Chapter VI · Jane Kelly Finds an Old Acquaintance

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

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

keenly excited (especially sexually) or indicating excitement

From this reading Still there were sufficient indications of company; all the front windows were ablaze with light.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading Still there were sufficient indications of company; all the front windows were ablaze with light.

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

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading All this troubled Jane Kelly, who stood by the stone railing with the velvet prayer-book under her shawl, doubtful whether she had not better put off her errand to another day, than risk a denial at the door.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading All this troubled Jane Kelly, who stood by the stone railing with the velvet prayer-book under her shawl, doubtful whether she had not better put off her errand to another day, than risk a denial at the door.

the lowermost portion of a structure partly or wholly below ground level; often used for storage

From this reading The soft hum of voices came faintly through draperies of lace and curtains of satin, and there seemed to be a good deal of commotion in the basement, quite enough to justify the idea of a large party gathered socially.

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

From this reading The soft hum of voices came faintly through draperies of lace and curtains of satin, and there seemed to be a good deal of commotion in the basement, quite enough to justify the idea of a large party gathered socially.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading All this troubled Jane Kelly, who stood by the stone railing with the velvet prayer-book under her shawl, doubtful whether she had not better put off her errand to another day, than risk a denial at the door.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

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

From this reading The soft hum of voices came faintly through draperies of lace and curtains of satin, and there seemed to be a good deal of commotion in the basement, quite enough to justify the idea of a large party gathered socially.

covered with or as if with carpeting or with carpeting as specified; often used in combination

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

a disorderly outburst or tumult

From this reading The soft hum of voices came faintly through draperies of lace and curtains of satin, and there seemed to be a good deal of commotion in the basement, quite enough to justify the idea of a large party gathered socially.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading Still there were sufficient indications of company; all the front windows were ablaze with light.

plural of “curtain” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

From this reading The soft hum of voices came faintly through draperies of lace and curtains of satin, and there seemed to be a good deal of commotion in the basement, quite enough to justify the idea of a large party gathered socially.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading All this troubled Jane Kelly, who stood by the stone railing with the velvet prayer-book under her shawl, doubtful whether she had not better put off her errand to another day, than risk a denial at the door.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading The soft hum of voices came faintly through draperies of lace and curtains of satin, and there seemed to be a good deal of commotion in the basement, quite enough to justify the idea of a large party gathered socially.

the act of refusing to comply (as with a request)

From this reading All this troubled Jane Kelly, who stood by the stone railing with the velvet prayer-book under her shawl, doubtful whether she had not better put off her errand to another day, than risk a denial at the door.

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

From this reading All this troubled Jane Kelly, who stood by the stone railing with the velvet prayer-book under her shawl, doubtful whether she had not better put off her errand to another day, than risk a denial at the door.

open to doubt or suspicion

From this reading All this troubled Jane Kelly, who stood by the stone railing with the velvet prayer-book under her shawl, doubtful whether she had not better put off her errand to another day, than risk a denial at the door.

plural of “drapery” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

From this reading The soft hum of voices came faintly through draperies of lace and curtains of satin, and there seemed to be a good deal of commotion in the basement, quite enough to justify the idea of a large party gathered socially.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading The large gas lanterns on each side the steps flooded the pavement with their radiance.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading The soft hum of voices came faintly through draperies of lace and curtains of satin, and there seemed to be a good deal of commotion in the basement, quite enough to justify the idea of a large party gathered socially.

a short trip that is taken in the performance of a necessary task or mission

From this reading All this troubled Jane Kelly, who stood by the stone railing with the velvet prayer-book under her shawl, doubtful whether she had not better put off her errand to another day, than risk a denial at the door.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

indicating exactness or preciseness

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

to a faint degree or weakly perceived

From this reading The soft hum of voices came faintly through draperies of lace and curtains of satin, and there seemed to be a good deal of commotion in the basement, quite enough to justify the idea of a large party gathered socially.

covered with water

From this reading The large gas lanterns on each side the steps flooded the pavement with their radiance.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading Still there were sufficient indications of company; all the front windows were ablaze with light.

the state of matter distinguished from the solid and liquid states by: relatively low density and viscosity

From this reading The large gas lanterns on each side the steps flooded the pavement with their radiance.

brought together in one place

From this reading The soft hum of voices came faintly through draperies of lace and curtains of satin, and there seemed to be a good deal of commotion in the basement, quite enough to justify the idea of a large party gathered socially.

