used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The darkness and the quiet of Vida Levering's bedroom were rudely dispelled at a punctual eight each morning by the entrance of a gaunt middle-aged female.
declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of
From this reading The harsh ceremonial served as a sort of setting of the pace, or a metaphorical shaking of a bony fist in the face of the day, as much as to say, 'If I admit you here you'll have to toe the mark!'
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The darkness and the quiet of Vida Levering's bedroom were rudely dispelled at a punctual eight each morning by the entrance of a gaunt middle-aged female.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The darkness and the quiet of Vida Levering's bedroom were rudely dispelled at a punctual eight each morning by the entrance of a gaunt middle-aged female.
awakeadjectiveUS /əˈweɪk/
not in a state of sleep; completely conscious
From this reading It might be taken as proof of sound nerves that the lady in the bed offered no remonstrance at being jarred awake in this ungentle fashion.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
bangverbUS /bæŋ/
strike violently
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It might be taken as proof of sound nerves that the lady in the bed offered no remonstrance at being jarred awake in this ungentle fashion.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading It might be taken as proof of sound nerves that the lady in the bed offered no remonstrance at being jarred awake in this ungentle fashion.
a room used primarily for sleeping
From this reading The darkness and the quiet of Vida Levering's bedroom were rudely dispelled at a punctual eight each morning by the entrance of a gaunt middle-aged female.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Fourteen years before, when Vida Levering was only eighteen, she had tried to make something like a conventional maid out of the faithful Northumbrian.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading It might be taken as proof of sound nerves that the lady in the bed offered no remonstrance at being jarred awake in this ungentle fashion.
blindsnounUS /blaɪndz/
plural of “blind” — people who have severe visual impairments, considered as a group
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
bonyadjectiveUS /ˈboʊni/
being very thin
From this reading The harsh ceremonial served as a sort of setting of the pace, or a metaphorical shaking of a bony fist in the face of the day, as much as to say, 'If I admit you here you'll have to toe the mark!'
brassnounUS /bræs/
an alloy of copper and zinc
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The darkness and the quiet of Vida Levering's bedroom were rudely dispelled at a punctual eight each morning by the entrance of a gaunt middle-aged female.
ceremonialnounUS /ˌserəˈmoʊniəl/
a formal event performed on a special occasion
From this reading The harsh ceremonial served as a sort of setting of the pace, or a metaphorical shaking of a bony fist in the face of the day, as much as to say, 'If I admit you here you'll have to toe the mark!'
clatternounUS /ˈklætər/
a rattling noise (often produced by rapid movement)
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
conventionaladjectiveUS /kənˈvenʃənəl/
following accepted customs and proprieties
From this reading Fourteen years before, when Vida Levering was only eighteen, she had tried to make something like a conventional maid out of the faithful Northumbrian.
countedverbUS /ˈkaʊntɪd/
past form of “count” — determine the number or amount of
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
curtainsnounUS /ˈkɜːrtənz/
plural of “curtain” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
accepted or habitual practice
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
absence of light or illumination
From this reading The darkness and the quiet of Vida Levering's bedroom were rudely dispelled at a punctual eight each morning by the entrance of a gaunt middle-aged female.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
dispelledverbUS /dɪˈspeld/
inflected form of “dispel” — force to go away; used both with concrete and metaphoric meanings
From this reading The darkness and the quiet of Vida Levering's bedroom were rudely dispelled at a punctual eight each morning by the entrance of a gaunt middle-aged female.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading The darkness and the quiet of Vida Levering's bedroom were rudely dispelled at a punctual eight each morning by the entrance of a gaunt middle-aged female.
being one more than seven
From this reading The darkness and the quiet of Vida Levering's bedroom were rudely dispelled at a punctual eight each morning by the entrance of a gaunt middle-aged female.
eighteenadjectiveUS /eɪˈtiːn/
being one more than seventeen
From this reading Fourteen years before, when Vida Levering was only eighteen, she had tried to make something like a conventional maid out of the faithful Northumbrian.
