used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
inflected form of “admit” — declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of
From this reading Miss Susan Baird had never permitted what she termed "familiarity," and no friend, no matter what the degree of intimacy, was ever admitted except through the front door.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading For a second she rested her weight against it, then, controlling her nervousness, she thrust the mauve paper into the pocket of her coat and with reluctance moved over to the side door.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
announceverbUS /əˈnaʊns/
make known; make an announcement
From this reading Callers did not usually announce their presence in that manner.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Her dominating character had forced respect for her peculiarities, and Kitty could recall no one, except herself, who had ever cared to cross her aunt in any particular.
the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading Her dominating character had forced respect for her peculiarities, and Kitty could recall no one, except herself, who had ever cared to cross her aunt in any particular.
Baird
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Miss Susan Baird had never permitted what she termed "familiarity," and no friend, no matter what the degree of intimacy, was ever admitted except through the front door.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
BRIBERYnounUS /ˈbraɪbəri/
the practice of offering something (usually money) in order to gain an illicit advantage
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
CallersnounUS /ˈkɔːlərz/
plural of “caller” — a social or business visitor
From this reading Callers did not usually announce their presence in that manner.
past form of “care” — feel concern or interest
From this reading Her dominating character had forced respect for her peculiarities, and Kitty could recall no one, except herself, who had ever cared to cross her aunt in any particular.
discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading Her dominating character had forced respect for her peculiarities, and Kitty could recall no one, except herself, who had ever cared to cross her aunt in any particular.
an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors
From this reading For a second she rested her weight against it, then, controlling her nervousness, she thrust the mauve paper into the pocket of her coat and with reluctance moved over to the side door.
controllingadjectiveUS /kənˈtroʊlɪŋ/
able to control or determine policy
From this reading For a second she rested her weight against it, then, controlling her nervousness, she thrust the mauve paper into the pocket of her coat and with reluctance moved over to the side door.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Her dominating character had forced respect for her peculiarities, and Kitty could recall no one, except herself, who had ever cared to cross her aunt in any particular.
travel across or pass over
From this reading Her dominating character had forced respect for her peculiarities, and Kitty could recall no one, except herself, who had ever cared to cross her aunt in any particular.
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading Miss Susan Baird had never permitted what she termed "familiarity," and no friend, no matter what the degree of intimacy, was ever admitted except through the front door.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Callers did not usually announce their presence in that manner.
dominatingadjectiveUS /ˈdɑːməneɪtɪŋ/
most powerful or important or influential
From this reading Her dominating character had forced respect for her peculiarities, and Kitty could recall no one, except herself, who had ever cared to cross her aunt in any particular.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
at any time
From this reading Miss Susan Baird had never permitted what she termed "familiarity," and no friend, no matter what the degree of intimacy, was ever admitted except through the front door.
apart from; not including
From this reading Miss Susan Baird had never permitted what she termed "familiarity," and no friend, no matter what the degree of intimacy, was ever admitted except through the front door.
familiaritynounUS /fəˌmɪˈljerəti/
personal knowledge or information about someone or something
From this reading Miss Susan Baird had never permitted what she termed "familiarity," and no friend, no matter what the degree of intimacy, was ever admitted except through the front door.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For a second she rested her weight against it, then, controlling her nervousness, she thrust the mauve paper into the pocket of her coat and with reluctance moved over to the side door.
produced by or subjected to forcing
From this reading Her dominating character had forced respect for her peculiarities, and Kitty could recall no one, except herself, who had ever cared to cross her aunt in any particular.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading Miss Susan Baird had never permitted what she termed "familiarity," and no friend, no matter what the degree of intimacy, was ever admitted except through the front door.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading Miss Susan Baird had never permitted what she termed "familiarity," and no friend, no matter what the degree of intimacy, was ever admitted except through the front door.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Callers did not usually announce their presence in that manner.
instinctivelyadverbUS /ˌɪnˈstɪŋktɪvliː/
as a matter of instinct
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
intimacynounUS /ˈɪntəməsi/
close or warm friendship
From this reading Miss Susan Baird had never permitted what she termed "familiarity," and no friend, no matter what the degree of intimacy, was ever admitted except through the front door.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading For a second she rested her weight against it, then, controlling her nervousness, she thrust the mauve paper into the pocket of her coat and with reluctance moved over to the side door.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading For a second she rested her weight against it, then, controlling her nervousness, she thrust the mauve paper into the pocket of her coat and with reluctance moved over to the side door.
KittynounUS /ˈkɪti/
the combined stakes of the betters
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
deliver a sharp blow or push
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
a room where books are kept
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Callers did not usually announce their presence in that manner.
mantel-piece
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Miss Susan Baird had never permitted what she termed "familiarity," and no friend, no matter what the degree of intimacy, was ever admitted except through the front door.
mauveadjectiveUS /mɔːv/
of a pale to moderate greyish violet color
From this reading For a second she rested her weight against it, then, controlling her nervousness, she thrust the mauve paper into the pocket of her coat and with reluctance moved over to the side door.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading Miss Susan Baird had never permitted what she termed "familiarity," and no friend, no matter what the degree of intimacy, was ever admitted except through the front door.
