used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE HAND OF BABETTE I lay for a time where I had been flung, overwhelmed by the disaster.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading In the meantime I was so securely bound that it was all but impossible to move, and the bandage over my eyes prevented me from seeing anything.
allowingverbUS /əˈlaʊɪŋ/
-ing form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading Then a frenzy came on me, and, but for the gag in my mouth, I could have screamed out curses on my folly in allowing myself to be trapped like a wild cat.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Then a frenzy came on me, and, but for the gag in my mouth, I could have screamed out curses on my folly in allowing myself to be trapped like a wild cat.
any thing at all
From this reading In the meantime I was so securely bound that it was all but impossible to move, and the bandage over my eyes prevented me from seeing anything.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading I writhed and twisted like a serpent on the wet flags where I lay, and in the violence of my struggles gradually moved the bandages, so that my eyes were at last set free, and then, exhausted by my efforts and half-choked by the gag, I became still once more, and looked around me.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Now that I think of it, in the madness of those moments I did not pray to the God who had so often and so repeatedly helped me; yet in His mercy and goodness I was freed from my straits, as will be shown hereafter.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading I writhed and twisted like a serpent on the wet flags where I lay, and in the violence of my struggles gradually moved the bandages, so that my eyes were at last set free, and then, exhausted by my efforts and half-choked by the gag, I became still once more, and looked around me.
BABETTE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE HAND OF BABETTE I lay for a time where I had been flung, overwhelmed by the disaster.
bandagenounUS /ˈbændɪdʒ/
a piece of soft material that covers and protects an injured part of the body
From this reading In the meantime I was so securely bound that it was all but impossible to move, and the bandage over my eyes prevented me from seeing anything.
bandagesnounUS /ˈbændədʒəz/
plural of “bandage” — a piece of soft material that covers and protects an injured part of the body
From this reading I writhed and twisted like a serpent on the wet flags where I lay, and in the violence of my struggles gradually moved the bandages, so that my eyes were at last set free, and then, exhausted by my efforts and half-choked by the gag, I became still once more, and looked around me.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Then a frenzy came on me, and, but for the gag in my mouth, I could have screamed out curses on my folly in allowing myself to be trapped like a wild cat.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading I writhed and twisted like a serpent on the wet flags where I lay, and in the violence of my struggles gradually moved the bandages, so that my eyes were at last set free, and then, exhausted by my efforts and half-choked by the gag, I became still once more, and looked around me.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading THE HAND OF BABETTE I lay for a time where I had been flung, overwhelmed by the disaster.
confined by bonds
From this reading In the meantime I was so securely bound that it was all but impossible to move, and the bandage over my eyes prevented me from seeing anything.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Then a frenzy came on me, and, but for the gag in my mouth, I could have screamed out curses on my folly in allowing myself to be trapped like a wild cat.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading THE HAND OF BABETTE I lay for a time where I had been flung, overwhelmed by the disaster.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Then a frenzy came on me, and, but for the gag in my mouth, I could have screamed out curses on my folly in allowing myself to be trapped like a wild cat.
feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats
From this reading Then a frenzy came on me, and, but for the gag in my mouth, I could have screamed out curses on my folly in allowing myself to be trapped like a wild cat.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Then a frenzy came on me, and, but for the gag in my mouth, I could have screamed out curses on my folly in allowing myself to be trapped like a wild cat.
cursesnounUS /ˈkɜːrsɪz/
plural of “curse” — profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger
From this reading Then a frenzy came on me, and, but for the gag in my mouth, I could have screamed out curses on my folly in allowing myself to be trapped like a wild cat.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Now that I think of it, in the madness of those moments I did not pray to the God who had so often and so repeatedly helped me; yet in His mercy and goodness I was freed from my straits, as will be shown hereafter.
disasternounUS /dɪˈzæstər/
a state of extreme (usually irremediable) ruin and misfortune
From this reading THE HAND OF BABETTE I lay for a time where I had been flung, overwhelmed by the disaster.
plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading I writhed and twisted like a serpent on the wet flags where I lay, and in the violence of my struggles gradually moved the bandages, so that my eyes were at last set free, and then, exhausted by my efforts and half-choked by the gag, I became still once more, and looked around me.
drained of energy or effectiveness; extremely tired; completely exhausted
From this reading I writhed and twisted like a serpent on the wet flags where I lay, and in the violence of my struggles gradually moved the bandages, so that my eyes were at last set free, and then, exhausted by my efforts and half-choked by the gag, I became still once more, and looked around me.
opinion or judgment
From this reading In the meantime I was so securely bound that it was all but impossible to move, and the bandage over my eyes prevented me from seeing anything.
flagsnounUS /flæɡz/
plural of “flag” — emblem usually consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design
From this reading I writhed and twisted like a serpent on the wet flags where I lay, and in the violence of my struggles gradually moved the bandages, so that my eyes were at last set free, and then, exhausted by my efforts and half-choked by the gag, I became still once more, and looked around me.
inflected form of “fling” — throw with force or recklessness
From this reading THE HAND OF BABETTE I lay for a time where I had been flung, overwhelmed by the disaster.
the trait of acting stupidly or rashly
From this reading Then a frenzy came on me, and, but for the gag in my mouth, I could have screamed out curses on my folly in allowing myself to be trapped like a wild cat.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE HAND OF BABETTE I lay for a time where I had been flung, overwhelmed by the disaster.
grant freedom to; free from confinement
From this reading I writhed and twisted like a serpent on the wet flags where I lay, and in the violence of my struggles gradually moved the bandages, so that my eyes were at last set free, and then, exhausted by my efforts and half-choked by the gag, I became still once more, and looked around me.
freedverbUS /friːd/
past form of “free” — grant freedom to; free from confinement
From this reading Now that I think of it, in the madness of those moments I did not pray to the God who had so often and so repeatedly helped me; yet in His mercy and goodness I was freed from my straits, as will be shown hereafter.
frenzynounUS /ˈfrenzi/
state of violent mental agitation
From this reading Then a frenzy came on me, and, but for the gag in my mouth, I could have screamed out curses on my folly in allowing myself to be trapped like a wild cat.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Now that I think of it, in the madness of those moments I did not pray to the God who had so often and so repeatedly helped me; yet in His mercy and goodness I was freed from my straits, as will be shown hereafter.
gagverbUS /ɡæɡ/
prevent from speaking out
From this reading Then a frenzy came on me, and, but for the gag in my mouth, I could have screamed out curses on my folly in allowing myself to be trapped like a wild cat.
the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions
From this reading Now that I think of it, in the madness of those moments I did not pray to the God who had so often and so repeatedly helped me; yet in His mercy and goodness I was freed from my straits, as will be shown hereafter.
that which is pleasing or valuable or useful
From this reading Now that I think of it, in the madness of those moments I did not pray to the God who had so often and so repeatedly helped me; yet in His mercy and goodness I was freed from my straits, as will be shown hereafter.
in a gradual manner
From this reading I writhed and twisted like a serpent on the wet flags where I lay, and in the violence of my struggles gradually moved the bandages, so that my eyes were at last set free, and then, exhausted by my efforts and half-choked by the gag, I became still once more, and looked around me.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THE HAND OF BABETTE I lay for a time where I had been flung, overwhelmed by the disaster.
half-choked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I writhed and twisted like a serpent on the wet flags where I lay, and in the violence of my struggles gradually moved the bandages, so that my eyes were at last set free, and then, exhausted by my efforts and half-choked by the gag, I became still once more, and looked around me.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading THE HAND OF BABETTE I lay for a time where I had been flung, overwhelmed by the disaster.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Then a frenzy came on me, and, but for the gag in my mouth, I could have screamed out curses on my folly in allowing myself to be trapped like a wild cat.
past form of “help” — give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading Now that I think of it, in the madness of those moments I did not pray to the God who had so often and so repeatedly helped me; yet in His mercy and goodness I was freed from my straits, as will be shown hereafter.
hereafteradverbUS /hɪˈræftər/
in a subsequent part of this document or statement or matter etc.
