Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

in addition

From this reading The hair was also as black as hair can be, and was parted near the middle of his forehead.

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

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A gentleman, who was seated in front of the fire reading a newspaper, looked up at the clock to see what hour it was, to save himself the trouble of counting the slow, musical strokes.

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

From this reading The hair was also as black as hair can be, and was parted near the middle of his forehead.

a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

reveal unintentionally

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

past form of “betray” — reveal unintentionally

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading The eyes he raised were light gray, with a blue glint of steel in them, shaded by lashes as black as jet.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading The eyes he raised were light gray, with a blue glint of steel in them, shaded by lashes as black as jet.

an alloy of copper and zinc

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It was inclined to curl, but had not the length required by this inclination.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The eyes he raised were light gray, with a blue glint of steel in them, shaded by lashes as black as jet.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading The hair was also as black as hair can be, and was parted near the middle of his forehead.

any large and important church

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

a loud resonant repeating noise

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

a timepiece that shows the time of day

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

the act of counting; reciting numbers in ascending order

From this reading A gentleman, who was seated in front of the fire reading a newspaper, looked up at the clock to see what hour it was, to save himself the trouble of counting the slow, musical strokes.

a solid formed by the solidification of a chemical and having a highly regular atomic structure

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

form a curl, curve, or kink

From this reading It was inclined to curl, but had not the length required by this inclination.

separated in space or coming from or going to a distance

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

opinion or judgment

From this reading The eyes he raised were light gray, with a blue glint of steel in them, shaded by lashes as black as jet.

start firing a weapon

From this reading A gentleman, who was seated in front of the fire reading a newspaper, looked up at the clock to see what hour it was, to save himself the trouble of counting the slow, musical strokes.

the part of the face above the eyes

From this reading The hair was also as black as hair can be, and was parted near the middle of his forehead.

provided with a frame

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading A gentleman, who was seated in front of the fire reading a newspaper, looked up at the clock to see what hour it was, to save himself the trouble of counting the slow, musical strokes.

a man of refinement

From this reading A gentleman, who was seated in front of the fire reading a newspaper, looked up at the clock to see what hour it was, to save himself the trouble of counting the slow, musical strokes.

be shiny, as if wet

From this reading The eyes he raised were light gray, with a blue glint of steel in them, shaded by lashes as black as jet.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading The eyes he raised were light gray, with a blue glint of steel in them, shaded by lashes as black as jet.

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

From this reading It was inclined to curl, but had not the length required by this inclination.

a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss

From this reading The hair was also as black as hair can be, and was parted near the middle of his forehead.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The eyes he raised were light gray, with a blue glint of steel in them, shaded by lashes as black as jet.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading A gentleman, who was seated in front of the fire reading a newspaper, looked up at the clock to see what hour it was, to save himself the trouble of counting the slow, musical strokes.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading The hair was also as black as hair can be, and was parted near the middle of his forehead.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading A gentleman, who was seated in front of the fire reading a newspaper, looked up at the clock to see what hour it was, to save himself the trouble of counting the slow, musical strokes.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading A gentleman, who was seated in front of the fire reading a newspaper, looked up at the clock to see what hour it was, to save himself the trouble of counting the slow, musical strokes.

an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others

From this reading It was inclined to curl, but had not the length required by this inclination.

(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency

From this reading It was inclined to curl, but had not the length required by this inclination.

located inward

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

plural of “insect” — small air-breathing arthropod

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading A gentleman, who was seated in front of the fire reading a newspaper, looked up at the clock to see what hour it was, to save himself the trouble of counting the slow, musical strokes.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

an airplane powered by one or more jet engines

From this reading The eyes he raised were light gray, with a blue glint of steel in them, shaded by lashes as black as jet.

plural of “lash” — any of the short curved hairs that grow from the edges of the eyelids

From this reading The eyes he raised were light gray, with a blue glint of steel in them, shaded by lashes as black as jet.

the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place

From this reading It was inclined to curl, but had not the length required by this inclination.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading The eyes he raised were light gray, with a blue glint of steel in them, shaded by lashes as black as jet.

the act of tarrying

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading A gentleman, who was seated in front of the fire reading a newspaper, looked up at the clock to see what hour it was, to save himself the trouble of counting the slow, musical strokes.