something that provides access (to get in or get out)
From this reading The darkness and the quiet of Vida Levering's bedroom were rudely dispelled at a punctual eight each morning by the entrance of a gaunt middle-aged female.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading The harsh ceremonial served as a sort of setting of the pace, or a metaphorical shaking of a bony fist in the face of the day, as much as to say, 'If I admit you here you'll have to toe the mark!'
steadfast in affection or allegiance
From this reading Fourteen years before, when Vida Levering was only eighteen, she had tried to make something like a conventional maid out of the faithful Northumbrian.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading It might be taken as proof of sound nerves that the lady in the bed offered no remonstrance at being jarred awake in this ungentle fashion.
being the sex (of plant or animal) that produces fertilizable gametes (ova) from which offspring develop
From this reading The darkness and the quiet of Vida Levering's bedroom were rudely dispelled at a punctual eight each morning by the entrance of a gaunt middle-aged female.
fistnounUS /fɪst/
a hand with the fingers clenched in the palm (as for hitting)
From this reading The harsh ceremonial served as a sort of setting of the pace, or a metaphorical shaking of a bony fist in the face of the day, as much as to say, 'If I admit you here you'll have to toe the mark!'
flingverbUS /flɪŋ/
throw with force or recklessness
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
FourteennounUS /ˈfɔːrˈtiːn/
the cardinal number that is the sum of thirteen and one
From this reading Fourteen years before, when Vida Levering was only eighteen, she had tried to make something like a conventional maid out of the faithful Northumbrian.
gauntadjectiveUS /ɡɔːnt/
very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold
From this reading The darkness and the quiet of Vida Levering's bedroom were rudely dispelled at a punctual eight each morning by the entrance of a gaunt middle-aged female.
gratifiedadjectiveUS /ˈɡrætəfaɪd/
having received what was desired
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Fourteen years before, when Vida Levering was only eighteen, she had tried to make something like a conventional maid out of the faithful Northumbrian.
harshadjectiveUS /hɑːrʃ/
unpleasantly stern
From this reading The harsh ceremonial served as a sort of setting of the pace, or a metaphorical shaking of a bony fist in the face of the day, as much as to say, 'If I admit you here you'll have to toe the mark!'
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The harsh ceremonial served as a sort of setting of the pace, or a metaphorical shaking of a bony fist in the face of the day, as much as to say, 'If I admit you here you'll have to toe the mark!'
perceive (sound) via the auditory sense
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading The harsh ceremonial served as a sort of setting of the pace, or a metaphorical shaking of a bony fist in the face of the day, as much as to say, 'If I admit you here you'll have to toe the mark!'
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading The harsh ceremonial served as a sort of setting of the pace, or a metaphorical shaking of a bony fist in the face of the day, as much as to say, 'If I admit you here you'll have to toe the mark!'
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
jarredverbUS /dʒɑːrd/
inflected form of “jar” — be incompatible; be or come into conflict
From this reading It might be taken as proof of sound nerves that the lady in the bed offered no remonstrance at being jarred awake in this ungentle fashion.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading It might be taken as proof of sound nerves that the lady in the bed offered no remonstrance at being jarred awake in this ungentle fashion.
LeveringverbUS /ˈlevərɪŋ/
-ing form of “lever” — to move or force, especially in an effort to get something open
From this reading Fourteen years before, when Vida Levering was only eighteen, she had tried to make something like a conventional maid out of the faithful Northumbrian.