From this reading Now that I think of it, in the madness of those moments I did not pray to the God who had so often and so repeatedly helped me; yet in His mercy and goodness I was freed from my straits, as will be shown hereafter.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Now that I think of it, in the madness of those moments I did not pray to the God who had so often and so repeatedly helped me; yet in His mercy and goodness I was freed from my straits, as will be shown hereafter.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading THE HAND OF BABETTE I lay for a time where I had been flung, overwhelmed by the disaster.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading In the meantime I was so securely bound that it was all but impossible to move, and the bandage over my eyes prevented me from seeing anything.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Then a frenzy came on me, and, but for the gag in my mouth, I could have screamed out curses on my folly in allowing myself to be trapped like a wild cat.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Now that I think of it, in the madness of those moments I did not pray to the God who had so often and so repeatedly helped me; yet in His mercy and goodness I was freed from my straits, as will be shown hereafter.
immediately past
From this reading I writhed and twisted like a serpent on the wet flags where I lay, and in the violence of my struggles gradually moved the bandages, so that my eyes were at last set free, and then, exhausted by my efforts and half-choked by the gag, I became still once more, and looked around me.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading THE HAND OF BABETTE I lay for a time where I had been flung, overwhelmed by the disaster.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Then a frenzy came on me, and, but for the gag in my mouth, I could have screamed out curses on my folly in allowing myself to be trapped like a wild cat.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading I writhed and twisted like a serpent on the wet flags where I lay, and in the violence of my struggles gradually moved the bandages, so that my eyes were at last set free, and then, exhausted by my efforts and half-choked by the gag, I became still once more, and looked around me.
madnessnounUS /ˈmædnəs/
obsolete terms for legal insanity
From this reading Now that I think of it, in the madness of those moments I did not pray to the God who had so often and so repeatedly helped me; yet in His mercy and goodness I was freed from my straits, as will be shown hereafter.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Then a frenzy came on me, and, but for the gag in my mouth, I could have screamed out curses on my folly in allowing myself to be trapped like a wild cat.
the time between one event, process, or period and another
From this reading In the meantime I was so securely bound that it was all but impossible to move, and the bandage over my eyes prevented me from seeing anything.
leniency and compassion shown toward offenders by a person or agency charged with administering justice
From this reading Now that I think of it, in the madness of those moments I did not pray to the God who had so often and so repeatedly helped me; yet in His mercy and goodness I was freed from my straits, as will be shown hereafter.
plural of “moment” — a particular point in time
From this reading Now that I think of it, in the madness of those moments I did not pray to the God who had so often and so repeatedly helped me; yet in His mercy and goodness I was freed from my straits, as will be shown hereafter.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading I writhed and twisted like a serpent on the wet flags where I lay, and in the violence of my struggles gradually moved the bandages, so that my eyes were at last set free, and then, exhausted by my efforts and half-choked by the gag, I became still once more, and looked around me.
the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge
From this reading Then a frenzy came on me, and, but for the gag in my mouth, I could have screamed out curses on my folly in allowing myself to be trapped like a wild cat.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading In the meantime I was so securely bound that it was all but impossible to move, and the bandage over my eyes prevented me from seeing anything.
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading I writhed and twisted like a serpent on the wet flags where I lay, and in the violence of my struggles gradually moved the bandages, so that my eyes were at last set free, and then, exhausted by my efforts and half-choked by the gag, I became still once more, and looked around me.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Then a frenzy came on me, and, but for the gag in my mouth, I could have screamed out curses on my folly in allowing myself to be trapped like a wild cat.
