used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading On such a night sleep would be heavier than usual.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading The most astute criminal, even burglars, will choose sometimes a wrongly-timed occasion for his offence against society.
allottedadjectiveUS /əˈlɑːtɪd/
given as a task
From this reading The guests also lingered longer than usual in billiard-room or library, and they, in turn, having received the ministrations of the servants allotted to them, retired up the wide oak staircase, over the soft, deep carpet.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
in addition
From this reading The guests also lingered longer than usual in billiard-room or library, and they, in turn, having received the ministrations of the servants allotted to them, retired up the wide oak staircase, over the soft, deep carpet.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading By general consent the potations that followed dinner were not excessive, but a little more liberal, as became the occasion.
astuteadjectiveUS /əˈstuːt/
marked by practical hardheaded intelligence
From this reading The most astute criminal, even burglars, will choose sometimes a wrongly-timed occasion for his offence against society.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading On such a night sleep would be heavier than usual.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading By general consent the potations that followed dinner were not excessive, but a little more liberal, as became the occasion.
billiard-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The guests also lingered longer than usual in billiard-room or library, and they, in turn, having received the ministrations of the servants allotted to them, retired up the wide oak staircase, over the soft, deep carpet.
plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
burglarsnounUS /ˈbɜːrɡlərz/
plural of “burglar” — a thief who enters a building with intent to steal
From this reading The most astute criminal, even burglars, will choose sometimes a wrongly-timed occasion for his offence against society.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading By general consent the potations that followed dinner were not excessive, but a little more liberal, as became the occasion.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading By general consent the potations that followed dinner were not excessive, but a little more liberal, as became the occasion.
carpetnounUS /ˈkɑːrpət/
floor covering consisting of a piece of thick heavy fabric (usually with nap or pile)
From this reading The guests also lingered longer than usual in billiard-room or library, and they, in turn, having received the ministrations of the servants allotted to them, retired up the wide oak staircase, over the soft, deep carpet.
pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
From this reading The most astute criminal, even burglars, will choose sometimes a wrongly-timed occasion for his offence against society.
not open or affording passage or access
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
permission to do something
From this reading By general consent the potations that followed dinner were not excessive, but a little more liberal, as became the occasion.
corridorsnounUS /ˈkɔːrɪdərz/
plural of “corridor” — an enclosed passageway; rooms usually open onto it
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
criminaladjectiveUS /ˈkrɪmənəl/
bringing or deserving severe rebuke or censure
From this reading The most astute criminal, even burglars, will choose sometimes a wrongly-timed occasion for his offence against society.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading The guests also lingered longer than usual in billiard-room or library, and they, in turn, having received the ministrations of the servants allotted to them, retired up the wide oak staircase, over the soft, deep carpet.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading By general consent the potations that followed dinner were not excessive, but a little more liberal, as became the occasion.
a line leading to a place or point
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
divisible by two
From this reading The most astute criminal, even burglars, will choose sometimes a wrongly-timed occasion for his offence against society.
excessiveadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsesɪv/
beyond normal limits
From this reading By general consent the potations that followed dinner were not excessive, but a little more liberal, as became the occasion.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading By general consent the potations that followed dinner were not excessive, but a little more liberal, as became the occasion.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The most astute criminal, even burglars, will choose sometimes a wrongly-timed occasion for his offence against society.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading By general consent the potations that followed dinner were not excessive, but a little more liberal, as became the occasion.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading The guests also lingered longer than usual in billiard-room or library, and they, in turn, having received the ministrations of the servants allotted to them, retired up the wide oak staircase, over the soft, deep carpet.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading The guests also lingered longer than usual in billiard-room or library, and they, in turn, having received the ministrations of the servants allotted to them, retired up the wide oak staircase, over the soft, deep carpet.
heavieradjectiveUS /ˈheviər/
comparative of “heavy” — of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading On such a night sleep would be heavier than usual.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
a social unit living together
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
immediately past
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
liberaladjectiveUS /ˈlɪbɜːrəl/
showing or characterized by broad-mindedness
From this reading By general consent the potations that followed dinner were not excessive, but a little more liberal, as became the occasion.
a room where books are kept
From this reading The guests also lingered longer than usual in billiard-room or library, and they, in turn, having received the ministrations of the servants allotted to them, retired up the wide oak staircase, over the soft, deep carpet.
lingeredverbUS /ˈlɪŋɡərd/
past form of “linger” — remain present although waning or gradually dying
From this reading The guests also lingered longer than usual in billiard-room or library, and they, in turn, having received the ministrations of the servants allotted to them, retired up the wide oak staircase, over the soft, deep carpet.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading By general consent the potations that followed dinner were not excessive, but a little more liberal, as became the occasion.
