Chapter IX · Chapter 9

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

From this reading THE WOMAN AT ASHFORD Tarling went back to his lodgings that afternoon, a puzzled and baffled man.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The Chinaman went silently about the business of preparing his chief's tea and made no reference to the tragedy or to any of its details.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading THE WOMAN AT ASHFORD Tarling went back to his lodgings that afternoon, a puzzled and baffled man.

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

From this reading Ling Chu, his impassive Chinese servant, had observed those symptoms of perplexity before, but now there was something new in his master's demeanour--a kind of curt irritation, an anxiety which in the Hunter of Men had not been observed before.

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

From this reading THE WOMAN AT ASHFORD Tarling went back to his lodgings that afternoon, a puzzled and baffled man.

(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic

From this reading Ling Chu, his impassive Chinese servant, had observed those symptoms of perplexity before, but now there was something new in his master's demeanour--a kind of curt irritation, an anxiety which in the Hunter of Men had not been observed before.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading The Chinaman went silently about the business of preparing his chief's tea and made no reference to the tragedy or to any of its details.

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

From this reading THE WOMAN AT ASHFORD Tarling went back to his lodgings that afternoon, a puzzled and baffled man.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE WOMAN AT ASHFORD Tarling went back to his lodgings that afternoon, a puzzled and baffled man.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading THE WOMAN AT ASHFORD Tarling went back to his lodgings that afternoon, a puzzled and baffled man.

people who are frustrated and perplexed

From this reading THE WOMAN AT ASHFORD Tarling went back to his lodgings that afternoon, a puzzled and baffled man.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading He had set the table by the side of the bed, and was gliding from the room in that cat-like way of his when Tarling stopped him.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Ling Chu, his impassive Chinese servant, had observed those symptoms of perplexity before, but now there was something new in his master's demeanour--a kind of curt irritation, an anxiety which in the Hunter of Men had not been observed before.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Ling Chu, his impassive Chinese servant, had observed those symptoms of perplexity before, but now there was something new in his master's demeanour--a kind of curt irritation, an anxiety which in the Hunter of Men had not been observed before.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading "Ling Chu," he said, speaking in the vernacular, "you remember in Shanghai when the 'Cheerful Hearts' committed a crime, how they used to leave behind their _hong_?"

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading The Chinaman went silently about the business of preparing his chief's tea and made no reference to the tragedy or to any of its details.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Ling Chu, his impassive Chinese servant, had observed those symptoms of perplexity before, but now there was something new in his master's demeanour--a kind of curt irritation, an anxiety which in the Hunter of Men had not been observed before.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He had set the table by the side of the bed, and was gliding from the room in that cat-like way of his when Tarling stopped him.

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

From this reading He had set the table by the side of the bed, and was gliding from the room in that cat-like way of his when Tarling stopped him.

being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits

From this reading "Ling Chu," he said, speaking in the vernacular, "you remember in Shanghai when the 'Cheerful Hearts' committed a crime, how they used to leave behind their _hong_?"

possessive form of “chief” — a person who is in charge

From this reading The Chinaman went silently about the business of preparing his chief's tea and made no reference to the tragedy or to any of its details.

(ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of Chinese descent

From this reading The Chinaman went silently about the business of preparing his chief's tea and made no reference to the tragedy or to any of its details.

any of the Sino-Tibetan languages spoken in China; regarded as dialects of a single language (even though they are mutually unintelligible) because they share an ideographic writing system

From this reading Ling Chu, his impassive Chinese servant, had observed those symptoms of perplexity before, but now there was something new in his master's demeanour--a kind of curt irritation, an anxiety which in the Hunter of Men had not been observed before.

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

From this reading Ling Chu, his impassive Chinese servant, had observed those symptoms of perplexity before, but now there was something new in his master's demeanour--a kind of curt irritation, an anxiety which in the Hunter of Men had not been observed before.

bound or obligated, as under a pledge to a particular cause, action, or attitude

From this reading "Ling Chu," he said, speaking in the vernacular, "you remember in Shanghai when the 'Cheerful Hearts' committed a crime, how they used to leave behind their _hong_?"