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading Then a frenzy came on me, and, but for the gag in my mouth, I could have screamed out curses on my folly in allowing myself to be trapped like a wild cat.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Now that I think of it, in the madness of those moments I did not pray to the God who had so often and so repeatedly helped me; yet in His mercy and goodness I was freed from my straits, as will be shown hereafter.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Now that I think of it, in the madness of those moments I did not pray to the God who had so often and so repeatedly helped me; yet in His mercy and goodness I was freed from my straits, as will be shown hereafter.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE HAND OF BABETTE I lay for a time where I had been flung, overwhelmed by the disaster.
many times at short intervals
From this reading Now that I think of it, in the madness of those moments I did not pray to the God who had so often and so repeatedly helped me; yet in His mercy and goodness I was freed from my straits, as will be shown hereafter.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Then a frenzy came on me, and, but for the gag in my mouth, I could have screamed out curses on my folly in allowing myself to be trapped like a wild cat.
on one occasion
From this reading I writhed and twisted like a serpent on the wet flags where I lay, and in the violence of my struggles gradually moved the bandages, so that my eyes were at last set free, and then, exhausted by my efforts and half-choked by the gag, I became still once more, and looked around me.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Then a frenzy came on me, and, but for the gag in my mouth, I could have screamed out curses on my folly in allowing myself to be trapped like a wild cat.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading In the meantime I was so securely bound that it was all but impossible to move, and the bandage over my eyes prevented me from seeing anything.
overwhelmedverbUS /ˌoʊvərˈwelmd/
past form of “overwhelm” — overcome, as with emotions or perceptual stimuli
From this reading THE HAND OF BABETTE I lay for a time where I had been flung, overwhelmed by the disaster.
address a deity, a prophet, a saint or an object of worship; say a prayer
From this reading Now that I think of it, in the madness of those moments I did not pray to the God who had so often and so repeatedly helped me; yet in His mercy and goodness I was freed from my straits, as will be shown hereafter.
preventedverbUS /prɪˈventɪd/
past form of “prevent” — keep from happening or arising; make impossible
From this reading In the meantime I was so securely bound that it was all but impossible to move, and the bandage over my eyes prevented me from seeing anything.
repeatedlyadverbUS /rɪˈpiːtɪdli/
several time
From this reading Now that I think of it, in the madness of those moments I did not pray to the God who had so often and so repeatedly helped me; yet in His mercy and goodness I was freed from my straits, as will be shown hereafter.
screamedverbUS /skriːmd/
past form of “scream” — utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading Then a frenzy came on me, and, but for the gag in my mouth, I could have screamed out curses on my folly in allowing myself to be trapped like a wild cat.
securelyadverbUS /sɪˈkjʊrli/
in a secure manner; in a manner free from danger
From this reading In the meantime I was so securely bound that it was all but impossible to move, and the bandage over my eyes prevented me from seeing anything.
perception by means of the eyes
From this reading In the meantime I was so securely bound that it was all but impossible to move, and the bandage over my eyes prevented me from seeing anything.
serpentnounUS /ˈsɜːrpənt/
limbless scaly elongate reptile; some are venomous
From this reading I writhed and twisted like a serpent on the wet flags where I lay, and in the violence of my struggles gradually moved the bandages, so that my eyes were at last set free, and then, exhausted by my efforts and half-choked by the gag, I became still once more, and looked around me.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading I writhed and twisted like a serpent on the wet flags where I lay, and in the violence of my struggles gradually moved the bandages, so that my eyes were at last set free, and then, exhausted by my efforts and half-choked by the gag, I became still once more, and looked around me.
inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Now that I think of it, in the madness of those moments I did not pray to the God who had so often and so repeatedly helped me; yet in His mercy and goodness I was freed from my straits, as will be shown hereafter.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Now that I think of it, in the madness of those moments I did not pray to the God who had so often and so repeatedly helped me; yet in His mercy and goodness I was freed from my straits, as will be shown hereafter.
not in physical motion
From this reading I writhed and twisted like a serpent on the wet flags where I lay, and in the violence of my struggles gradually moved the bandages, so that my eyes were at last set free, and then, exhausted by my efforts and half-choked by the gag, I became still once more, and looked around me.
straitsnounUS /streɪts/
a bad or difficult situation or state of affairs
From this reading Now that I think of it, in the madness of those moments I did not pray to the God who had so often and so repeatedly helped me; yet in His mercy and goodness I was freed from my straits, as will be shown hereafter.
