or sign of rebuke.
a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information
From this reading The men passed by him in silence, save the single remark of Brimstone, "Give my love to your _sweet_ mother," delivered in an insulting tone, and with a laugh more repulsive than the hiss of a snake.
repulsiveadjectiveUS /riˈpʌlsɪv/
offensive to the mind
From this reading The men passed by him in silence, save the single remark of Brimstone, "Give my love to your _sweet_ mother," delivered in an insulting tone, and with a laugh more repulsive than the hiss of a snake.
except for; apart from
From this reading The men passed by him in silence, save the single remark of Brimstone, "Give my love to your _sweet_ mother," delivered in an insulting tone, and with a laugh more repulsive than the hiss of a snake.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Blair glanced anxiously in the direction where Derry had disappeared, almost fearing to see that clenched hand coming forth to do its threatened work of vengeance.
a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading But Derry was already far away, and Brimstone joined his mess-mates without receiving a word or sign of rebuke.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading The men passed by him in silence, save the single remark of Brimstone, "Give my love to your _sweet_ mother," delivered in an insulting tone, and with a laugh more repulsive than the hiss of a snake.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading The men passed by him in silence, save the single remark of Brimstone, "Give my love to your _sweet_ mother," delivered in an insulting tone, and with a laugh more repulsive than the hiss of a snake.
snakenounUS /sneɪk/
limbless scaly elongate reptile; some are venomous
From this reading The men passed by him in silence, save the single remark of Brimstone, "Give my love to your _sweet_ mother," delivered in an insulting tone, and with a laugh more repulsive than the hiss of a snake.
having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar
From this reading The men passed by him in silence, save the single remark of Brimstone, "Give my love to your _sweet_ mother," delivered in an insulting tone, and with a laugh more repulsive than the hiss of a snake.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The men passed by him in silence, save the single remark of Brimstone, "Give my love to your _sweet_ mother," delivered in an insulting tone, and with a laugh more repulsive than the hiss of a snake.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Blair glanced anxiously in the direction where Derry had disappeared, almost fearing to see that clenched hand coming forth to do its threatened work of vengeance.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Blair would gladly have chosen another time and place for the composition of the difficult letter he was called on to write, but he felt compelled to fulfil his promise at once.
(of flora or fauna) likely in the near future to become endangered
From this reading Blair glanced anxiously in the direction where Derry had disappeared, almost fearing to see that clenched hand coming forth to do its threatened work of vengeance.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Blair would gladly have chosen another time and place for the composition of the difficult letter he was called on to write, but he felt compelled to fulfil his promise at once.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Blair would gladly have chosen another time and place for the composition of the difficult letter he was called on to write, but he felt compelled to fulfil his promise at once.
the quality of a person's voice
From this reading The men passed by him in silence, save the single remark of Brimstone, "Give my love to your _sweet_ mother," delivered in an insulting tone, and with a laugh more repulsive than the hiss of a snake.
the act of taking revenge (harming someone in retaliation for something harmful that they have done) especially in the next life
From this reading Blair glanced anxiously in the direction where Derry had disappeared, almost fearing to see that clenched hand coming forth to do its threatened work of vengeance.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Blair would gladly have chosen another time and place for the composition of the difficult letter he was called on to write, but he felt compelled to fulfil his promise at once.
in or at the place that
From this reading Blair glanced anxiously in the direction where Derry had disappeared, almost fearing to see that clenched hand coming forth to do its threatened work of vengeance.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The men passed by him in silence, save the single remark of Brimstone, "Give my love to your _sweet_ mother," delivered in an insulting tone, and with a laugh more repulsive than the hiss of a snake.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading But Derry was already far away, and Brimstone joined his mess-mates without receiving a word or sign of rebuke.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading But Derry was already far away, and Brimstone joined his mess-mates without receiving a word or sign of rebuke.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Blair glanced anxiously in the direction where Derry had disappeared, almost fearing to see that clenched hand coming forth to do its threatened work of vengeance.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Blair would gladly have chosen another time and place for the composition of the difficult letter he was called on to write, but he felt compelled to fulfil his promise at once.
produce a literary work
From this reading Blair would gladly have chosen another time and place for the composition of the difficult letter he was called on to write, but he felt compelled to fulfil his promise at once.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading The men passed by him in silence, save the single remark of Brimstone, "Give my love to your _sweet_ mother," delivered in an insulting tone, and with a laugh more repulsive than the hiss of a snake.
