Chapter XXVIII · Chapter 28

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

From this reading With a rapidity and good nature that did honor to his courtesy, he went close to the candelabra, which were burning on the chimney-piece.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The trousers were tight-fitting as usual, of a light tint between buff and flesh color; the only remarkable thing about them was the absence of the seam, and the closeness with which they clung to the leg.

the state of being absent

From this reading The trousers were tight-fitting as usual, of a light tint between buff and flesh color; the only remarkable thing about them was the absence of the seam, and the closeness with which they clung to the leg.

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

From this reading With a rapidity and good nature that did honor to his courtesy, he went close to the candelabra, which were burning on the chimney-piece.

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

From this reading The trousers were tight-fitting as usual, of a light tint between buff and flesh color; the only remarkable thing about them was the absence of the seam, and the closeness with which they clung to the leg.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading The waistcoat, on the other hand, had two characteristic signs which attracted attention; it had been pierced by three balls, which had the holes gaping, and these were stained a carmine, so like blood, that it might easily have been mistaken for it.

past form of “attract” — direct toward itself or oneself by means of some psychological power or physical attributes

From this reading The waistcoat, on the other hand, had two characteristic signs which attracted attention; it had been pierced by three balls, which had the holes gaping, and these were stained a carmine, so like blood, that it might easily have been mistaken for it.

plural of “ball” — round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games

From this reading The waistcoat, on the other hand, had two characteristic signs which attracted attention; it had been pierced by three balls, which had the holes gaping, and these were stained a carmine, so like blood, that it might easily have been mistaken for it.

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

From this reading The waistcoat and trousers seemed to be of the same stuff; but what was that stuff?

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The most experienced connoisseur would have been puzzled.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading The trousers were tight-fitting as usual, of a light tint between buff and flesh color; the only remarkable thing about them was the absence of the seam, and the closeness with which they clung to the leg.

The red fluid that circulates in the heart and blood vessels.

From this reading The waistcoat, on the other hand, had two characteristic signs which attracted attention; it had been pierced by three balls, which had the holes gaping, and these were stained a carmine, so like blood, that it might easily have been mistaken for it.

an ardent follower and admirer

From this reading The trousers were tight-fitting as usual, of a light tint between buff and flesh color; the only remarkable thing about them was the absence of the seam, and the closeness with which they clung to the leg.

the act of burning something

From this reading With a rapidity and good nature that did honor to his courtesy, he went close to the candelabra, which were burning on the chimney-piece.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The waistcoat and trousers seemed to be of the same stuff; but what was that stuff?

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The waistcoat, on the other hand, had two characteristic signs which attracted attention; it had been pierced by three balls, which had the holes gaping, and these were stained a carmine, so like blood, that it might easily have been mistaken for it.

branched candlestick; ornamental; has several lights

From this reading With a rapidity and good nature that did honor to his courtesy, he went close to the candelabra, which were burning on the chimney-piece.

a variable color averaging a vivid red

From this reading The waistcoat, on the other hand, had two characteristic signs which attracted attention; it had been pierced by three balls, which had the holes gaping, and these were stained a carmine, so like blood, that it might easily have been mistaken for it.

a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading The waistcoat, on the other hand, had two characteristic signs which attracted attention; it had been pierced by three balls, which had the holes gaping, and these were stained a carmine, so like blood, that it might easily have been mistaken for it.

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

From this reading With a rapidity and good nature that did honor to his courtesy, he went close to the candelabra, which were burning on the chimney-piece.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading With a rapidity and good nature that did honor to his courtesy, he went close to the candelabra, which were burning on the chimney-piece.

a feeling of being intimate and belonging together

From this reading The trousers were tight-fitting as usual, of a light tint between buff and flesh color; the only remarkable thing about them was the absence of the seam, and the closeness with which they clung to the leg.

inflected form of “cling” — come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation

From this reading The trousers were tight-fitting as usual, of a light tint between buff and flesh color; the only remarkable thing about them was the absence of the seam, and the closeness with which they clung to the leg.

a visual attribute of things that results from the light they emit or transmit or reflect

From this reading The trousers were tight-fitting as usual, of a light tint between buff and flesh color; the only remarkable thing about them was the absence of the seam, and the closeness with which they clung to the leg.

an expert able to appreciate a field; especially in the fine arts

From this reading The most experienced connoisseur would have been puzzled.

a courteous or respectful or considerate act

From this reading With a rapidity and good nature that did honor to his courtesy, he went close to the candelabra, which were burning on the chimney-piece.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading With a rapidity and good nature that did honor to his courtesy, he went close to the candelabra, which were burning on the chimney-piece.

