used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading IN THE VORTEX The van, one among a score of similar vehicles, was backed against the curb of a raised path.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading He hurried forward at once, holding the lamp above his head, because it was dark behind the row of vans.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading IN THE VORTEX The van, one among a score of similar vehicles, was backed against the curb of a raised path.
(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 In all likelihood he guessed that any one choosing such a curious exit from a waiting-room was avoiding official scrutiny.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading IN THE VORTEX The van, one among a score of similar vehicles, was backed against the curb of a raised path.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading At the instant Dalroy quitted the window-ledge a railway employe appeared from behind another van on the left, and was clearly bewildered by seeing a well-dressed man springing from such an unusual and precarious perch.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading At the instant Dalroy quitted the window-ledge a railway employe appeared from behind another van on the left, and was clearly bewildered by seeing a well-dressed man springing from such an unusual and precarious perch.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading At the instant Dalroy quitted the window-ledge a railway employe appeared from behind another van on the left, and was clearly bewildered by seeing a well-dressed man springing from such an unusual and precarious perch.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading In all likelihood he guessed that any one choosing such a curious exit from a waiting-room was avoiding official scrutiny.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading At the instant Dalroy quitted the window-ledge a railway employe appeared from behind another van on the left, and was clearly bewildered by seeing a well-dressed man springing from such an unusual and precarious perch.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At the instant Dalroy quitted the window-ledge a railway employe appeared from behind another van on the left, and was clearly bewildered by seeing a well-dressed man springing from such an unusual and precarious perch.
avoidingverbUS /əˈvɔɪdɪŋ/
-ing form of “avoid” — stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something
From this reading In all likelihood he guessed that any one choosing such a curious exit from a waiting-room was avoiding official scrutiny.
backedadjectiveUS /bækt/
having a back or backing, usually of a specified type
From this reading IN THE VORTEX The van, one among a score of similar vehicles, was backed against the curb of a raised path.
baggyadjectiveUS /ˈbæɡi/
not fitting closely; hanging loosely
From this reading The new-comer, a big, burly fellow, who wore a peaked and lettered cap, a blouse, baggy breeches, and sabots, and carried a lighted hand-lamp, looked what, in fact, he was--an engine-cleaner.
for the reason that
From this reading He hurried forward at once, holding the lamp above his head, because it was dark behind the row of vans.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading At the instant Dalroy quitted the window-ledge a railway employe appeared from behind another van on the left, and was clearly bewildered by seeing a well-dressed man springing from such an unusual and precarious perch.
bewilderedadjectiveUS /bɪˈwɪldərd/
perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements; filled with bewilderment
From this reading At the instant Dalroy quitted the window-ledge a railway employe appeared from behind another van on the left, and was clearly bewildered by seeing a well-dressed man springing from such an unusual and precarious perch.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The new-comer, a big, burly fellow, who wore a peaked and lettered cap, a blouse, baggy breeches, and sabots, and carried a lighted hand-lamp, looked what, in fact, he was--an engine-cleaner.
blousenounUS /blaʊs/
a top worn by women
From this reading The new-comer, a big, burly fellow, who wore a peaked and lettered cap, a blouse, baggy breeches, and sabots, and carried a lighted hand-lamp, looked what, in fact, he was--an engine-cleaner.
breechesnounUS /ˈbriːtʃɪz/
(used in the plural) trousers ending above the knee
From this reading The new-comer, a big, burly fellow, who wore a peaked and lettered cap, a blouse, baggy breeches, and sabots, and carried a lighted hand-lamp, looked what, in fact, he was--an engine-cleaner.
burlyadjectiveUS /ˈbɜːrli/
muscular and heavily built
From this reading The new-comer, a big, burly fellow, who wore a peaked and lettered cap, a blouse, baggy breeches, and sabots, and carried a lighted hand-lamp, looked what, in fact, he was--an engine-cleaner.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading At the instant Dalroy quitted the window-ledge a railway employe appeared from behind another van on the left, and was clearly bewildered by seeing a well-dressed man springing from such an unusual and precarious perch.
