Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading Beyond that there was a pit of blackness.

past form of “abate” — make less active or intense

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

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

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

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

From this reading David followed where he fancied he had last seen the woman's face and caught himself just in time to keep from pitching over the edge of the platform.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

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

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

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

From this reading Even the promise of a fight--at least of a blow or two delivered in the gray gloom of the baggage-man's door--did not turn David from his quest.

loud cries made while weeping

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

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

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

plural of “bell” — a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading Beyond that there was a pit of blackness.

the quality or state of the achromatic color of least lightness (bearing the least resemblance to white)

From this reading Beyond that there was a pit of blackness.

exhale hard

From this reading Even the promise of a fight--at least of a blow or two delivered in the gray gloom of the baggage-man's door--did not turn David from his quest.

physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading David followed where he fancied he had last seen the woman's face and caught himself just in time to keep from pitching over the edge of the platform.

having a loud resonant metallic sound

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

a rattling noise (often produced by rapid movement)

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

providing freedom from worry

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

cause to herd, drive, or crowd together

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

patron saint of Wales (circa 520-600)

From this reading David followed where he fancied he had last seen the woman's face and caught himself just in time to keep from pitching over the edge of the platform.

past form of “deliver” — deliver (a speech, oration, or idea)

From this reading Even the promise of a fight--at least of a blow or two delivered in the gray gloom of the baggage-man's door--did not turn David from his quest.

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

From this reading Even the promise of a fight--at least of a blow or two delivered in the gray gloom of the baggage-man's door--did not turn David from his quest.

in a dim indistinct manner

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

plural of “dish” — a piece of dishware normally used as a container for holding or serving food

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Even the promise of a fight--at least of a blow or two delivered in the gray gloom of the baggage-man's door--did not turn David from his quest.

take in liquids

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

a gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number)

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

the boundary of a surface

From this reading David followed where he fancied he had last seen the woman's face and caught himself just in time to keep from pitching over the edge of the platform.

plural of “engine” — motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

a feeling of excitement

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

divisible by two

From this reading Even the promise of a fight--at least of a blow or two delivered in the gray gloom of the baggage-man's door--did not turn David from his quest.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading David followed where he fancied he had last seen the woman's face and caught himself just in time to keep from pitching over the edge of the platform.

formed or conceived by the imagination

From this reading David followed where he fancied he had last seen the woman's face and caught himself just in time to keep from pitching over the edge of the platform.

be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight

From this reading Even the promise of a fight--at least of a blow or two delivered in the gray gloom of the baggage-man's door--did not turn David from his quest.

move back and forth very rapidly

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading David followed where he fancied he had last seen the woman's face and caught himself just in time to keep from pitching over the edge of the platform.

any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

set up or found

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading David followed where he fancied he had last seen the woman's face and caught himself just in time to keep from pitching over the edge of the platform.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

resembling or characteristic of a phantom

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

a state of partial or total darkness

From this reading Even the promise of a fight--at least of a blow or two delivered in the gray gloom of the baggage-man's door--did not turn David from his quest.

destroyed or killed

From this reading Surely she had not gone there.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading Even the promise of a fight--at least of a blow or two delivered in the gray gloom of the baggage-man's door--did not turn David from his quest.

of white tinged with grey

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

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

From this reading David followed where he fancied he had last seen the woman's face and caught himself just in time to keep from pitching over the edge of the platform.

feeling or showing little interest or enthusiasm

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

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

From this reading David followed where he fancied he had last seen the woman's face and caught himself just in time to keep from pitching over the edge of the platform.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading David followed where he fancied he had last seen the woman's face and caught himself just in time to keep from pitching over the edge of the platform.