(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act

From this reading "Ling Chu," he said, speaking in the vernacular, "you remember in Shanghai when the 'Cheerful Hearts' committed a crime, how they used to leave behind their _hong_?"

marked by rude or peremptory shortness

From this reading Ling Chu, his impassive Chinese servant, had observed those symptoms of perplexity before, but now there was something new in his master's demeanour--a kind of curt irritation, an anxiety which in the Hunter of Men had not been observed before.

(behavioral attributes) the way a person behaves toward other people

From this reading Ling Chu, his impassive Chinese servant, had observed those symptoms of perplexity before, but now there was something new in his master's demeanour--a kind of curt irritation, an anxiety which in the Hunter of Men had not been observed before.

true confidential information

From this reading The Chinaman went silently about the business of preparing his chief's tea and made no reference to the tragedy or to any of its details.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He had set the table by the side of the bed, and was gliding from the room in that cat-like way of his when Tarling stopped him.

the activity of flying a glider

From this reading He had set the table by the side of the bed, and was gliding from the room in that cat-like way of his when Tarling stopped him.

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

From this reading Ling Chu, his impassive Chinese servant, had observed those symptoms of perplexity before, but now there was something new in his master's demeanour--a kind of curt irritation, an anxiety which in the Hunter of Men had not been observed before.

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

From this reading He had set the table by the side of the bed, and was gliding from the room in that cat-like way of his when Tarling stopped him.

a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades

From this reading "Ling Chu," he said, speaking in the vernacular, "you remember in Shanghai when the 'Cheerful Hearts' committed a crime, how they used to leave behind their _hong_?"

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

From this reading He had set the table by the side of the bed, and was gliding from the room in that cat-like way of his when Tarling stopped him.

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

From this reading THE WOMAN AT ASHFORD Tarling went back to his lodgings that afternoon, a puzzled and baffled man.

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

From this reading "Ling Chu," he said, speaking in the vernacular, "you remember in Shanghai when the 'Cheerful Hearts' committed a crime, how they used to leave behind their _hong_?"

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

From this reading "Ling Chu," he said, speaking in the vernacular, "you remember in Shanghai when the 'Cheerful Hearts' committed a crime, how they used to leave behind their _hong_?"

someone who hunts game

From this reading Ling Chu, his impassive Chinese servant, had observed those symptoms of perplexity before, but now there was something new in his master's demeanour--a kind of curt irritation, an anxiety which in the Hunter of Men had not been observed before.

having or revealing little emotion or sensibility; not easily aroused or excited

From this reading Ling Chu, his impassive Chinese servant, had observed those symptoms of perplexity before, but now there was something new in his master's demeanour--a kind of curt irritation, an anxiety which in the Hunter of Men had not been observed before.

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

From this reading Ling Chu, his impassive Chinese servant, had observed those symptoms of perplexity before, but now there was something new in his master's demeanour--a kind of curt irritation, an anxiety which in the Hunter of Men had not been observed before.

the psychological state of being irritated or annoyed

From this reading Ling Chu, his impassive Chinese servant, had observed those symptoms of perplexity before, but now there was something new in his master's demeanour--a kind of curt irritation, an anxiety which in the Hunter of Men had not been observed before.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The Chinaman went silently about the business of preparing his chief's tea and made no reference to the tragedy or to any of its details.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading Ling Chu, his impassive Chinese servant, had observed those symptoms of perplexity before, but now there was something new in his master's demeanour--a kind of curt irritation, an anxiety which in the Hunter of Men had not been observed before.

go away from a place

From this reading "Ling Chu," he said, speaking in the vernacular, "you remember in Shanghai when the 'Cheerful Hearts' committed a crime, how they used to leave behind their _hong_?"

water chestnut whose spiny fruit has two rather than 4 prongs

From this reading Ling Chu, his impassive Chinese servant, had observed those symptoms of perplexity before, but now there was something new in his master's demeanour--a kind of curt irritation, an anxiety which in the Hunter of Men had not been observed before.

