used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was within a quarter of eight o'clock--forty-five minutes after the usual dinner-hour--when Lord Culduff's carriage drove up to the door.
personal knowledge or information about someone or something
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
move forward, also in the metaphorical sense
From this reading “The roads are atrocious down here,” said Temple, apologizing in advance for an offence which his father rarely, if ever, forgave.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading It was within a quarter of eight o'clock--forty-five minutes after the usual dinner-hour--when Lord Culduff's carriage drove up to the door.
how long something has existed
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
alternatelyadverbUS /ˈɔːltərnətli/
in an alternating sequence or position
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading “The roads are atrocious down here,” said Temple, apologizing in advance for an offence which his father rarely, if ever, forgave.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading “It would only create more delay; he 'll appear, I take it, when he is dressed,” was the curt rejoinder, but it was scarcely uttered when the door was thrown wide open, and Lord Culduff and Mr. Cutbill were announced.
declared publicly; made widely known
From this reading “It would only create more delay; he 'll appear, I take it, when he is dressed,” was the curt rejoinder, but it was scarcely uttered when the door was thrown wide open, and Lord Culduff and Mr. Cutbill were announced.
apologizingverbUS /əˈpɑːlədʒaɪzɪŋ/
-ing form of “apologize” — acknowledge faults or shortcomings or failing
From this reading “The roads are atrocious down here,” said Temple, apologizing in advance for an offence which his father rarely, if ever, forgave.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading “It would only create more delay; he 'll appear, I take it, when he is dressed,” was the curt rejoinder, but it was scarcely uttered when the door was thrown wide open, and Lord Culduff and Mr. Cutbill were announced.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading “The roads are atrocious down here,” said Temple, apologizing in advance for an offence which his father rarely, if ever, forgave.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading “Don't you think you ought to go out to meet him, sir?” asked he, half timidly.
atrociousadjectiveUS /əˈtroʊʃəs/
shockingly brutal or cruel
From this reading “The roads are atrocious down here,” said Temple, apologizing in advance for an offence which his father rarely, if ever, forgave.
attractionsnounUS /əˈtrækʃənz/
plural of “attraction” — the force by which one object attracts another
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
awkwardadjectiveUS /ˈɑːkwərd/
causing inconvenience
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
having undesirable or negative qualities
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
blandadjectiveUS /blænd/
lacking taste or flavor or tang
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading “It would only create more delay; he 'll appear, I take it, when he is dressed,” was the curt rejoinder, but it was scarcely uttered when the door was thrown wide open, and Lord Culduff and Mr. Cutbill were announced.
a railcar where passengers ride
From this reading It was within a quarter of eight o'clock--forty-five minutes after the usual dinner-hour--when Lord Culduff's carriage drove up to the door.
createverbUS /kriˈeɪt/
make or cause to be or to become
From this reading “It would only create more delay; he 'll appear, I take it, when he is dressed,” was the curt rejoinder, but it was scarcely uttered when the door was thrown wide open, and Lord Culduff and Mr. Cutbill were announced.
Culduff
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “It would only create more delay; he 'll appear, I take it, when he is dressed,” was the curt rejoinder, but it was scarcely uttered when the door was thrown wide open, and Lord Culduff and Mr. Cutbill were announced.
Culduff's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was within a quarter of eight o'clock--forty-five minutes after the usual dinner-hour--when Lord Culduff's carriage drove up to the door.
curtadjectiveUS /kɜːrt/
marked by rude or peremptory shortness
From this reading “It would only create more delay; he 'll appear, I take it, when he is dressed,” was the curt rejoinder, but it was scarcely uttered when the door was thrown wide open, and Lord Culduff and Mr. Cutbill were announced.
Cutbill
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “It would only create more delay; he 'll appear, I take it, when he is dressed,” was the curt rejoinder, but it was scarcely uttered when the door was thrown wide open, and Lord Culduff and Mr. Cutbill were announced.
cause to be slowed down or delayed
From this reading “It would only create more delay; he 'll appear, I take it, when he is dressed,” was the curt rejoinder, but it was scarcely uttered when the door was thrown wide open, and Lord Culduff and Mr. Cutbill were announced.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
dinner-hour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was within a quarter of eight o'clock--forty-five minutes after the usual dinner-hour--when Lord Culduff's carriage drove up to the door.
Don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Don't you think you ought to go out to meet him, sir?” asked he, half timidly.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading It was within a quarter of eight o'clock--forty-five minutes after the usual dinner-hour--when Lord Culduff's carriage drove up to the door.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading “The roads are atrocious down here,” said Temple, apologizing in advance for an offence which his father rarely, if ever, forgave.