for more time
From this reading The guests also lingered longer than usual in billiard-room or library, and they, in turn, having received the ministrations of the servants allotted to them, retired up the wide oak staircase, over the soft, deep carpet.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
ministrationsnounUS /ˌmɪnəˈstreɪʃənz/
plural of “ministration” — assistance in time of difficulty
From this reading The guests also lingered longer than usual in billiard-room or library, and they, in turn, having received the ministrations of the servants allotted to them, retired up the wide oak staircase, over the soft, deep carpet.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading By general consent the potations that followed dinner were not excessive, but a little more liberal, as became the occasion.
used to form the superlative
From this reading The most astute criminal, even burglars, will choose sometimes a wrongly-timed occasion for his offence against society.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading On such a night sleep would be heavier than usual.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading By general consent the potations that followed dinner were not excessive, but a little more liberal, as became the occasion.
the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring
From this reading The guests also lingered longer than usual in billiard-room or library, and they, in turn, having received the ministrations of the servants allotted to them, retired up the wide oak staircase, over the soft, deep carpet.
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading By general consent the potations that followed dinner were not excessive, but a little more liberal, as became the occasion.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
offencenoun
the action of attacking an enemy
From this reading The most astute criminal, even burglars, will choose sometimes a wrongly-timed occasion for his offence against society.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On such a night sleep would be heavier than usual.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The guests also lingered longer than usual in billiard-room or library, and they, in turn, having received the ministrations of the servants allotted to them, retired up the wide oak staircase, over the soft, deep carpet.
potations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By general consent the potations that followed dinner were not excessive, but a little more liberal, as became the occasion.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading The guests also lingered longer than usual in billiard-room or library, and they, in turn, having received the ministrations of the servants allotted to them, retired up the wide oak staircase, over the soft, deep carpet.
respectfuladjectiveUS /rɪˈspektfəl/
full of or exhibiting respect
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
respectiveadjectiveUS /rɪˈspektɪv/
considered individually
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
no longer active in your work or profession
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading The guests also lingered longer than usual in billiard-room or library, and they, in turn, having received the ministrations of the servants allotted to them, retired up the wide oak staircase, over the soft, deep carpet.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading On such a night sleep would be heavier than usual.
an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization
From this reading The most astute criminal, even burglars, will choose sometimes a wrongly-timed occasion for his offence against society.
yielding readily to pressure or weight
From this reading The guests also lingered longer than usual in billiard-room or library, and they, in turn, having received the ministrations of the servants allotted to them, retired up the wide oak staircase, over the soft, deep carpet.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading The most astute criminal, even burglars, will choose sometimes a wrongly-timed occasion for his offence against society.
staircasenounUS /ˈsterkeɪs/
a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps
From this reading The guests also lingered longer than usual in billiard-room or library, and they, in turn, having received the ministrations of the servants allotted to them, retired up the wide oak staircase, over the soft, deep carpet.
staircasesnounUS /ˈsterkeɪsɪz/
plural of “staircase” — a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
stiflingnounUS /ˈstaɪflɪŋ/
forceful prevention; putting down by power or authority
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading On such a night sleep would be heavier than usual.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading On such a night sleep would be heavier than usual.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading By general consent the potations that followed dinner were not excessive, but a little more liberal, as became the occasion.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading By general consent the potations that followed dinner were not excessive, but a little more liberal, as became the occasion.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The guests also lingered longer than usual in billiard-room or library, and they, in turn, having received the ministrations of the servants allotted to them, retired up the wide oak staircase, over the soft, deep carpet.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The guests also lingered longer than usual in billiard-room or library, and they, in turn, having received the ministrations of the servants allotted to them, retired up the wide oak staircase, over the soft, deep carpet.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading The guests also lingered longer than usual in billiard-room or library, and they, in turn, having received the ministrations of the servants allotted to them, retired up the wide oak staircase, over the soft, deep carpet.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading On such a night sleep would be heavier than usual.
varyingadjectiveUS /ˈveriɪŋ/
marked by diversity or difference
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
close enough to be walked to
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading By general consent the potations that followed dinner were not excessive, but a little more liberal, as became the occasion.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading The guests also lingered longer than usual in billiard-room or library, and they, in turn, having received the ministrations of the servants allotted to them, retired up the wide oak staircase, over the soft, deep carpet.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading The most astute criminal, even burglars, will choose sometimes a wrongly-timed occasion for his offence against society.
windingadjectiveUS /ˈwaɪndɪŋ/
marked by repeated turns and bends
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
in the company of; together with
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading On such a night sleep would be heavier than usual.
wrongly-timed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The most astute criminal, even burglars, will choose sometimes a wrongly-timed occasion for his offence against society.
yawnsnounUS /jɔːnz/
plural of “yawn” — an involuntary intake of breath through a wide open mouth; usually triggered by fatigue or boredom
From this reading One by one the household, in its many varying branches, retired, each in his or her direction up one of the many winding staircases, and along corridors to their respective rooms, with stifling yawns, and walking with a respectful silence until the last of the doors opened and closed.