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

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

round one's back by bending forward and drawing the shoulders forward

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

feeling hunger; feeling a need or desire to eat food

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

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

From this reading David followed where he fancied he had last seen the woman's face and caught himself just in time to keep from pitching over the edge of the platform.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

and nothing more

From this reading David followed where he fancied he had last seen the woman's face and caught himself just in time to keep from pitching over the edge of the platform.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading David followed where he fancied he had last seen the woman's face and caught himself just in time to keep from pitching over the edge of the platform.

showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

a tight cluster of people or things

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

plural of “lamp” — an artificial source of visible illumination

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

immediately past

From this reading David followed where he fancied he had last seen the woman's face and caught himself just in time to keep from pitching over the edge of the platform.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading Even the promise of a fight--at least of a blow or two delivered in the gray gloom of the baggage-man's door--did not turn David from his quest.

set afire or burning

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

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

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Surely she had not gone there.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading David followed where he fancied he had last seen the woman's face and caught himself just in time to keep from pitching over the edge of the platform.

A viscous liquid derived from petroleum or plants, stored in large earthen jars.

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

plural of “onion” — the bulb of an onion plant

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

and nothing more

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

above and across; more than

From this reading David followed where he fancied he had last seen the woman's face and caught himself just in time to keep from pitching over the edge of the platform.

plural of “passenger” — a traveler riding in a vehicle (a boat or bus or car or plane or train etc) who is not operating it

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

A large hole in the ground, or an abyss of darkness and peril.

From this reading Beyond that there was a pit of blackness.

(baseball) playing the position of pitcher on a baseball team

From this reading David followed where he fancied he had last seen the woman's face and caught himself just in time to keep from pitching over the edge of the platform.

a raised horizontal surface

From this reading David followed where he fancied he had last seen the woman's face and caught himself just in time to keep from pitching over the edge of the platform.

make a promise or commitment

From this reading Even the promise of a fight--at least of a blow or two delivered in the gray gloom of the baggage-man's door--did not turn David from his quest.

a search for an alternative that meets cognitive criteria

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

unpleasantly loud and harsh

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

of or relating to or indicative of or issued or performed by a king or queen or other monarch

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading David followed where he fancied he had last seen the woman's face and caught himself just in time to keep from pitching over the edge of the platform.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Surely she had not gone there.

plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

a slice of meat cut from the fleshy part of an animal or large fish

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

not in physical motion

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

in a softened tone

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading Surely she had not gone there.

in a swift manner

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

disclosing unintentionally something concealed

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Beyond that there was a pit of blackness.

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

From this reading David followed where he fancied he had last seen the woman's face and caught himself just in time to keep from pitching over the edge of the platform.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Beyond that there was a pit of blackness.

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

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

bound or secured closely

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading David followed where he fancied he had last seen the woman's face and caught himself just in time to keep from pitching over the edge of the platform.

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

From this reading David followed where he fancied he had last seen the woman's face and caught himself just in time to keep from pitching over the edge of the platform.

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

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading Even the promise of a fight--at least of a blow or two delivered in the gray gloom of the baggage-man's door--did not turn David from his quest.

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

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

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

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

Moral excellence and goodness of character; the highest human attainment in Stoic philosophy.

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

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

From this reading Beyond that there was a pit of blackness.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

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

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

relating to breathing with a whistling sound

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

in or at the place that

From this reading David followed where he fancied he had last seen the woman's face and caught himself just in time to keep from pitching over the edge of the platform.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Two or three of the bells were still clanging, but with abated enthusiasm; from the dimly lighted platform, grayish-white in the ghostly flicker of the oil lamps, the crowd of hungry passengers was ebbing swiftly in its quest of food and drink; a last half-hearted bawling of the virtue to be found in the "hot steak _an_' liver'n onions at the Royal Alexandry" gave way to a comforting silence--a silence broken only by a growing clatter of dishes, the subdued wheezing of the engines, and the raucous voice of a train-man telling the baggage-man that the hump between his shoulders was not a head but a knot kindly tied there by his Creator to keep him from unravelling.

possessive form of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading David followed where he fancied he had last seen the woman's face and caught himself just in time to keep from pitching over the edge of the platform.