Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading The side galleries were no less crowded than the benches below, and round the entrance-door stood a compact throng of members for whom no seats were available.

-ing form of “address” — speak to

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

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

From this reading The long-expected introductory speech of the Minister in charge of the new Land Bill was over, and the leader of the Opposition was on his feet.

with anger

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

plural of “arrow” — a mark to indicate a direction or relation

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

agreement with a statement or proposal to do something

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

obtainable or accessible and ready for use or service

From this reading The side galleries were no less crowded than the benches below, and round the entrance-door stood a compact throng of members for whom no seats were available.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading The side galleries were no less crowded than the benches below, and round the entrance-door stood a compact throng of members for whom no seats were available.

plural of “bench” — a long seat for more than one person

From this reading The side galleries were no less crowded than the benches below, and round the entrance-door stood a compact throng of members for whom no seats were available.

a statute in draft before it becomes law

From this reading The long-expected introductory speech of the Minister in charge of the new Land Bill was over, and the leader of the Opposition was on his feet.

to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle

From this reading The long-expected introductory speech of the Minister in charge of the new Land Bill was over, and the leader of the Opposition was on his feet.

plural of “cheer” — a cry or shout of approval

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

a timepiece that shows the time of day

From this reading The hands of the clock on the front of the Strangers' Gallery were nearing six.

a piece of open land for recreational use in an urban area

From this reading The House of Commons was full and excited.

a small cosmetics case with a mirror; to be carried in a woman's purse

From this reading The side galleries were no less crowded than the benches below, and round the entrance-door stood a compact throng of members for whom no seats were available.

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

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

overfilled or compacted or concentrated

From this reading The side galleries were no less crowded than the benches below, and round the entrance-door stood a compact throng of members for whom no seats were available.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

the boundary of a surface

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

one or the other of two

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

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

From this reading The side galleries were no less crowded than the benches below, and round the entrance-door stood a compact throng of members for whom no seats were available.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

(of persons) excessively affected by emotion

From this reading The House of Commons was full and excited.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading The long-expected introductory speech of the Minister in charge of the new Land Bill was over, and the leader of the Opposition was on his feet.

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

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The side galleries were no less crowded than the benches below, and round the entrance-door stood a compact throng of members for whom no seats were available.

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

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading The hands of the clock on the front of the Strangers' Gallery were nearing six.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading The House of Commons was full and excited.

plural of “gallery” — spectators at a golf or tennis match

From this reading The side galleries were no less crowded than the benches below, and round the entrance-door stood a compact throng of members for whom no seats were available.

spectators at a golf or tennis match

From this reading The hands of the clock on the front of the Strangers' Gallery were nearing six.

a temporary passageway of planks (as over mud on a building site)

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading The hands of the clock on the front of the Strangers' Gallery were nearing six.

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

From this reading The long-expected introductory speech of the Minister in charge of the new Land Bill was over, and the leader of the Opposition was on his feet.

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

From this reading The House of Commons was full and excited.

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

From this reading The long-expected introductory speech of the Minister in charge of the new Land Bill was over, and the leader of the Opposition was on his feet.

serving to open or begin

From this reading The long-expected introductory speech of the Minister in charge of the new Land Bill was over, and the leader of the Opposition was on his feet.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading The long-expected introductory speech of the Minister in charge of the new Land Bill was over, and the leader of the Opposition was on his feet.

a person who rules or guides or inspires others

From this reading The long-expected introductory speech of the Minister in charge of the new Land Bill was over, and the leader of the Opposition was on his feet.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading The side galleries were no less crowded than the benches below, and round the entrance-door stood a compact throng of members for whom no seats were available.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

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

From this reading The long-expected introductory speech of the Minister in charge of the new Land Bill was over, and the leader of the Opposition was on his feet.

plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

From this reading The side galleries were no less crowded than the benches below, and round the entrance-door stood a compact throng of members for whom no seats were available.

a person authorized to conduct religious worship

From this reading The long-expected introductory speech of the Minister in charge of the new Land Bill was over, and the leader of the Opposition was on his feet.

-ing form of “near” — move towards

From this reading The hands of the clock on the front of the Strangers' Gallery were nearing six.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading The long-expected introductory speech of the Minister in charge of the new Land Bill was over, and the leader of the Opposition was on his feet.

not any; not one

From this reading The side galleries were no less crowded than the benches below, and round the entrance-door stood a compact throng of members for whom no seats were available.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The hands of the clock on the front of the Strangers' Gallery were nearing six.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The hands of the clock on the front of the Strangers' Gallery were nearing six.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

the action of opposing something that you disapprove or disagree with

From this reading The long-expected introductory speech of the Minister in charge of the new Land Bill was over, and the leader of the Opposition was on his feet.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

above and across; more than

From this reading The long-expected introductory speech of the Minister in charge of the new Land Bill was over, and the leader of the Opposition was on his feet.

plural of “party” — an organization to gain political power

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

having or expressing strong emotions

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

a formal and solemn declaration of objection

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

plural of “rank” — a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading The side galleries were no less crowded than the benches below, and round the entrance-door stood a compact throng of members for whom no seats were available.

an area that includes places where several people can sit

From this reading The side galleries were no less crowded than the benches below, and round the entrance-door stood a compact throng of members for whom no seats were available.

a string of words satisfying the grammatical rules of a language

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading The side galleries were no less crowded than the benches below, and round the entrance-door stood a compact throng of members for whom no seats were available.

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

From this reading The hands of the clock on the front of the Strangers' Gallery were nearing six.

someone who expresses in language; someone who talks (especially someone who delivers a public speech or someone especially garrulous)

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience

From this reading The long-expected introductory speech of the Minister in charge of the new Land Bill was over, and the leader of the Opposition was on his feet.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading The side galleries were no less crowded than the benches below, and round the entrance-door stood a compact throng of members for whom no seats were available.

plural of “stranger” — anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading The hands of the clock on the front of the Strangers' Gallery were nearing six.

a lightweight cord

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The side galleries were no less crowded than the benches below, and round the entrance-door stood a compact throng of members for whom no seats were available.

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

From this reading The hands of the clock on the front of the Strangers' Gallery were nearing six.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

a large gathering of people

From this reading The side galleries were no less crowded than the benches below, and round the entrance-door stood a compact throng of members for whom no seats were available.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

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

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

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

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

precisely as stated

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

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

From this reading The long-expected introductory speech of the Minister in charge of the new Land Bill was over, and the leader of the Opposition was on his feet.

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

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

From this reading The hands of the clock on the front of the Strangers' Gallery were nearing six.

during the time that

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The side galleries were no less crowded than the benches below, and round the entrance-door stood a compact throng of members for whom no seats were available.

in the company of; together with

From this reading With every sentence, almost, the speaker addressing the House struck from it assent or protest; cheers and counter-cheers ran through its ranks; while below the gangway a few passionate figures on either side, the freebooters of the two great parties, watched one another angrily, sitting on the very edge of their seats, like arrows drawn to the string.