a tight-fitting headdress
From this reading The new-comer, a big, burly fellow, who wore a peaked and lettered cap, a blouse, baggy breeches, and sabots, and carried a lighted hand-lamp, looked what, in fact, he was--an engine-cleaner.
inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading The new-comer, a big, burly fellow, who wore a peaked and lettered cap, a blouse, baggy breeches, and sabots, and carried a lighted hand-lamp, looked what, in fact, he was--an engine-cleaner.
choosingverbUS /ˈtʃuːzɪŋ/
-ing form of “choose” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
From this reading In all likelihood he guessed that any one choosing such a curious exit from a waiting-room was avoiding official scrutiny.
without doubt or question
From this reading At the instant Dalroy quitted the window-ledge a railway employe appeared from behind another van on the left, and was clearly bewildered by seeing a well-dressed man springing from such an unusual and precarious perch.
curbnounUS /kɜːrb/
an edge between a sidewalk and a roadway consisting of a line of curbstones (usually forming part of a gutter)
From this reading IN THE VORTEX The van, one among a score of similar vehicles, was backed against the curb of a raised path.
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading In all likelihood he guessed that any one choosing such a curious exit from a waiting-room was avoiding official scrutiny.
Dalroy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the instant Dalroy quitted the window-ledge a railway employe appeared from behind another van on the left, and was clearly bewildered by seeing a well-dressed man springing from such an unusual and precarious perch.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading He hurried forward at once, holding the lamp above his head, because it was dark behind the row of vans.
employe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the instant Dalroy quitted the window-ledge a railway employe appeared from behind another van on the left, and was clearly bewildered by seeing a well-dressed man springing from such an unusual and precarious perch.
engine-cleaner
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The new-comer, a big, burly fellow, who wore a peaked and lettered cap, a blouse, baggy breeches, and sabots, and carried a lighted hand-lamp, looked what, in fact, he was--an engine-cleaner.
exitnounUS /ˈeɡzɪt/
an opening that permits escape or release
From this reading In all likelihood he guessed that any one choosing such a curious exit from a waiting-room was avoiding official scrutiny.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading The new-comer, a big, burly fellow, who wore a peaked and lettered cap, a blouse, baggy breeches, and sabots, and carried a lighted hand-lamp, looked what, in fact, he was--an engine-cleaner.
a boy or man
From this reading The new-comer, a big, burly fellow, who wore a peaked and lettered cap, a blouse, baggy breeches, and sabots, and carried a lighted hand-lamp, looked what, in fact, he was--an engine-cleaner.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading He hurried forward at once, holding the lamp above his head, because it was dark behind the row of vans.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading At the instant Dalroy quitted the window-ledge a railway employe appeared from behind another van on the left, and was clearly bewildered by seeing a well-dressed man springing from such an unusual and precarious perch.
past form of “guess” — expect, believe, or suppose
From this reading In all likelihood he guessed that any one choosing such a curious exit from a waiting-room was avoiding official scrutiny.
hand-lamp
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The new-comer, a big, burly fellow, who wore a peaked and lettered cap, a blouse, baggy breeches, and sabots, and carried a lighted hand-lamp, looked what, in fact, he was--an engine-cleaner.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The new-comer, a big, burly fellow, who wore a peaked and lettered cap, a blouse, baggy breeches, and sabots, and carried a lighted hand-lamp, looked what, in fact, he was--an engine-cleaner.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading He hurried forward at once, holding the lamp above his head, because it was dark behind the row of vans.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He hurried forward at once, holding the lamp above his head, because it was dark behind the row of vans.
the act of retaining something
From this reading He hurried forward at once, holding the lamp above his head, because it was dark behind the row of vans.
moving rapidly or performed quickly or in great haste
From this reading He hurried forward at once, holding the lamp above his head, because it was dark behind the row of vans.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN THE VORTEX The van, one among a score of similar vehicles, was backed against the curb of a raised path.
a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)
From this reading At the instant Dalroy quitted the window-ledge a railway employe appeared from behind another van on the left, and was clearly bewildered by seeing a well-dressed man springing from such an unusual and precarious perch.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He hurried forward at once, holding the lamp above his head, because it was dark behind the row of vans.
an artificial source of visible illumination
From this reading He hurried forward at once, holding the lamp above his head, because it was dark behind the row of vans.