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination
From this reading “It would only create more delay; he 'll appear, I take it, when he is dressed,” was the curt rejoinder, but it was scarcely uttered when the door was thrown wide open, and Lord Culduff and Mr. Cutbill were announced.
a group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together
From this reading It was within a quarter of eight o'clock--forty-five minutes after the usual dinner-hour--when Lord Culduff's carriage drove up to the door.
being one more than seven
From this reading It was within a quarter of eight o'clock--forty-five minutes after the usual dinner-hour--when Lord Culduff's carriage drove up to the door.
engineernounUS /ˈendʒəˈnɪr/
a person who uses scientific knowledge to solve practical problems
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
at any time
From this reading “The roads are atrocious down here,” said Temple, apologizing in advance for an offence which his father rarely, if ever, forgave.
well known or easily recognized
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading “The roads are atrocious down here,” said Temple, apologizing in advance for an offence which his father rarely, if ever, forgave.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
five-and-thirty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
foilverbUS /fɔɪl/
enhance by contrast
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading “The roads are atrocious down here,” said Temple, apologizing in advance for an offence which his father rarely, if ever, forgave.
forgaveverbUS /fərˈɡeɪv/
inflected form of “forgive” — stop blaming or grant forgiveness
From this reading “The roads are atrocious down here,” said Temple, apologizing in advance for an offence which his father rarely, if ever, forgave.
forty-fivenounUS /ˈfɔːrtifaɪv/
a .45-caliber pistol
From this reading It was within a quarter of eight o'clock--forty-five minutes after the usual dinner-hour--when Lord Culduff's carriage drove up to the door.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading “Don't you think you ought to go out to meet him, sir?” asked he, half timidly.
characterized by beauty of movement, style, form, or execution
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading “Don't you think you ought to go out to meet him, sir?” asked he, half timidly.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “Don't you think you ought to go out to meet him, sir?” asked he, half timidly.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading “The roads are atrocious down here,” said Temple, apologizing in advance for an offence which his father rarely, if ever, forgave.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “Don't you think you ought to go out to meet him, sir?” asked he, half timidly.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading “The roads are atrocious down here,” said Temple, apologizing in advance for an offence which his father rarely, if ever, forgave.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “It would only create more delay; he 'll appear, I take it, when he is dressed,” was the curt rejoinder, but it was scarcely uttered when the door was thrown wide open, and Lord Culduff and Mr. Cutbill were announced.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading “The roads are atrocious down here,” said Temple, apologizing in advance for an offence which his father rarely, if ever, forgave.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “The roads are atrocious down here,” said Temple, apologizing in advance for an offence which his father rarely, if ever, forgave.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “It would only create more delay; he 'll appear, I take it, when he is dressed,” was the curt rejoinder, but it was scarcely uttered when the door was thrown wide open, and Lord Culduff and Mr. Cutbill were announced.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was within a quarter of eight o'clock--forty-five minutes after the usual dinner-hour--when Lord Culduff's carriage drove up to the door.
jauntyadjectiveUS /ˈdʒɔːnti/
marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
ll
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “It would only create more delay; he 'll appear, I take it, when he is dressed,” was the curt rejoinder, but it was scarcely uttered when the door was thrown wide open, and Lord Culduff and Mr. Cutbill were announced.
terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God
From this reading It was within a quarter of eight o'clock--forty-five minutes after the usual dinner-hour--when Lord Culduff's carriage drove up to the door.
Lordship's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
come together
From this reading “Don't you think you ought to go out to meet him, sir?” asked he, half timidly.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading It was within a quarter of eight o'clock--forty-five minutes after the usual dinner-hour--when Lord Culduff's carriage drove up to the door.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading “It would only create more delay; he 'll appear, I take it, when he is dressed,” was the curt rejoinder, but it was scarcely uttered when the door was thrown wide open, and Lord Culduff and Mr. Cutbill were announced.
a form of address for a man
From this reading “It would only create more delay; he 'll appear, I take it, when he is dressed,” was the curt rejoinder, but it was scarcely uttered when the door was thrown wide open, and Lord Culduff and Mr. Cutbill were announced.
musterverbUS /ˈmʌstər/
gather or bring together
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading It was within a quarter of eight o'clock--forty-five minutes after the usual dinner-hour--when Lord Culduff's carriage drove up to the door.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was within a quarter of eight o'clock--forty-five minutes after the usual dinner-hour--when Lord Culduff's carriage drove up to the door.
offencenoun
the action of attacking an enemy
From this reading “The roads are atrocious down here,” said Temple, apologizing in advance for an offence which his father rarely, if ever, forgave.
and nothing more
From this reading “It would only create more delay; he 'll appear, I take it, when he is dressed,” was the curt rejoinder, but it was scarcely uttered when the door was thrown wide open, and Lord Culduff and Mr. Cutbill were announced.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading “It would only create more delay; he 'll appear, I take it, when he is dressed,” was the curt rejoinder, but it was scarcely uttered when the door was thrown wide open, and Lord Culduff and Mr. Cutbill were announced.
used with “to” to say what is right or advisable
From this reading “Don't you think you ought to go out to meet him, sir?” asked he, half timidly.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading “Don't you think you ought to go out to meet him, sir?” asked he, half timidly.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
one of four equal parts
From this reading It was within a quarter of eight o'clock--forty-five minutes after the usual dinner-hour--when Lord Culduff's carriage drove up to the door.
rarelyadverbUS /ˈrerli/
not often
From this reading “The roads are atrocious down here,” said Temple, apologizing in advance for an offence which his father rarely, if ever, forgave.
