Chapter XX

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

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

later than; following

From this reading After setting down his light, the elder man turned and scanned Péron’s face and figure closely; he seemed to be satisfied with his inspection, for his own expression relaxed.

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

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

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

From this reading “So you are the cardinal’s messenger?” he said, “a younger man than I looked for; but monsignor makes few mistakes.

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

From this reading By the window was a young man dressed like a clerk, who rose respectfully as they entered.

completely unclothed

From this reading It was a bare, gloomy place, illumined by only one taper until the priest set the one he carried beside the other on the table.

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

From this reading After setting down his light, the elder man turned and scanned Péron’s face and figure closely; he seemed to be satisfied with his inspection, for his own expression relaxed.

next to; at the side of

From this reading It was a bare, gloomy place, illumined by only one taper until the priest set the one he carried beside the other on the table.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading “So you are the cardinal’s messenger?” he said, “a younger man than I looked for; but monsignor makes few mistakes.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It was a bare, gloomy place, illumined by only one taper until the priest set the one he carried beside the other on the table.

possessive form of “cardinal” — (Roman Catholic Church) one of a group of more than 100 prominent bishops in the Sacred College who advise the Pope and elect new Popes

From this reading “So you are the cardinal’s messenger?” he said, “a younger man than I looked for; but monsignor makes few mistakes.

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading It was a bare, gloomy place, illumined by only one taper until the priest set the one he carried beside the other on the table.

an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)

From this reading By the window was a young man dressed like a clerk, who rose respectfully as they entered.

in a close relation or position in time or space

From this reading After setting down his light, the elder man turned and scanned Péron’s face and figure closely; he seemed to be satisfied with his inspection, for his own expression relaxed.

travel across or pass over

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading After setting down his light, the elder man turned and scanned Péron’s face and figure closely; he seemed to be satisfied with his inspection, for his own expression relaxed.

dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination

From this reading By the window was a young man dressed like a clerk, who rose respectfully as they entered.

a person who is older than you are

From this reading After setting down his light, the elder man turned and scanned Péron’s face and figure closely; he seemed to be satisfied with his inspection, for his own expression relaxed.

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading By the window was a young man dressed like a clerk, who rose respectfully as they entered.

the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading After setting down his light, the elder man turned and scanned Péron’s face and figure closely; he seemed to be satisfied with his inspection, for his own expression relaxed.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading After setting down his light, the elder man turned and scanned Péron’s face and figure closely; he seemed to be satisfied with his inspection, for his own expression relaxed.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading “So you are the cardinal’s messenger?” he said, “a younger man than I looked for; but monsignor makes few mistakes.

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading After setting down his light, the elder man turned and scanned Péron’s face and figure closely; he seemed to be satisfied with his inspection, for his own expression relaxed.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

depressingly dark

From this reading It was a bare, gloomy place, illumined by only one taper until the priest set the one he carried beside the other on the table.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

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

From this reading It was a bare, gloomy place, illumined by only one taper until the priest set the one he carried beside the other on the table.

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

From this reading After setting down his light, the elder man turned and scanned Péron’s face and figure closely; he seemed to be satisfied with his inspection, for his own expression relaxed.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading “So you are the cardinal’s messenger?” he said, “a younger man than I looked for; but monsignor makes few mistakes.

past form of “illumine” — make lighter or brighter

From this reading It was a bare, gloomy place, illumined by only one taper until the priest set the one he carried beside the other on the table.

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

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

a formal or official examination

From this reading After setting down his light, the elder man turned and scanned Péron’s face and figure closely; he seemed to be satisfied with his inspection, for his own expression relaxed.

a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was a bare, gloomy place, illumined by only one taper until the priest set the one he carried beside the other on the table.

set down according to a plan

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading After setting down his light, the elder man turned and scanned Péron’s face and figure closely; he seemed to be satisfied with his inspection, for his own expression relaxed.

set afire or burning

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading By the window was a young man dressed like a clerk, who rose respectfully as they entered.

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

From this reading “So you are the cardinal’s messenger?” he said, “a younger man than I looked for; but monsignor makes few mistakes.

plural of “make” — a recognizable kind

From this reading “So you are the cardinal’s messenger?” he said, “a younger man than I looked for; but monsignor makes few mistakes.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading By the window was a young man dressed like a clerk, who rose respectfully as they entered.