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 At the instant Dalroy quitted the window-ledge a railway employe appeared from behind another van on the left, and was clearly bewildered by seeing a well-dressed man springing from such an unusual and precarious perch.
letteredadjectiveUS /ˈletərd/
highly educated; having extensive information or understanding
From this reading The new-comer, a big, burly fellow, who wore a peaked and lettered cap, a blouse, baggy breeches, and sabots, and carried a lighted hand-lamp, looked what, in fact, he was--an engine-cleaner.
set afire or burning
From this reading The new-comer, a big, burly fellow, who wore a peaked and lettered cap, a blouse, baggy breeches, and sabots, and carried a lighted hand-lamp, looked what, in fact, he was--an engine-cleaner.
likelihoodnounUS /ˈlaɪklihʊd/
the probability of a specified outcome
From this reading In all likelihood he guessed that any one choosing such a curious exit from a waiting-room was avoiding official scrutiny.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading The new-comer, a big, burly fellow, who wore a peaked and lettered cap, a blouse, baggy breeches, and sabots, and carried a lighted hand-lamp, looked what, in fact, he was--an engine-cleaner.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading At the instant Dalroy quitted the window-ledge a railway employe appeared from behind another van on the left, and was clearly bewildered by seeing a well-dressed man springing from such an unusual and precarious perch.
new-comer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The new-comer, a big, burly fellow, who wore a peaked and lettered cap, a blouse, baggy breeches, and sabots, and carried a lighted hand-lamp, looked what, in fact, he was--an engine-cleaner.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading IN THE VORTEX The van, one among a score of similar vehicles, was backed against the curb of a raised path.
having official authority or sanction
From this reading In all likelihood he guessed that any one choosing such a curious exit from a waiting-room was avoiding official scrutiny.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading At the instant Dalroy quitted the window-ledge a railway employe appeared from behind another van on the left, and was clearly bewildered by seeing a well-dressed man springing from such an unusual and precarious perch.
on one occasion
From this reading He hurried forward at once, holding the lamp above his head, because it was dark behind the row of vans.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading IN THE VORTEX The van, one among a score of similar vehicles, was backed against the curb of a raised path.
a course of conduct
From this reading IN THE VORTEX The van, one among a score of similar vehicles, was backed against the curb of a raised path.
peakedadjectiveUS /piːkt/
somewhat ill or prone to illness
From this reading The new-comer, a big, burly fellow, who wore a peaked and lettered cap, a blouse, baggy breeches, and sabots, and carried a lighted hand-lamp, looked what, in fact, he was--an engine-cleaner.
perchnounUS /pɜːrtʃ/
support consisting of a branch or rod that serves as a resting place (especially for a bird)
From this reading At the instant Dalroy quitted the window-ledge a railway employe appeared from behind another van on the left, and was clearly bewildered by seeing a well-dressed man springing from such an unusual and precarious perch.
precariousadjectiveUS /priˈkeriəs/
affording no ease or reassurance
From this reading At the instant Dalroy quitted the window-ledge a railway employe appeared from behind another van on the left, and was clearly bewildered by seeing a well-dressed man springing from such an unusual and precarious perch.
quitted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the instant Dalroy quitted the window-ledge a railway employe appeared from behind another van on the left, and was clearly bewildered by seeing a well-dressed man springing from such an unusual and precarious perch.
railwaynounUS /ˈreɪlweɪ/
line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight
From this reading At the instant Dalroy quitted the window-ledge a railway employe appeared from behind another van on the left, and was clearly bewildered by seeing a well-dressed man springing from such an unusual and precarious perch.