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
rejoindernounUS /rɪˈdʒɔɪndər/
a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one)
From this reading “It would only create more delay; he 'll appear, I take it, when he is dressed,” was the curt rejoinder, but it was scarcely uttered when the door was thrown wide open, and Lord Culduff and Mr. Cutbill were announced.
roadsnounUS /roʊdz/
a partly sheltered anchorage
From this reading “The roads are atrocious down here,” said Temple, apologizing in advance for an offence which his father rarely, if ever, forgave.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “The roads are atrocious down here,” said Temple, apologizing in advance for an offence which his father rarely, if ever, forgave.
only a very short time before
From this reading “It would only create more delay; he 'll appear, I take it, when he is dressed,” was the curt rejoinder, but it was scarcely uttered when the door was thrown wide open, and Lord Culduff and Mr. Cutbill were announced.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
term of address for a man
From this reading “Don't you think you ought to go out to meet him, sir?” asked he, half timidly.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
stridenounUS /straɪd/
a step in walking or running
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
subduedadjectiveUS /səbˈduːd/
in a softened tone
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
carry out
From this reading “It would only create more delay; he 'll appear, I take it, when he is dressed,” was the curt rejoinder, but it was scarcely uttered when the door was thrown wide open, and Lord Culduff and Mr. Cutbill were announced.
place of worship consisting of an edifice for the worship of a deity
From this reading “The roads are atrocious down here,” said Temple, apologizing in advance for an offence which his father rarely, if ever, forgave.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was within a quarter of eight o'clock--forty-five minutes after the usual dinner-hour--when Lord Culduff's carriage drove up to the door.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading “Don't you think you ought to go out to meet him, sir?” asked he, half timidly.
caused to fall to the ground
From this reading “It would only create more delay; he 'll appear, I take it, when he is dressed,” was the curt rejoinder, but it was scarcely uttered when the door was thrown wide open, and Lord Culduff and Mr. Cutbill were announced.
timidlyadverbUS /ˈtɪmədli/
in a shy or timid or bashful manner
From this reading “Don't you think you ought to go out to meet him, sir?” asked he, half timidly.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was within a quarter of eight o'clock--forty-five minutes after the usual dinner-hour--when Lord Culduff's carriage drove up to the door.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading It was within a quarter of eight o'clock--forty-five minutes after the usual dinner-hour--when Lord Culduff's carriage drove up to the door.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading It was within a quarter of eight o'clock--forty-five minutes after the usual dinner-hour--when Lord Culduff's carriage drove up to the door.
communicated in words
From this reading “It would only create more delay; he 'll appear, I take it, when he is dressed,” was the curt rejoinder, but it was scarcely uttered when the door was thrown wide open, and Lord Culduff and Mr. Cutbill were announced.
precisely as stated
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
vulgaradjectiveUS /ˈvʌlɡər/
lacking refinement or cultivation or taste
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was within a quarter of eight o'clock--forty-five minutes after the usual dinner-hour--when Lord Culduff's carriage drove up to the door.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading “It would only create more delay; he 'll appear, I take it, when he is dressed,” was the curt rejoinder, but it was scarcely uttered when the door was thrown wide open, and Lord Culduff and Mr. Cutbill were announced.
at the time that
From this reading It was within a quarter of eight o'clock--forty-five minutes after the usual dinner-hour--when Lord Culduff's carriage drove up to the door.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading “The roads are atrocious down here,” said Temple, apologizing in advance for an offence which his father rarely, if ever, forgave.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading “It would only create more delay; he 'll appear, I take it, when he is dressed,” was the curt rejoinder, but it was scarcely uttered when the door was thrown wide open, and Lord Culduff and Mr. Cutbill were announced.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading It was within a quarter of eight o'clock--forty-five minutes after the usual dinner-hour--when Lord Culduff's carriage drove up to the door.
inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in
From this reading Seen in the subdued light of a drawing-room before dinner, Lord Culduff did not appear more than half his real age, and the jaunty stride and the bland smile he wore--as he made his round of acquaintance--might have passed muster for five-and-thirty; nor was the round vulgar figure of the engineer, awkward and familiar alternately, a bad foil for the very graceful attractions of his Lordship's manner.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading “It would only create more delay; he 'll appear, I take it, when he is dressed,” was the curt rejoinder, but it was scarcely uttered when the door was thrown wide open, and Lord Culduff and Mr. Cutbill were announced.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Don't you think you ought to go out to meet him, sir?” asked he, half timidly.