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

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

a person who carries a message

From this reading “So you are the cardinal’s messenger?” he said, “a younger man than I looked for; but monsignor makes few mistakes.

plural of “mistake” — a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention

From this reading “So you are the cardinal’s messenger?” he said, “a younger man than I looked for; but monsignor makes few mistakes.

(Roman Catholic Church) an ecclesiastical title of honor bestowed on some priests

From this reading “So you are the cardinal’s messenger?” he said, “a younger man than I looked for; but monsignor makes few mistakes.

make or become more narrow or restricted

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was a bare, gloomy place, illumined by only one taper until the priest set the one he carried beside the other on the table.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading It was a bare, gloomy place, illumined by only one taper until the priest set the one he carried beside the other on the table.

and nothing more

From this reading It was a bare, gloomy place, illumined by only one taper until the priest set the one he carried beside the other on the table.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading It was a bare, gloomy place, illumined by only one taper until the priest set the one he carried beside the other on the table.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading After setting down his light, the elder man turned and scanned Péron’s face and figure closely; he seemed to be satisfied with his inspection, for his own expression relaxed.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading It was a bare, gloomy place, illumined by only one taper until the priest set the one he carried beside the other on the table.

a clergyman in Christian churches who has the authority to perform or administer various religious rites; one of the Holy Orders

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

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

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

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

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

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

From this reading After setting down his light, the elder man turned and scanned Péron’s face and figure closely; he seemed to be satisfied with his inspection, for his own expression relaxed.

without strain or anxiety

From this reading After setting down his light, the elder man turned and scanned Péron’s face and figure closely; he seemed to be satisfied with his inspection, for his own expression relaxed.

in a respectful manner

From this reading By the window was a young man dressed like a clerk, who rose respectfully as they entered.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading By the window was a young man dressed like a clerk, who rose respectfully as they entered.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “So you are the cardinal’s messenger?” he said, “a younger man than I looked for; but monsignor makes few mistakes.

filled with satisfaction

From this reading After setting down his light, the elder man turned and scanned Péron’s face and figure closely; he seemed to be satisfied with his inspection, for his own expression relaxed.

inflected form of “scan” — examine minutely or intensely

From this reading After setting down his light, the elder man turned and scanned Péron’s face and figure closely; he seemed to be satisfied with his inspection, for his own expression relaxed.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

past form of “secure” — get by special effort

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading After setting down his light, the elder man turned and scanned Péron’s face and figure closely; he seemed to be satisfied with his inspection, for his own expression relaxed.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading It was a bare, gloomy place, illumined by only one taper until the priest set the one he carried beside the other on the table.

the context and environment in which something is set

From this reading After setting down his light, the elder man turned and scanned Péron’s face and figure closely; he seemed to be satisfied with his inspection, for his own expression relaxed.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading “So you are the cardinal’s messenger?” he said, “a younger man than I looked for; but monsignor makes few mistakes.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

diminish gradually

From this reading It was a bare, gloomy place, illumined by only one taper until the priest set the one he carried beside the other on the table.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading “So you are the cardinal’s messenger?” he said, “a younger man than I looked for; but monsignor makes few mistakes.

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

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading By the window was a young man dressed like a clerk, who rose respectfully as they entered.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

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

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading After setting down his light, the elder man turned and scanned Péron’s face and figure closely; he seemed to be satisfied with his inspection, for his own expression relaxed.

up to a particular time

From this reading It was a bare, gloomy place, illumined by only one taper until the priest set the one he carried beside the other on the table.

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

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

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

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

in or at the place that

From this reading PÈRE MATTHIEU HAVING secured the strong door of the house of the iron cross, the priest lighted Péron through the hall and up the narrow stairs to the second floor, where, in a front room, a table was laid for supper.

which person or people

From this reading By the window was a young man dressed like a clerk, who rose respectfully as they entered.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading By the window was a young man dressed like a clerk, who rose respectfully as they entered.

in the company of; together with

From this reading After setting down his light, the elder man turned and scanned Péron’s face and figure closely; he seemed to be satisfied with his inspection, for his own expression relaxed.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “So you are the cardinal’s messenger?” he said, “a younger man than I looked for; but monsignor makes few mistakes.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading By the window was a young man dressed like a clerk, who rose respectfully as they entered.

used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father

From this reading “So you are the cardinal’s messenger?” he said, “a younger man than I looked for; but monsignor makes few mistakes.