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 JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

later than; following

From this reading The county coroner had got a jury of the neighbours impanelled together; who, after sitting patiently on the inquest, and hearing, as well as seeing, the following evidence, could arrive at no verdict more specific than the obvious fact, that the poor old creature had been "found dead."

how long something has existed

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

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

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

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

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

pertaining to or characteristic of apoplexy

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

a sudden loss of consciousness resulting when the rupture or occlusion of a blood vessel leads to oxygen lack in the brain

From this reading The great question lay between apoplexy and murder; and the evidence tended to a well-matched conflict of opinions.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading The county coroner had got a jury of the neighbours impanelled together; who, after sitting patiently on the inquest, and hearing, as well as seeing, the following evidence, could arrive at no verdict more specific than the obvious fact, that the poor old creature had been "found dead."

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

From this reading The county coroner had got a jury of the neighbours impanelled together; who, after sitting patiently on the inquest, and hearing, as well as seeing, the following evidence, could arrive at no verdict more specific than the obvious fact, that the poor old creature had been "found dead."

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

exceptionally bad or displeasing

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

a member of the British order of honor; ranks below a baron but above a knight

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading The great question lay between apoplexy and murder; and the evidence tended to a well-matched conflict of opinions.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

a natural or artificial enclosed space

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

clothing in general

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

-ing form of “clutch” — take hold of; grab

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

an open clash between two opposing groups (or individuals)

From this reading The great question lay between apoplexy and murder; and the evidence tended to a well-matched conflict of opinions.

a public official who investigates by inquest any death not due to natural causes

From this reading The county coroner had got a jury of the neighbours impanelled together; who, after sitting patiently on the inquest, and hearing, as well as seeing, the following evidence, could arrive at no verdict more specific than the obvious fact, that the poor old creature had been "found dead."

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

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading The county coroner had got a jury of the neighbours impanelled together; who, after sitting patiently on the inquest, and hearing, as well as seeing, the following evidence, could arrive at no verdict more specific than the obvious fact, that the poor old creature had been "found dead."

past form of “countenance” — consent to, give permission

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

(United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government

From this reading The county coroner had got a jury of the neighbours impanelled together; who, after sitting patiently on the inquest, and hearing, as well as seeing, the following evidence, could arrive at no verdict more specific than the obvious fact, that the poor old creature had been "found dead."

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading The county coroner had got a jury of the neighbours impanelled together; who, after sitting patiently on the inquest, and hearing, as well as seeing, the following evidence, could arrive at no verdict more specific than the obvious fact, that the poor old creature had been "found dead."

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading The county coroner had got a jury of the neighbours impanelled together; who, after sitting patiently on the inquest, and hearing, as well as seeing, the following evidence, could arrive at no verdict more specific than the obvious fact, that the poor old creature had been "found dead."

opinion or judgment

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

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

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading The county coroner had got a jury of the neighbours impanelled together; who, after sitting patiently on the inquest, and hearing, as well as seeing, the following evidence, could arrive at no verdict more specific than the obvious fact, that the poor old creature had been "found dead."

plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading The county coroner had got a jury of the neighbours impanelled together; who, after sitting patiently on the inquest, and hearing, as well as seeing, the following evidence, could arrive at no verdict more specific than the obvious fact, that the poor old creature had been "found dead."

a period of fourteen consecutive days

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

set up or found

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading The county coroner had got a jury of the neighbours impanelled together; who, after sitting patiently on the inquest, and hearing, as well as seeing, the following evidence, could arrive at no verdict more specific than the obvious fact, that the poor old creature had been "found dead."

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

From this reading The great question lay between apoplexy and murder; and the evidence tended to a well-matched conflict of opinions.

informal terms for objecting

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

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

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence

From this reading The county coroner had got a jury of the neighbours impanelled together; who, after sitting patiently on the inquest, and hearing, as well as seeing, the following evidence, could arrive at no verdict more specific than the obvious fact, that the poor old creature had been "found dead."

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

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

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

the quality of a color as determined by its dominant wavelength

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

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

From this reading The county coroner had got a jury of the neighbours impanelled together; who, after sitting patiently on the inquest, and hearing, as well as seeing, the following evidence, could arrive at no verdict more specific than the obvious fact, that the poor old creature had been "found dead."

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

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

an inquiry into the cause of an unexpected death

From this reading THE INQUEST.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

a body of citizens sworn to give a true verdict according to the evidence presented in a court of law

From this reading The county coroner had got a jury of the neighbours impanelled together; who, after sitting patiently on the inquest, and hearing, as well as seeing, the following evidence, could arrive at no verdict more specific than the obvious fact, that the poor old creature had been "found dead."

and nothing more

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

past form of “kill” — cause to die; put to death, usually intentionally or knowingly

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading The great question lay between apoplexy and murder; and the evidence tended to a well-matched conflict of opinions.

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 JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

anemic looking from illness or emotion

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

English businessman who created a retail chain (1888-1964)

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading The county coroner had got a jury of the neighbours impanelled together; who, after sitting patiently on the inquest, and hearing, as well as seeing, the following evidence, could arrive at no verdict more specific than the obvious fact, that the poor old creature had been "found dead."

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

kill intentionally and with premeditation

From this reading The great question lay between apoplexy and murder; and the evidence tended to a well-matched conflict of opinions.

of an obscure nature

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

plural of “neighbour” — a person who lives (or is located) near another

From this reading The county coroner had got a jury of the neighbours impanelled together; who, after sitting patiently on the inquest, and hearing, as well as seeing, the following evidence, could arrive at no verdict more specific than the obvious fact, that the poor old creature had been "found dead."

not any; not one

From this reading The county coroner had got a jury of the neighbours impanelled together; who, after sitting patiently on the inquest, and hearing, as well as seeing, the following evidence, could arrive at no verdict more specific than the obvious fact, that the poor old creature had been "found dead."

not one, and not any

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

easily perceived by the senses or grasped by the mind

From this reading The county coroner had got a jury of the neighbours impanelled together; who, after sitting patiently on the inquest, and hearing, as well as seeing, the following evidence, could arrive at no verdict more specific than the obvious fact, that the poor old creature had been "found dead."

