Chapter III

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

From this reading Freddie Stickney owed his presence in the Friocksheim house-party to qualities other than those which make a welcome guest.

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

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

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

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

forming or set at an angle

From this reading He had angled for three other invitations before turning to Friocksheim as a last resource.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Not that he had any special interest in the Dangerfields.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading He had invited himself, knowing Rollo Dangerfield’s dislike for hurting people’s feelings and counting on that quality to avoid a refusal; and, having arrived, he proposed to stay for just as long as it suited him to do so.

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

From this reading He had invited himself, knowing Rollo Dangerfield’s dislike for hurting people’s feelings and counting on that quality to avoid a refusal; and, having arrived, he proposed to stay for just as long as it suited him to do so.

approximating the statistical norm or average or expected value

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something

From this reading He had invited himself, knowing Rollo Dangerfield’s dislike for hurting people’s feelings and counting on that quality to avoid a refusal; and, having arrived, he proposed to stay for just as long as it suited him to do so.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading He had angled for three other invitations before turning to Friocksheim as a last resource.

the act of counting; reciting numbers in ascending order

From this reading He had invited himself, knowing Rollo Dangerfield’s dislike for hurting people’s feelings and counting on that quality to avoid a refusal; and, having arrived, he proposed to stay for just as long as it suited him to do so.

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

From this reading He had invited himself, knowing Rollo Dangerfield’s dislike for hurting people’s feelings and counting on that quality to avoid a refusal; and, having arrived, he proposed to stay for just as long as it suited him to do so.

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

From this reading Not that he had any special interest in the Dangerfields.

an inclination to withhold approval from some person or group

From this reading He had invited himself, knowing Rollo Dangerfield’s dislike for hurting people’s feelings and counting on that quality to avoid a refusal; and, having arrived, he proposed to stay for just as long as it suited him to do so.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading He had invited himself, knowing Rollo Dangerfield’s dislike for hurting people’s feelings and counting on that quality to avoid a refusal; and, having arrived, he proposed to stay for just as long as it suited him to do so.

past form of “enable” — render capable or able for some task

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)

From this reading He had invited himself, knowing Rollo Dangerfield’s dislike for hurting people’s feelings and counting on that quality to avoid a refusal; and, having arrived, he proposed to stay for just as long as it suited him to do so.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He had invited himself, knowing Rollo Dangerfield’s dislike for hurting people’s feelings and counting on that quality to avoid a refusal; and, having arrived, he proposed to stay for just as long as it suited him to do so.

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

From this reading Freddie Stickney owed his presence in the Friocksheim house-party to qualities other than those which make a welcome guest.

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

From this reading Freddie Stickney owed his presence in the Friocksheim house-party to qualities other than those which make a welcome guest.

a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading Freddie Stickney owed his presence in the Friocksheim house-party to qualities other than those which make a welcome guest.

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

From this reading He had invited himself, knowing Rollo Dangerfield’s dislike for hurting people’s feelings and counting on that quality to avoid a refusal; and, having arrived, he proposed to stay for just as long as it suited him to do so.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading He had invited himself, knowing Rollo Dangerfield’s dislike for hurting people’s feelings and counting on that quality to avoid a refusal; and, having arrived, he proposed to stay for just as long as it suited him to do so.

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

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

prevent from being seen or discovered

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

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

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

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

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

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

From this reading Freddie Stickney owed his presence in the Friocksheim house-party to qualities other than those which make a welcome guest.

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

From this reading Freddie Stickney owed his presence in the Friocksheim house-party to qualities other than those which make a welcome guest.

a symptom of some physical hurt or disorder

From this reading He had invited himself, knowing Rollo Dangerfield’s dislike for hurting people’s feelings and counting on that quality to avoid a refusal; and, having arrived, he proposed to stay for just as long as it suited him to do so.

not admitting of penetration or passage into or through

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

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

From this reading Freddie Stickney owed his presence in the Friocksheim house-party to qualities other than those which make a welcome guest.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading Not that he had any special interest in the Dangerfields.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

someone who intrudes on the privacy or property of another without permission

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

without variation or change, in every case

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

plural of “invitation” — a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something

From this reading He had angled for three other invitations before turning to Friocksheim as a last resource.

past form of “invite” — increase the likelihood of

From this reading He had invited himself, knowing Rollo Dangerfield’s dislike for hurting people’s feelings and counting on that quality to avoid a refusal; and, having arrived, he proposed to stay for just as long as it suited him to do so.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading He had invited himself, knowing Rollo Dangerfield’s dislike for hurting people’s feelings and counting on that quality to avoid a refusal; and, having arrived, he proposed to stay for just as long as it suited him to do so.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

and nothing more

From this reading He had invited himself, knowing Rollo Dangerfield’s dislike for hurting people’s feelings and counting on that quality to avoid a refusal; and, having arrived, he proposed to stay for just as long as it suited him to do so.

in a keen or penetrating way

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

evidencing the possession of inside information

From this reading He had invited himself, knowing Rollo Dangerfield’s dislike for hurting people’s feelings and counting on that quality to avoid a refusal; and, having arrived, he proposed to stay for just as long as it suited him to do so.

immediately past

From this reading He had angled for three other invitations before turning to Friocksheim as a last resource.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading He had invited himself, knowing Rollo Dangerfield’s dislike for hurting people’s feelings and counting on that quality to avoid a refusal; and, having arrived, he proposed to stay for just as long as it suited him to do so.

engage in

From this reading Freddie Stickney owed his presence in the Friocksheim house-party to qualities other than those which make a welcome guest.