Levering's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The darkness and the quiet of Vida Levering's bedroom were rudely dispelled at a punctual eight each morning by the entrance of a gaunt middle-aged female.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Fourteen years before, when Vida Levering was only eighteen, she had tried to make something like a conventional maid out of the faithful Northumbrian.
no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
a female domestic
From this reading Fourteen years before, when Vida Levering was only eighteen, she had tried to make something like a conventional maid out of the faithful Northumbrian.
engage in
From this reading Fourteen years before, when Vida Levering was only eighteen, she had tried to make something like a conventional maid out of the faithful Northumbrian.
attach a tag or label to
From this reading The harsh ceremonial served as a sort of setting of the pace, or a metaphorical shaking of a bony fist in the face of the day, as much as to say, 'If I admit you here you'll have to toe the mark!'
metaphoricaladjectiveUS /ˌmetəˈfɔːrɪkəl/
expressing one thing in terms normally denoting another
From this reading The harsh ceremonial served as a sort of setting of the pace, or a metaphorical shaking of a bony fist in the face of the day, as much as to say, 'If I admit you here you'll have to toe the mark!'
middle-agedadjectiveUS /ˈmɪdəleɪɡd/
being roughly between 45 and 65 years old
From this reading The darkness and the quiet of Vida Levering's bedroom were rudely dispelled at a punctual eight each morning by the entrance of a gaunt middle-aged female.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading It might be taken as proof of sound nerves that the lady in the bed offered no remonstrance at being jarred awake in this ungentle fashion.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading The darkness and the quiet of Vida Levering's bedroom were rudely dispelled at a punctual eight each morning by the entrance of a gaunt middle-aged female.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading The harsh ceremonial served as a sort of setting of the pace, or a metaphorical shaking of a bony fist in the face of the day, as much as to say, 'If I admit you here you'll have to toe the mark!'
a condition requiring relief
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
an uneasy psychological state
From this reading It might be taken as proof of sound nerves that the lady in the bed offered no remonstrance at being jarred awake in this ungentle fashion.
not any; not one
From this reading It might be taken as proof of sound nerves that the lady in the bed offered no remonstrance at being jarred awake in this ungentle fashion.
Northumbrian
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fourteen years before, when Vida Levering was only eighteen, she had tried to make something like a conventional maid out of the faithful Northumbrian.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The darkness and the quiet of Vida Levering's bedroom were rudely dispelled at a punctual eight each morning by the entrance of a gaunt middle-aged female.
past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading It might be taken as proof of sound nerves that the lady in the bed offered no remonstrance at being jarred awake in this ungentle fashion.
and nothing more
From this reading Fourteen years before, when Vida Levering was only eighteen, she had tried to make something like a conventional maid out of the faithful Northumbrian.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The harsh ceremonial served as a sort of setting of the pace, or a metaphorical shaking of a bony fist in the face of the day, as much as to say, 'If I admit you here you'll have to toe the mark!'
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Fourteen years before, when Vida Levering was only eighteen, she had tried to make something like a conventional maid out of the faithful Northumbrian.
the rate of moving (especially walking or running)
From this reading The harsh ceremonial served as a sort of setting of the pace, or a metaphorical shaking of a bony fist in the face of the day, as much as to say, 'If I admit you here you'll have to toe the mark!'
person'snounUS /ˈpɜːrsənz/
possessive form of “person” — a human being
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
any factual evidence that helps to establish the truth of something
From this reading It might be taken as proof of sound nerves that the lady in the bed offered no remonstrance at being jarred awake in this ungentle fashion.
punctualadjectiveUS /ˈpʌŋktʃuːəl/
acting or arriving or performed exactly at the time appointed
From this reading The darkness and the quiet of Vida Levering's bedroom were rudely dispelled at a punctual eight each morning by the entrance of a gaunt middle-aged female.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading The darkness and the quiet of Vida Levering's bedroom were rudely dispelled at a punctual eight each morning by the entrance of a gaunt middle-aged female.
recurrentadjectiveUS /rɪˈkɜːrənt/
recurring again and again
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
remonstrancenoun
the act of expressing earnest opposition or protest
From this reading It might be taken as proof of sound nerves that the lady in the bed offered no remonstrance at being jarred awake in this ungentle fashion.
ringsnounUS /rɪŋz/
gymnastic apparatus consisting of a pair of heavy metal circles (usually covered with leather) suspended by ropes; used for gymnastic exercises
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
rudelyadverbUS /ˈruːdli/
in an impolite manner
From this reading The darkness and the quiet of Vida Levering's bedroom were rudely dispelled at a punctual eight each morning by the entrance of a gaunt middle-aged female.