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading For a second she rested her weight against it, then, controlling her nervousness, she thrust the mauve paper into the pocket of her coat and with reluctance moved over to the side door.
nervousnessnounUS /ˈnɜːrvəsnəs/
the anxious feeling you have when you have the jitters
From this reading For a second she rested her weight against it, then, controlling her nervousness, she thrust the mauve paper into the pocket of her coat and with reluctance moved over to the side door.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Miss Susan Baird had never permitted what she termed "familiarity," and no friend, no matter what the degree of intimacy, was ever admitted except through the front door.
not any; not one
From this reading Miss Susan Baird had never permitted what she termed "familiarity," and no friend, no matter what the degree of intimacy, was ever admitted except through the front door.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Callers did not usually announce their presence in that manner.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading For a second she rested her weight against it, then, controlling her nervousness, she thrust the mauve paper into the pocket of her coat and with reluctance moved over to the side door.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Her dominating character had forced respect for her peculiarities, and Kitty could recall no one, except herself, who had ever cared to cross her aunt in any particular.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading For a second she rested her weight against it, then, controlling her nervousness, she thrust the mauve paper into the pocket of her coat and with reluctance moved over to the side door.
a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses
From this reading For a second she rested her weight against it, then, controlling her nervousness, she thrust the mauve paper into the pocket of her coat and with reluctance moved over to the side door.
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading Her dominating character had forced respect for her peculiarities, and Kitty could recall no one, except herself, who had ever cared to cross her aunt in any particular.
peculiaritiesnounUS /pɪˌkjuːliˈerətiz/
plural of “peculiarity” — an odd or unusual characteristic
From this reading Her dominating character had forced respect for her peculiarities, and Kitty could recall no one, except herself, who had ever cared to cross her aunt in any particular.
inflected form of “permit” — consent to, give permission
From this reading Miss Susan Baird had never permitted what she termed "familiarity," and no friend, no matter what the degree of intimacy, was ever admitted except through the front door.
a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles
From this reading For a second she rested her weight against it, then, controlling her nervousness, she thrust the mauve paper into the pocket of her coat and with reluctance moved over to the side door.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading Callers did not usually announce their presence in that manner.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
recallverbUS /ˈriːkɔːl/
recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection
From this reading Her dominating character had forced respect for her peculiarities, and Kitty could recall no one, except herself, who had ever cared to cross her aunt in any particular.
reluctancenounUS /rɪˈlʌktəns/
(physics) opposition to magnetic flux (analogous to electric resistance)
From this reading For a second she rested her weight against it, then, controlling her nervousness, she thrust the mauve paper into the pocket of her coat and with reluctance moved over to the side door.
resoundingadjectiveUS /riˈsaʊndɪŋ/
characterized by resonance
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading Her dominating character had forced respect for her peculiarities, and Kitty could recall no one, except herself, who had ever cared to cross her aunt in any particular.
not tired; refreshed as by sleeping or relaxing
From this reading For a second she rested her weight against it, then, controlling her nervousness, she thrust the mauve paper into the pocket of her coat and with reluctance moved over to the side door.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading For a second she rested her weight against it, then, controlling her nervousness, she thrust the mauve paper into the pocket of her coat and with reluctance moved over to the side door.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
make steady
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
Susan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Miss Susan Baird had never permitted what she termed "familiarity," and no friend, no matter what the degree of intimacy, was ever admitted except through the front door.
termedverbUS /tɜːrmd/
past form of “term” — name formally or designate with a term
From this reading Miss Susan Baird had never permitted what she termed "familiarity," and no friend, no matter what the degree of intimacy, was ever admitted except through the front door.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Callers did not usually announce their presence in that manner.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Callers did not usually announce their presence in that manner.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading For a second she rested her weight against it, then, controlling her nervousness, she thrust the mauve paper into the pocket of her coat and with reluctance moved over to the side door.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
push forcefully
From this reading For a second she rested her weight against it, then, controlling her nervousness, she thrust the mauve paper into the pocket of her coat and with reluctance moved over to the side door.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
under normal conditions
From this reading Callers did not usually announce their presence in that manner.
violentlyadverbUS /ˈvaɪələntli/
in a violent manner
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Miss Susan Baird had never permitted what she termed "familiarity," and no friend, no matter what the degree of intimacy, was ever admitted except through the front door.
the vertical force exerted by a mass as a result of gravity
From this reading For a second she rested her weight against it, then, controlling her nervousness, she thrust the mauve paper into the pocket of her coat and with reluctance moved over to the side door.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Miss Susan Baird had never permitted what she termed "familiarity," and no friend, no matter what the degree of intimacy, was ever admitted except through the front door.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading BRIBERY A resounding knock on the side door, through which she had entered the library a few minutes before, caused Kitty to start violently and her hand reached out instinctively to catch the mantel-piece to steady herself.
which person or people
From this reading Her dominating character had forced respect for her peculiarities, and Kitty could recall no one, except herself, who had ever cared to cross her aunt in any particular.
in the company of; together with
From this reading For a second she rested her weight against it, then, controlling her nervousness, she thrust the mauve paper into the pocket of her coat and with reluctance moved over to the side door.