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

From this reading The soft hum of voices came faintly through draperies of lace and curtains of satin, and there seemed to be a good deal of commotion in the basement, quite enough to justify the idea of a large party gathered socially.

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

From this reading All this troubled Jane Kelly, who stood by the stone railing with the velvet prayer-book under her shawl, doubtful whether she had not better put off her errand to another day, than risk a denial at the door.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

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

From this reading All this troubled Jane Kelly, who stood by the stone railing with the velvet prayer-book under her shawl, doubtful whether she had not better put off her errand to another day, than risk a denial at the door.

a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

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

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

sing with closed lips

From this reading The soft hum of voices came faintly through draperies of lace and curtains of satin, and there seemed to be a good deal of commotion in the basement, quite enough to justify the idea of a large party gathered socially.

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

From this reading The soft hum of voices came faintly through draperies of lace and curtains of satin, and there seemed to be a good deal of commotion in the basement, quite enough to justify the idea of a large party gathered socially.

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

From this reading The soft hum of voices came faintly through draperies of lace and curtains of satin, and there seemed to be a good deal of commotion in the basement, quite enough to justify the idea of a large party gathered socially.

plural of “indication” — something that serves to indicate or suggest

From this reading Still there were sufficient indications of company; all the front windows were ablaze with light.

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

From this reading All this troubled Jane Kelly, who stood by the stone railing with the velvet prayer-book under her shawl, doubtful whether she had not better put off her errand to another day, than risk a denial at the door.

show to be right by providing justification or proof

From this reading The soft hum of voices came faintly through draperies of lace and curtains of satin, and there seemed to be a good deal of commotion in the basement, quite enough to justify the idea of a large party gathered socially.

United States circus clown (1898-1979)

From this reading All this troubled Jane Kelly, who stood by the stone railing with the velvet prayer-book under her shawl, doubtful whether she had not better put off her errand to another day, than risk a denial at the door.

spin, wind, or twist together

From this reading The soft hum of voices came faintly through draperies of lace and curtains of satin, and there seemed to be a good deal of commotion in the basement, quite enough to justify the idea of a large party gathered socially.

plural of “lantern” — light in a transparent protective case

From this reading The large gas lanterns on each side the steps flooded the pavement with their radiance.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The large gas lanterns on each side the steps flooded the pavement with their radiance.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading Still there were sufficient indications of company; all the front windows were ablaze with light.

set afire or burning

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

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

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

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

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading All this troubled Jane Kelly, who stood by the stone railing with the velvet prayer-book under her shawl, doubtful whether she had not better put off her errand to another day, than risk a denial at the door.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

a person who passes by casually or by chance

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

the paved surface of a thoroughfare

From this reading The large gas lanterns on each side the steps flooded the pavement with their radiance.

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

From this reading All this troubled Jane Kelly, who stood by the stone railing with the velvet prayer-book under her shawl, doubtful whether she had not better put off her errand to another day, than risk a denial at the door.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading All this troubled Jane Kelly, who stood by the stone railing with the velvet prayer-book under her shawl, doubtful whether she had not better put off her errand to another day, than risk a denial at the door.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading The soft hum of voices came faintly through draperies of lace and curtains of satin, and there seemed to be a good deal of commotion in the basement, quite enough to justify the idea of a large party gathered socially.

the amount of electromagnetic radiation leaving or arriving at a point on a surface

From this reading The large gas lanterns on each side the steps flooded the pavement with their radiance.

a barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and supports

From this reading All this troubled Jane Kelly, who stood by the stone railing with the velvet prayer-book under her shawl, doubtful whether she had not better put off her errand to another day, than risk a denial at the door.

a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune

From this reading All this troubled Jane Kelly, who stood by the stone railing with the velvet prayer-book under her shawl, doubtful whether she had not better put off her errand to another day, than risk a denial at the door.

a smooth fabric of silk or rayon; has a glossy face and a dull back

From this reading The soft hum of voices came faintly through draperies of lace and curtains of satin, and there seemed to be a good deal of commotion in the basement, quite enough to justify the idea of a large party gathered socially.