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading The waistcoat, on the other hand, had two characteristic signs which attracted attention; it had been pierced by three balls, which had the holes gaping, and these were stained a carmine, so like blood, that it might easily have been mistaken for it.

having experience; having knowledge or skill from observation or participation

From this reading The most experienced connoisseur would have been puzzled.

the soft tissue of the body of a vertebrate: mainly muscle tissue and fat

From this reading The trousers were tight-fitting as usual, of a light tint between buff and flesh color; the only remarkable thing about them was the absence of the seam, and the closeness with which they clung to the leg.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The waistcoat, on the other hand, had two characteristic signs which attracted attention; it had been pierced by three balls, which had the holes gaping, and these were stained a carmine, so like blood, that it might easily have been mistaken for it.

with the mouth wide open as in wonder or awe

From this reading The waistcoat, on the other hand, had two characteristic signs which attracted attention; it had been pierced by three balls, which had the holes gaping, and these were stained a carmine, so like blood, that it might easily have been mistaken for it.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading With a rapidity and good nature that did honor to his courtesy, he went close to the candelabra, which were burning on the chimney-piece.

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

From this reading The waistcoat, on the other hand, had two characteristic signs which attracted attention; it had been pierced by three balls, which had the holes gaping, and these were stained a carmine, so like blood, that it might easily have been mistaken for it.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading The waistcoat, on the other hand, had two characteristic signs which attracted attention; it had been pierced by three balls, which had the holes gaping, and these were stained a carmine, so like blood, that it might easily have been mistaken for it.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The most experienced connoisseur would have been puzzled.

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

From this reading With a rapidity and good nature that did honor to his courtesy, he went close to the candelabra, which were burning on the chimney-piece.

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

From this reading With a rapidity and good nature that did honor to his courtesy, he went close to the candelabra, which were burning on the chimney-piece.

plural of “hole” — an opening into or through something

From this reading The waistcoat, on the other hand, had two characteristic signs which attracted attention; it had been pierced by three balls, which had the holes gaping, and these were stained a carmine, so like blood, that it might easily have been mistaken for it.

a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction

From this reading With a rapidity and good nature that did honor to his courtesy, he went close to the candelabra, which were burning on the chimney-piece.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The waistcoat, on the other hand, had two characteristic signs which attracted attention; it had been pierced by three balls, which had the holes gaping, and these were stained a carmine, so like blood, that it might easily have been mistaken for it.

a human limb; commonly used to refer to a whole limb but technically only the part of the limb between the knee and ankle

From this reading The trousers were tight-fitting as usual, of a light tint between buff and flesh color; the only remarkable thing about them was the absence of the seam, and the closeness with which they clung to the leg.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading The trousers were tight-fitting as usual, of a light tint between buff and flesh color; the only remarkable thing about them was the absence of the seam, and the closeness with which they clung to the leg.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The waistcoat, on the other hand, had two characteristic signs which attracted attention; it had been pierced by three balls, which had the holes gaping, and these were stained a carmine, so like blood, that it might easily have been mistaken for it.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The waistcoat, on the other hand, had two characteristic signs which attracted attention; it had been pierced by three balls, which had the holes gaping, and these were stained a carmine, so like blood, that it might easily have been mistaken for it.

wrong in e.g. opinion or judgment

From this reading The waistcoat, on the other hand, had two characteristic signs which attracted attention; it had been pierced by three balls, which had the holes gaping, and these were stained a carmine, so like blood, that it might easily have been mistaken for it.

used to form the superlative

From this reading The most experienced connoisseur would have been puzzled.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading With a rapidity and good nature that did honor to his courtesy, he went close to the candelabra, which were burning on the chimney-piece.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The waistcoat and trousers seemed to be of the same stuff; but what was that stuff?

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading With a rapidity and good nature that did honor to his courtesy, he went close to the candelabra, which were burning on the chimney-piece.

and nothing more

From this reading The trousers were tight-fitting as usual, of a light tint between buff and flesh color; the only remarkable thing about them was the absence of the seam, and the closeness with which they clung to the leg.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The waistcoat, on the other hand, had two characteristic signs which attracted attention; it had been pierced by three balls, which had the holes gaping, and these were stained a carmine, so like blood, that it might easily have been mistaken for it.

having a hole cut through

From this reading The waistcoat, on the other hand, had two characteristic signs which attracted attention; it had been pierced by three balls, which had the holes gaping, and these were stained a carmine, so like blood, that it might easily have been mistaken for it.

filled with bewilderment

From this reading The most experienced connoisseur would have been puzzled.

a rate that is rapid

From this reading With a rapidity and good nature that did honor to his courtesy, he went close to the candelabra, which were burning on the chimney-piece.

unusual or striking

From this reading The trousers were tight-fitting as usual, of a light tint between buff and flesh color; the only remarkable thing about them was the absence of the seam, and the closeness with which they clung to the leg.