temporary living quarters

From this reading THE WOMAN AT ASHFORD Tarling went back to his lodgings that afternoon, a puzzled and baffled man.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading The Chinaman went silently about the business of preparing his chief's tea and made no reference to the tragedy or to any of its details.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading THE WOMAN AT ASHFORD Tarling went back to his lodgings that afternoon, a puzzled and baffled man.

possessive form of “master” — an artist of consummate skill

From this reading Ling Chu, his impassive Chinese servant, had observed those symptoms of perplexity before, but now there was something new in his master's demeanour--a kind of curt irritation, an anxiety which in the Hunter of Men had not been observed before.

the force of workers available

From this reading Ling Chu, his impassive Chinese servant, had observed those symptoms of perplexity before, but now there was something new in his master's demeanour--a kind of curt irritation, an anxiety which in the Hunter of Men had not been observed before.

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

From this reading Ling Chu, his impassive Chinese servant, had observed those symptoms of perplexity before, but now there was something new in his master's demeanour--a kind of curt irritation, an anxiety which in the Hunter of Men had not been observed before.

not any; not one

From this reading The Chinaman went silently about the business of preparing his chief's tea and made no reference to the tragedy or to any of its details.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Ling Chu, his impassive Chinese servant, had observed those symptoms of perplexity before, but now there was something new in his master's demeanour--a kind of curt irritation, an anxiety which in the Hunter of Men had not been observed before.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Ling Chu, his impassive Chinese servant, had observed those symptoms of perplexity before, but now there was something new in his master's demeanour--a kind of curt irritation, an anxiety which in the Hunter of Men had not been observed before.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading Ling Chu, his impassive Chinese servant, had observed those symptoms of perplexity before, but now there was something new in his master's demeanour--a kind of curt irritation, an anxiety which in the Hunter of Men had not been observed before.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Ling Chu, his impassive Chinese servant, had observed those symptoms of perplexity before, but now there was something new in his master's demeanour--a kind of curt irritation, an anxiety which in the Hunter of Men had not been observed before.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The Chinaman went silently about the business of preparing his chief's tea and made no reference to the tragedy or to any of its details.

trouble or confusion resulting from complexity

From this reading Ling Chu, his impassive Chinese servant, had observed those symptoms of perplexity before, but now there was something new in his master's demeanour--a kind of curt irritation, an anxiety which in the Hunter of Men had not been observed before.

-ing form of “prepare” — make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc

From this reading The Chinaman went silently about the business of preparing his chief's tea and made no reference to the tragedy or to any of its details.

filled with bewilderment

From this reading THE WOMAN AT ASHFORD Tarling went back to his lodgings that afternoon, a puzzled and baffled man.

a remark that calls attention to something or someone

From this reading The Chinaman went silently about the business of preparing his chief's tea and made no reference to the tragedy or to any of its details.

To recall to mind.

From this reading "Ling Chu," he said, speaking in the vernacular, "you remember in Shanghai when the 'Cheerful Hearts' committed a crime, how they used to leave behind their _hong_?"

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading He had set the table by the side of the bed, and was gliding from the room in that cat-like way of his when Tarling stopped him.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Ling Chu," he said, speaking in the vernacular, "you remember in Shanghai when the 'Cheerful Hearts' committed a crime, how they used to leave behind their _hong_?"

a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading Ling Chu, his impassive Chinese servant, had observed those symptoms of perplexity before, but now there was something new in his master's demeanour--a kind of curt irritation, an anxiety which in the Hunter of Men had not been observed before.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading He had set the table by the side of the bed, and was gliding from the room in that cat-like way of his when Tarling stopped him.

the largest city of China; located in the east on the Pacific; one of the largest ports in the world

From this reading "Ling Chu," he said, speaking in the vernacular, "you remember in Shanghai when the 'Cheerful Hearts' committed a crime, how they used to leave behind their _hong_?"