strugglesnounUS /ˈstrʌɡəlz/
plural of “struggle” — an energetic attempt to achieve something
From this reading I writhed and twisted like a serpent on the wet flags where I lay, and in the violence of my struggles gradually moved the bandages, so that my eyes were at last set free, and then, exhausted by my efforts and half-choked by the gag, I became still once more, and looked around me.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Now that I think of it, in the madness of those moments I did not pray to the God who had so often and so repeatedly helped me; yet in His mercy and goodness I was freed from my straits, as will be shown hereafter.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE HAND OF BABETTE I lay for a time where I had been flung, overwhelmed by the disaster.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Then a frenzy came on me, and, but for the gag in my mouth, I could have screamed out curses on my folly in allowing myself to be trapped like a wild cat.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading Now that I think of it, in the madness of those moments I did not pray to the God who had so often and so repeatedly helped me; yet in His mercy and goodness I was freed from my straits, as will be shown hereafter.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Now that I think of it, in the madness of those moments I did not pray to the God who had so often and so repeatedly helped me; yet in His mercy and goodness I was freed from my straits, as will be shown hereafter.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading THE HAND OF BABETTE I lay for a time where I had been flung, overwhelmed by the disaster.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Then a frenzy came on me, and, but for the gag in my mouth, I could have screamed out curses on my folly in allowing myself to be trapped like a wild cat.
trappedadjectiveUS /træpt/
forced to turn and face attackers
From this reading Then a frenzy came on me, and, but for the gag in my mouth, I could have screamed out curses on my folly in allowing myself to be trapped like a wild cat.
twistedadjectiveUS /ˈtwɪstɪd/
having an intended meaning altered or misrepresented
From this reading I writhed and twisted like a serpent on the wet flags where I lay, and in the violence of my struggles gradually moved the bandages, so that my eyes were at last set free, and then, exhausted by my efforts and half-choked by the gag, I became still once more, and looked around me.
an act of aggression (as one against a person who resists)
From this reading I writhed and twisted like a serpent on the wet flags where I lay, and in the violence of my struggles gradually moved the bandages, so that my eyes were at last set free, and then, exhausted by my efforts and half-choked by the gag, I became still once more, and looked around me.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Now that I think of it, in the madness of those moments I did not pray to the God who had so often and so repeatedly helped me; yet in His mercy and goodness I was freed from my straits, as will be shown hereafter.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading I writhed and twisted like a serpent on the wet flags where I lay, and in the violence of my struggles gradually moved the bandages, so that my eyes were at last set free, and then, exhausted by my efforts and half-choked by the gag, I became still once more, and looked around me.
covered or soaked with a liquid such as water
From this reading I writhed and twisted like a serpent on the wet flags where I lay, and in the violence of my struggles gradually moved the bandages, so that my eyes were at last set free, and then, exhausted by my efforts and half-choked by the gag, I became still once more, and looked around me.
in or at the place that
From this reading THE HAND OF BABETTE I lay for a time where I had been flung, overwhelmed by the disaster.
which person or people
From this reading Now that I think of it, in the madness of those moments I did not pray to the God who had so often and so repeatedly helped me; yet in His mercy and goodness I was freed from my straits, as will be shown hereafter.
marked by extreme lack of restraint or control
From this reading Then a frenzy came on me, and, but for the gag in my mouth, I could have screamed out curses on my folly in allowing myself to be trapped like a wild cat.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading Now that I think of it, in the madness of those moments I did not pray to the God who had so often and so repeatedly helped me; yet in His mercy and goodness I was freed from my straits, as will be shown hereafter.
writhedadjectiveUS /rɪθd/
twisted (especially as in pain or struggle)
From this reading I writhed and twisted like a serpent on the wet flags where I lay, and in the violence of my struggles gradually moved the bandages, so that my eyes were at last set free, and then, exhausted by my efforts and half-choked by the gag, I became still once more, and looked around me.
but in spite of that
From this reading Now that I think of it, in the madness of those moments I did not pray to the God who had so often and so repeatedly helped me; yet in His mercy and goodness I was freed from my straits, as will be shown hereafter.