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

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Not that he had any special interest in the Dangerfields.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He had invited himself, knowing Rollo Dangerfield’s dislike for hurting people’s feelings and counting on that quality to avoid a refusal; and, having arrived, he proposed to stay for just as long as it suited him to do so.

a judge of a probate court

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Freddie Stickney owed his presence in the Friocksheim house-party to qualities other than those which make a welcome guest.

past form of “owe” — be obliged to pay or repay

From this reading Freddie Stickney owed his presence in the Friocksheim house-party to qualities other than those which make a welcome guest.

possessive form of “people” — (plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading He had invited himself, knowing Rollo Dangerfield’s dislike for hurting people’s feelings and counting on that quality to avoid a refusal; and, having arrived, he proposed to stay for just as long as it suited him to do so.

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

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

plural of “position” — the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading Freddie Stickney owed his presence in the Friocksheim house-party to qualities other than those which make a welcome guest.

past form of “propose” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading He had invited himself, knowing Rollo Dangerfield’s dislike for hurting people’s feelings and counting on that quality to avoid a refusal; and, having arrived, he proposed to stay for just as long as it suited him to do so.

established beyond doubt

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

plural of “quality” — an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone

From this reading Freddie Stickney owed his presence in the Friocksheim house-party to qualities other than those which make a welcome guest.

an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone

From this reading He had invited himself, knowing Rollo Dangerfield’s dislike for hurting people’s feelings and counting on that quality to avoid a refusal; and, having arrived, he proposed to stay for just as long as it suited him to do so.

the act of refusing

From this reading He had invited himself, knowing Rollo Dangerfield’s dislike for hurting people’s feelings and counting on that quality to avoid a refusal; and, having arrived, he proposed to stay for just as long as it suited him to do so.

available source of wealth; a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when needed

From this reading He had angled for three other invitations before turning to Friocksheim as a last resource.

Norse chieftain who became the first duke of Normandy (860-931)

From this reading He had invited himself, knowing Rollo Dangerfield’s dislike for hurting people’s feelings and counting on that quality to avoid a refusal; and, having arrived, he proposed to stay for just as long as it suited him to do so.

a natural protective body covering and site of the sense of touch

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading He had invited himself, knowing Rollo Dangerfield’s dislike for hurting people’s feelings and counting on that quality to avoid a refusal; and, having arrived, he proposed to stay for just as long as it suited him to do so.

relating to human society and its members

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading Not that he had any special interest in the Dangerfields.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading He had invited himself, knowing Rollo Dangerfield’s dislike for hurting people’s feelings and counting on that quality to avoid a refusal; and, having arrived, he proposed to stay for just as long as it suited him to do so.

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

From this reading Freddie Stickney owed his presence in the Friocksheim house-party to qualities other than those which make a welcome guest.

meant or adapted for an occasion or use

From this reading He had invited himself, knowing Rollo Dangerfield’s dislike for hurting people’s feelings and counting on that quality to avoid a refusal; and, having arrived, he proposed to stay for just as long as it suited him to do so.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Freddie Stickney owed his presence in the Friocksheim house-party to qualities other than those which make a welcome guest.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

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

From this reading Freddie Stickney owed his presence in the Friocksheim house-party to qualities other than those which make a welcome guest.

the dimension through an object as opposed to its length or width

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

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

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

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

From this reading Freddie Stickney owed his presence in the Friocksheim house-party to qualities other than those which make a welcome guest.

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

From this reading He had angled for three other invitations before turning to Friocksheim as a last resource.

push forcefully

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

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

From this reading Freddie Stickney owed his presence in the Friocksheim house-party to qualities other than those which make a welcome guest.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course

From this reading He had angled for three other invitations before turning to Friocksheim as a last resource.

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

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

accept gladly

From this reading Freddie Stickney owed his presence in the Friocksheim house-party to qualities other than those which make a welcome guest.

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

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

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

From this reading Freddie Stickney owed his presence in the Friocksheim house-party to qualities other than those which make a welcome guest.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.

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

From this reading He was a mean little man, with a skin which invariably proved itself impenetrable to ordinary social pin-pricks; and this thickness of hide enabled him to thrust himself into positions wherein an average individual would have felt too keenly that he was an intruder.