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

From this reading He had set the table by the side of the bed, and was gliding from the room in that cat-like way of his when Tarling stopped him.

without speaking

From this reading The Chinaman went silently about the business of preparing his chief's tea and made no reference to the tragedy or to any of its details.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading Ling Chu, his impassive Chinese servant, had observed those symptoms of perplexity before, but now there was something new in his master's demeanour--a kind of curt irritation, an anxiety which in the Hunter of Men had not been observed before.

the utterance of intelligible speech

From this reading "Ling Chu," he said, speaking in the vernacular, "you remember in Shanghai when the 'Cheerful Hearts' committed a crime, how they used to leave behind their _hong_?"

(of a nose) blocked

From this reading He had set the table by the side of the bed, and was gliding from the room in that cat-like way of his when Tarling stopped him.

plural of “symptom” — (medicine) any sensation or change in bodily function that is experienced by a patient and is associated with a particular disease

From this reading Ling Chu, his impassive Chinese servant, had observed those symptoms of perplexity before, but now there was something new in his master's demeanour--a kind of curt irritation, an anxiety which in the Hunter of Men had not been observed before.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading He had set the table by the side of the bed, and was gliding from the room in that cat-like way of his when Tarling stopped him.

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

From this reading THE WOMAN AT ASHFORD Tarling went back to his lodgings that afternoon, a puzzled and baffled man.

a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water

From this reading The Chinaman went silently about the business of preparing his chief's tea and made no reference to the tragedy or to any of its details.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE WOMAN AT ASHFORD Tarling went back to his lodgings that afternoon, a puzzled and baffled man.

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

From this reading THE WOMAN AT ASHFORD Tarling went back to his lodgings that afternoon, a puzzled and baffled man.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading "Ling Chu," he said, speaking in the vernacular, "you remember in Shanghai when the 'Cheerful Hearts' committed a crime, how they used to leave behind their _hong_?"

in or at that place or location

From this reading Ling Chu, his impassive Chinese servant, had observed those symptoms of perplexity before, but now there was something new in his master's demeanour--a kind of curt irritation, an anxiety which in the Hunter of Men had not been observed before.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading "Ling Chu," he said, speaking in the vernacular, "you remember in Shanghai when the 'Cheerful Hearts' committed a crime, how they used to leave behind their _hong_?"

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

From this reading Ling Chu, his impassive Chinese servant, had observed those symptoms of perplexity before, but now there was something new in his master's demeanour--a kind of curt irritation, an anxiety which in the Hunter of Men had not been observed before.

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

From this reading THE WOMAN AT ASHFORD Tarling went back to his lodgings that afternoon, a puzzled and baffled man.

an event resulting in great loss and misfortune

From this reading The Chinaman went silently about the business of preparing his chief's tea and made no reference to the tragedy or to any of its details.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading "Ling Chu," he said, speaking in the vernacular, "you remember in Shanghai when the 'Cheerful Hearts' committed a crime, how they used to leave behind their _hong_?"

a characteristic language of a particular group (as among thieves)

From this reading "Ling Chu," he said, speaking in the vernacular, "you remember in Shanghai when the 'Cheerful Hearts' committed a crime, how they used to leave behind their _hong_?"

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

From this reading Ling Chu, his impassive Chinese servant, had observed those symptoms of perplexity before, but now there was something new in his master's demeanour--a kind of curt irritation, an anxiety which in the Hunter of Men had not been observed before.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading He had set the table by the side of the bed, and was gliding from the room in that cat-like way of his when Tarling stopped him.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading THE WOMAN AT ASHFORD Tarling went back to his lodgings that afternoon, a puzzled and baffled man.

at the time that

From this reading He had set the table by the side of the bed, and was gliding from the room in that cat-like way of his when Tarling stopped him.

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

From this reading Ling Chu, his impassive Chinese servant, had observed those symptoms of perplexity before, but now there was something new in his master's demeanour--a kind of curt irritation, an anxiety which in the Hunter of Men had not been observed before.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading THE WOMAN AT ASHFORD Tarling went back to his lodgings that afternoon, a puzzled and baffled man.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Ling Chu," he said, speaking in the vernacular, "you remember in Shanghai when the 'Cheerful Hearts' committed a crime, how they used to leave behind their _hong_?"