located or moved above the surround or above the normal position
From this reading IN THE VORTEX The van, one among a score of similar vehicles, was backed against the curb of a raised path.
an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line
From this reading He hurried forward at once, holding the lamp above his head, because it was dark behind the row of vans.
sabots
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The new-comer, a big, burly fellow, who wore a peaked and lettered cap, a blouse, baggy breeches, and sabots, and carried a lighted hand-lamp, looked what, in fact, he was--an engine-cleaner.
a number or letter indicating quality (especially of a student's performance)
From this reading IN THE VORTEX The van, one among a score of similar vehicles, was backed against the curb of a raised path.
scrutinynounUS /ˈskruːtəni/
the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes)
From this reading In all likelihood he guessed that any one choosing such a curious exit from a waiting-room was avoiding official scrutiny.
perception by means of the eyes
From this reading At the instant Dalroy quitted the window-ledge a railway employe appeared from behind another van on the left, and was clearly bewildered by seeing a well-dressed man springing from such an unusual and precarious perch.
marked by correspondence or resemblance
From this reading IN THE VORTEX The van, one among a score of similar vehicles, was backed against the curb of a raised path.
springingverbUS /ˈsprɪŋɪŋ/
-ing form of “spring” — move forward by leaps and bounds
From this reading At the instant Dalroy quitted the window-ledge a railway employe appeared from behind another van on the left, and was clearly bewildered by seeing a well-dressed man springing from such an unusual and precarious perch.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading At the instant Dalroy quitted the window-ledge a railway employe appeared from behind another van on the left, and was clearly bewildered by seeing a well-dressed man springing from such an unusual and precarious perch.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading In all likelihood he guessed that any one choosing such a curious exit from a waiting-room was avoiding official scrutiny.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IN THE VORTEX The van, one among a score of similar vehicles, was backed against the curb of a raised path.
not usual or common or ordinary
From this reading At the instant Dalroy quitted the window-ledge a railway employe appeared from behind another van on the left, and was clearly bewildered by seeing a well-dressed man springing from such an unusual and precarious perch.
any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)
From this reading IN THE VORTEX The van, one among a score of similar vehicles, was backed against the curb of a raised path.
vansnounUS /vænz/
plural of “van” — any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)
From this reading He hurried forward at once, holding the lamp above his head, because it was dark behind the row of vans.
vehiclesnounUS /ˈviːhɪkəlz/
plural of “vehicle” — a conveyance that transports people or objects
From this reading IN THE VORTEX The van, one among a score of similar vehicles, was backed against the curb of a raised path.
VORTEXnounUS /ˈvɔːrteks/
the shape of something rotating rapidly
From this reading IN THE VORTEX The van, one among a score of similar vehicles, was backed against the curb of a raised path.
waiting-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In all likelihood he guessed that any one choosing such a curious exit from a waiting-room was avoiding official scrutiny.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading IN THE VORTEX The van, one among a score of similar vehicles, was backed against the curb of a raised path.
well-dressedadjective
having tasteful clothing and being scrupulously neat
From this reading At the instant Dalroy quitted the window-ledge a railway employe appeared from behind another van on the left, and was clearly bewildered by seeing a well-dressed man springing from such an unusual and precarious perch.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading The new-comer, a big, burly fellow, who wore a peaked and lettered cap, a blouse, baggy breeches, and sabots, and carried a lighted hand-lamp, looked what, in fact, he was--an engine-cleaner.
which person or people
From this reading The new-comer, a big, burly fellow, who wore a peaked and lettered cap, a blouse, baggy breeches, and sabots, and carried a lighted hand-lamp, looked what, in fact, he was--an engine-cleaner.
window-ledge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the instant Dalroy quitted the window-ledge a railway employe appeared from behind another van on the left, and was clearly bewildered by seeing a well-dressed man springing from such an unusual and precarious perch.
inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in
From this reading The new-comer, a big, burly fellow, who wore a peaked and lettered cap, a blouse, baggy breeches, and sabots, and carried a lighted hand-lamp, looked what, in fact, he was--an engine-cleaner.