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

From this reading The soft hum of voices came faintly through draperies of lace and curtains of satin, and there seemed to be a good deal of commotion in the basement, quite enough to justify the idea of a large party gathered socially.

cloak consisting of an oblong piece of cloth used to cover the head and shoulders

From this reading All this troubled Jane Kelly, who stood by the stone railing with the velvet prayer-book under her shawl, doubtful whether she had not better put off her errand to another day, than risk a denial at the door.

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

From this reading All this troubled Jane Kelly, who stood by the stone railing with the velvet prayer-book under her shawl, doubtful whether she had not better put off her errand to another day, than risk a denial at the door.

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

From this reading The large gas lanterns on each side the steps flooded the pavement with their radiance.

by or with respect to society

From this reading The soft hum of voices came faintly through draperies of lace and curtains of satin, and there seemed to be a good deal of commotion in the basement, quite enough to justify the idea of a large party gathered socially.

yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading The soft hum of voices came faintly through draperies of lace and curtains of satin, and there seemed to be a good deal of commotion in the basement, quite enough to justify the idea of a large party gathered socially.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

Magnificent and splendid appearance; grandeur and brilliance.

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

not in physical motion

From this reading Still there were sufficient indications of company; all the front windows were ablaze with light.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading All this troubled Jane Kelly, who stood by the stone railing with the velvet prayer-book under her shawl, doubtful whether she had not better put off her errand to another day, than risk a denial at the door.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant

From this reading Still there were sufficient indications of company; all the front windows were ablaze with light.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

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

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The large gas lanterns on each side the steps flooded the pavement with their radiance.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Still there were sufficient indications of company; all the front windows were ablaze with light.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading All this troubled Jane Kelly, who stood by the stone railing with the velvet prayer-book under her shawl, doubtful whether she had not better put off her errand to another day, than risk a denial at the door.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading The soft hum of voices came faintly through draperies of lace and curtains of satin, and there seemed to be a good deal of commotion in the basement, quite enough to justify the idea of a large party gathered socially.

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

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

characterized by or indicative of distress or affliction or danger or need

From this reading All this troubled Jane Kelly, who stood by the stone railing with the velvet prayer-book under her shawl, doubtful whether she had not better put off her errand to another day, than risk a denial at the door.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading All this troubled Jane Kelly, who stood by the stone railing with the velvet prayer-book under her shawl, doubtful whether she had not better put off her errand to another day, than risk a denial at the door.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

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

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

a silky densely piled fabric with a plain back

From this reading All this troubled Jane Kelly, who stood by the stone railing with the velvet prayer-book under her shawl, doubtful whether she had not better put off her errand to another day, than risk a denial at the door.

plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading The soft hum of voices came faintly through draperies of lace and curtains of satin, and there seemed to be a good deal of commotion in the basement, quite enough to justify the idea of a large party gathered socially.

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

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

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

From this reading Still there were sufficient indications of company; all the front windows were ablaze with light.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading All this troubled Jane Kelly, who stood by the stone railing with the velvet prayer-book under her shawl, doubtful whether she had not better put off her errand to another day, than risk a denial at the door.

which person or people

From this reading All this troubled Jane Kelly, who stood by the stone railing with the velvet prayer-book under her shawl, doubtful whether she had not better put off her errand to another day, than risk a denial at the door.

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading Still there were sufficient indications of company; all the front windows were ablaze with light.

in the company of; together with

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.

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

From this reading That night a house on Murry Hill was lighted up with more than usual splendor, not exactly for a party, for then those broad stone steps would have been carpeted to the street, and a sound of music would have been heard by every passer-by.