Identical; not different.

From this reading The waistcoat and trousers seemed to be of the same stuff; but what was that stuff?

joint consisting of a line formed by joining two pieces

From this reading The trousers were tight-fitting as usual, of a light tint between buff and flesh color; the only remarkable thing about them was the absence of the seam, and the closeness with which they clung to the leg.

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

From this reading The waistcoat and trousers seemed to be of the same stuff; but what was that stuff?

plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading The waistcoat, on the other hand, had two characteristic signs which attracted attention; it had been pierced by three balls, which had the holes gaping, and these were stained a carmine, so like blood, that it might easily have been mistaken for it.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The waistcoat, on the other hand, had two characteristic signs which attracted attention; it had been pierced by three balls, which had the holes gaping, and these were stained a carmine, so like blood, that it might easily have been mistaken for it.

marked or dyed or discolored with foreign matter

From this reading The waistcoat, on the other hand, had two characteristic signs which attracted attention; it had been pierced by three balls, which had the holes gaping, and these were stained a carmine, so like blood, that it might easily have been mistaken for it.

the tangible substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object

From this reading The waistcoat and trousers seemed to be of the same stuff; but what was that stuff?

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading With a rapidity and good nature that did honor to his courtesy, he went close to the candelabra, which were burning on the chimney-piece.

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

From this reading With a rapidity and good nature that did honor to his courtesy, he went close to the candelabra, which were burning on the chimney-piece.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The trousers were tight-fitting as usual, of a light tint between buff and flesh color; the only remarkable thing about them was the absence of the seam, and the closeness with which they clung to the leg.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading The waistcoat, on the other hand, had two characteristic signs which attracted attention; it had been pierced by three balls, which had the holes gaping, and these were stained a carmine, so like blood, that it might easily have been mistaken for it.

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

From this reading The trousers were tight-fitting as usual, of a light tint between buff and flesh color; the only remarkable thing about them was the absence of the seam, and the closeness with which they clung to the leg.

a special situation

From this reading The trousers were tight-fitting as usual, of a light tint between buff and flesh color; the only remarkable thing about them was the absence of the seam, and the closeness with which they clung to the leg.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading The waistcoat, on the other hand, had two characteristic signs which attracted attention; it had been pierced by three balls, which had the holes gaping, and these were stained a carmine, so like blood, that it might easily have been mistaken for it.

fitting snugly

From this reading The trousers were tight-fitting as usual, of a light tint between buff and flesh color; the only remarkable thing about them was the absence of the seam, and the closeness with which they clung to the leg.

a quality of a given color that differs slightly from another color

From this reading The trousers were tight-fitting as usual, of a light tint between buff and flesh color; the only remarkable thing about them was the absence of the seam, and the closeness with which they clung to the leg.

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

From this reading With a rapidity and good nature that did honor to his courtesy, he went close to the candelabra, which were burning on the chimney-piece.

(usually in the plural) a garment extending from the waist to the knee or ankle, covering each leg separately

From this reading The waistcoat and trousers seemed to be of the same stuff; but what was that stuff?

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading The waistcoat, on the other hand, had two characteristic signs which attracted attention; it had been pierced by three balls, which had the holes gaping, and these were stained a carmine, so like blood, that it might easily have been mistaken for it.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading The trousers were tight-fitting as usual, of a light tint between buff and flesh color; the only remarkable thing about them was the absence of the seam, and the closeness with which they clung to the leg.

a man's sleeveless garment worn underneath a coat

From this reading The waistcoat and trousers seemed to be of the same stuff; but what was that stuff?

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

From this reading The waistcoat and trousers seemed to be of the same stuff; but what was that stuff?

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading With a rapidity and good nature that did honor to his courtesy, he went close to the candelabra, which were burning on the chimney-piece.

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

From this reading With a rapidity and good nature that did honor to his courtesy, he went close to the candelabra, which were burning on the chimney-piece.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading The waistcoat and trousers seemed to be of the same stuff; but what was that stuff?

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

From this reading With a rapidity and good nature that did honor to his courtesy, he went close to the candelabra, which were burning on the chimney-piece.

in the company of; together with

From this reading With a rapidity and good nature that did honor to his courtesy, he went close to the candelabra, which were burning on the chimney-piece.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading The most experienced connoisseur would have been puzzled.