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

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

unhurried and relaxed

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

an area that is approximately central within some larger region

From this reading The hair was also as black as hair can be, and was parted near the middle of his forehead.

characterized by or capable of producing music

From this reading A gentleman, who was seated in front of the fire reading a newspaper, looked up at the clock to see what hour it was, to save himself the trouble of counting the slow, musical strokes.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading The hair was also as black as hair can be, and was parted near the middle of his forehead.

a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements

From this reading A gentleman, who was seated in front of the fire reading a newspaper, looked up at the clock to see what hour it was, to save himself the trouble of counting the slow, musical strokes.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It was inclined to curl, but had not the length required by this inclination.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

having a margin incised almost to the base so as to create distinct divisions or lobes

From this reading The hair was also as black as hair can be, and was parted near the middle of his forehead.

plural of “process” — a particular course of action intended to achieve a result

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

located or moved above the surround or above the normal position

From this reading The eyes he raised were light gray, with a blue glint of steel in them, shaded by lashes as black as jet.

the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message

From this reading A gentleman, who was seated in front of the fire reading a newspaper, looked up at the clock to see what hour it was, to save himself the trouble of counting the slow, musical strokes.

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading It was inclined to curl, but had not the length required by this inclination.

except for; apart from

From this reading A gentleman, who was seated in front of the fire reading a newspaper, looked up at the clock to see what hour it was, to save himself the trouble of counting the slow, musical strokes.

(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks

From this reading A gentleman, who was seated in front of the fire reading a newspaper, looked up at the clock to see what hour it was, to save himself the trouble of counting the slow, musical strokes.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading A gentleman, who was seated in front of the fire reading a newspaper, looked up at the clock to see what hour it was, to save himself the trouble of counting the slow, musical strokes.

protected from heat and light with shade or shadow

From this reading The eyes he raised were light gray, with a blue glint of steel in them, shaded by lashes as black as jet.

plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading A gentleman, who was seated in front of the fire reading a newspaper, looked up at the clock to see what hour it was, to save himself the trouble of counting the slow, musical strokes.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

an alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon; widely used in construction; mechanical properties can be varied over a wide range

From this reading The eyes he raised were light gray, with a blue glint of steel in them, shaded by lashes as black as jet.

plural of “stroke” — (sports) the act of swinging or striking at a ball with a club or racket or bat or cue or hand

From this reading A gentleman, who was seated in front of the fire reading a newspaper, looked up at the clock to see what hour it was, to save himself the trouble of counting the slow, musical strokes.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

a thing constructed; a complex entity constructed of many parts

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

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

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The eyes he raised were light gray, with a blue glint of steel in them, shaded by lashes as black as jet.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading It was inclined to curl, but had not the length required by this inclination.

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

From this reading A gentleman, who was seated in front of the fire reading a newspaper, looked up at the clock to see what hour it was, to save himself the trouble of counting the slow, musical strokes.

transmitting light; able to be seen through with clarity

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

a source of difficulty

From this reading A gentleman, who was seated in front of the fire reading a newspaper, looked up at the clock to see what hour it was, to save himself the trouble of counting the slow, musical strokes.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading A gentleman, who was seated in front of the fire reading a newspaper, looked up at the clock to see what hour it was, to save himself the trouble of counting the slow, musical strokes.

urgently needed; absolutely necessary

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

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

From this reading A gentleman, who was seated in front of the fire reading a newspaper, looked up at the clock to see what hour it was, to save himself the trouble of counting the slow, musical strokes.

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

From this reading The eyes he raised were light gray, with a blue glint of steel in them, shaded by lashes as black as jet.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading A gentleman, who was seated in front of the fire reading a newspaper, looked up at the clock to see what hour it was, to save himself the trouble of counting the slow, musical strokes.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.

which person or people

From this reading A gentleman, who was seated in front of the fire reading a newspaper, looked up at the clock to see what hour it was, to save himself the trouble of counting the slow, musical strokes.

in the company of; together with

From this reading A French clock on the mantel-piece, framed of brass and crystal, which betrayed its inner structure as the transparent sides of some insects betray their vital processes, struck ten with the mellow and lingering clangor of a distant cathedral bell.