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
express in words
From this reading The harsh ceremonial served as a sort of setting of the pace, or a metaphorical shaking of a bony fist in the face of the day, as much as to say, 'If I admit you here you'll have to toe the mark!'
past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading The harsh ceremonial served as a sort of setting of the pace, or a metaphorical shaking of a bony fist in the face of the day, as much as to say, 'If I admit you here you'll have to toe the mark!'
the context and environment in which something is set
From this reading The harsh ceremonial served as a sort of setting of the pace, or a metaphorical shaking of a bony fist in the face of the day, as much as to say, 'If I admit you here you'll have to toe the mark!'
the act of causing something to move up and down (or back and forth) with quick movements
From this reading The harsh ceremonial served as a sort of setting of the pace, or a metaphorical shaking of a bony fist in the face of the day, as much as to say, 'If I admit you here you'll have to toe the mark!'
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
the act of firing a projectile
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Fourteen years before, when Vida Levering was only eighteen, she had tried to make something like a conventional maid out of the faithful Northumbrian.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading The harsh ceremonial served as a sort of setting of the pace, or a metaphorical shaking of a bony fist in the face of the day, as much as to say, 'If I admit you here you'll have to toe the mark!'
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading It might be taken as proof of sound nerves that the lady in the bed offered no remonstrance at being jarred awake in this ungentle fashion.
squealingadjectiveUS /ˈskwiːlɪŋ/
having or making a high-pitched sound such as that made by a mouse or a rusty hinge
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading It might be taken as proof of sound nerves that the lady in the bed offered no remonstrance at being jarred awake in this ungentle fashion.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The darkness and the quiet of Vida Levering's bedroom were rudely dispelled at a punctual eight each morning by the entrance of a gaunt middle-aged female.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
in spite of the fact that
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
toenounUS /toʊ/
one of the digits of the foot
From this reading The harsh ceremonial served as a sort of setting of the pace, or a metaphorical shaking of a bony fist in the face of the day, as much as to say, 'If I admit you here you'll have to toe the mark!'
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading Fourteen years before, when Vida Levering was only eighteen, she had tried to make something like a conventional maid out of the faithful Northumbrian.
ungentleadjective
not of the nobility
From this reading It might be taken as proof of sound nerves that the lady in the bed offered no remonstrance at being jarred awake in this ungentle fashion.
unvaryingadjective
unvarying in nature
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
Vida
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The darkness and the quiet of Vida Levering's bedroom were rudely dispelled at a punctual eight each morning by the entrance of a gaunt middle-aged female.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The darkness and the quiet of Vida Levering's bedroom were rudely dispelled at a punctual eight each morning by the entrance of a gaunt middle-aged female.
at the time that
From this reading Fourteen years before, when Vida Levering was only eighteen, she had tried to make something like a conventional maid out of the faithful Northumbrian.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
in the company of; together with
From this reading It was this person's unvarying custom to fling back the heavy curtains, as though it gratified some strong recurrent need in her, to hear brass rings run squealing along a bar; as if she counted that day lost which was not well begun--by shooting the blinds up with a clatter and a bang!
a late time of life
From this reading Fourteen years before, when Vida Levering was only eighteen, she had tried to make something like a conventional maid out of the faithful Northumbrian.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading The harsh ceremonial served as a sort of setting of the pace, or a metaphorical shaking of a bony fist in the face of the day, as much as to say, 'If I admit you here you'll have to toe the mark!'
you'll
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The harsh ceremonial served as a sort of setting of the pace, or a metaphorical shaking of a bony fist in the face of the day, as much as to say, 'If I admit you here you'll have to toe the mark!'