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The county coroner had got a jury of the neighbours impanelled together; who, after sitting patiently on the inquest, and hearing, as well as seeing, the following evidence, could arrive at no verdict more specific than the obvious fact, that the poor old creature had been "found dead."

plural of “opinion” — a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty

From this reading The great question lay between apoplexy and murder; and the evidence tended to a well-matched conflict of opinions.

a soldier who serves as an attendant to a superior officer

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

with patience; in a patient manner

From this reading The county coroner had got a jury of the neighbours impanelled together; who, after sitting patiently on the inquest, and hearing, as well as seeing, the following evidence, could arrive at no verdict more specific than the obvious fact, that the poor old creature had been "found dead."

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading The county coroner had got a jury of the neighbours impanelled together; who, after sitting patiently on the inquest, and hearing, as well as seeing, the following evidence, could arrive at no verdict more specific than the obvious fact, that the poor old creature had been "found dead."

by chance

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

a purple color or pigment

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

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

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading The great question lay between apoplexy and murder; and the evidence tended to a well-matched conflict of opinions.

with low volume

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

express in words

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

plural of “seal” — fastener consisting of a resinous composition that is plastic when warm; used for sealing documents and parcels and letters

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

perception by means of the eyes

From this reading The county coroner had got a jury of the neighbours impanelled together; who, after sitting patiently on the inquest, and hearing, as well as seeing, the following evidence, could arrive at no verdict more specific than the obvious fact, that the poor old creature had been "found dead."

a sudden occurrence (or recurrence) of a disease

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

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

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

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

From this reading The county coroner had got a jury of the neighbours impanelled together; who, after sitting patiently on the inquest, and hearing, as well as seeing, the following evidence, could arrive at no verdict more specific than the obvious fact, that the poor old creature had been "found dead."

a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

having a surface free from roughness or bumps or ridges or irregularities

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

plural of “socket” — a bony hollow into which a structure fits

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

(sometimes followed by “to”) applying to or characterized by or distinguishing something particular or special or unique

From this reading The county coroner had got a jury of the neighbours impanelled together; who, after sitting patiently on the inquest, and hearing, as well as seeing, the following evidence, could arrive at no verdict more specific than the obvious fact, that the poor old creature had been "found dead."

(especially of eyes) bulging or protruding as with fear

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

the act of suffocating (someone) by constricting the windpipe

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

engaged in a struggle to overcome especially poverty or obscurity

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

openly distrustful and unwilling to confide

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

past form of “tend” — have a tendency or disposition to do or be something; be inclined

From this reading The great question lay between apoplexy and murder; and the evidence tended to a well-matched conflict of opinions.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The county coroner had got a jury of the neighbours impanelled together; who, after sitting patiently on the inquest, and hearing, as well as seeing, the following evidence, could arrive at no verdict more specific than the obvious fact, that the poor old creature had been "found dead."

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The county coroner had got a jury of the neighbours impanelled together; who, after sitting patiently on the inquest, and hearing, as well as seeing, the following evidence, could arrive at no verdict more specific than the obvious fact, that the poor old creature had been "found dead."

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

From this reading THE INQUEST.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

in or at that place or location

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

The passage at the back of the mouth.

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

in a tidy manner

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

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

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading The county coroner had got a jury of the neighbours impanelled together; who, after sitting patiently on the inquest, and hearing, as well as seeing, the following evidence, could arrive at no verdict more specific than the obvious fact, that the poor old creature had been "found dead."

a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

having tucked or being tucked

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

untroubled by interference or disturbance

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

a formal word for “on”

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

(law) the findings of a jury on issues of fact submitted to it for decision; can be used in formulating a judgment

From this reading The county coroner had got a jury of the neighbours impanelled together; who, after sitting patiently on the inquest, and hearing, as well as seeing, the following evidence, could arrive at no verdict more specific than the obvious fact, that the poor old creature had been "found dead."

precisely as stated

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

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

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading JUST a week before the baronet came of age, and a fortnight from the present time, an awful and mysterious event had happened at the Hall: the old house-keeper, Mrs. Quarles, had been found dead in her bed, under circumstances, to say the very least, of a black and suspicious appearance.

(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 The county coroner had got a jury of the neighbours impanelled together; who, after sitting patiently on the inquest, and hearing, as well as seeing, the following evidence, could arrive at no verdict more specific than the obvious fact, that the poor old creature had been "found dead."

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

From this reading The great question lay between apoplexy and murder; and the evidence tended to a well-matched conflict of opinions.

any or all of a kind, it does not matter which

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

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

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

which person or people

From this reading The county coroner had got a jury of the neighbours impanelled together; who, after sitting patiently on the inquest, and hearing, as well as seeing, the following evidence, could arrive at no verdict more specific than the obvious fact, that the poor old creature had been "found dead."

in the company of; together with

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!

but in spite of that

From this reading First, there lay the body, quietly in bed, tucked in tidily and undisturbed, with no marks of struggling, none whatever--the clothes lay smooth, and the chamber orderly: yet the corpse's face was of a purple hue, the tongue swollen, the eyes starting from their sockets: it might, indeed, possibly have been an apoplectic seizure, which took her in her sleep, and killed her as she lay; _but_ that the gripe of clutching fingers had left their livid seals upon the throat, and countenanced the dreadful thought of strangulation!