used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE CLOSING SCENE It was a scared and worried-looking Jenkins who admitted Hylda Prout and the two detectives to Osborne's flat in Clarges Street, Mayfair.
acceptancenounUS /ækˈseptəns/
the mental attitude that something is believable and should be accepted as true
From this reading These comings and goings of police officers were disconcerting, to put it mildly, and an event had happened but a few minutes earlier which had sorely ruffled his usually placid acceptance of life as it presented itself.
inflected form of “admit” — declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of
From this reading THE CLOSING SCENE It was a scared and worried-looking Jenkins who admitted Hylda Prout and the two detectives to Osborne's flat in Clarges Street, Mayfair.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading Hylda carried herself with the regal air of one who was virtual mistress of the house.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading These comings and goings of police officers were disconcerting, to put it mildly, and an event had happened but a few minutes earlier which had sorely ruffled his usually placid acceptance of life as it presented itself.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE CLOSING SCENE It was a scared and worried-looking Jenkins who admitted Hylda Prout and the two detectives to Osborne's flat in Clarges Street, Mayfair.
(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 Still, the one dominant thought in his mind was anxiety in his master's behalf, and, faithful to its promptings, he behaved like an automaton.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading These comings and goings of police officers were disconcerting, to put it mildly, and an event had happened but a few minutes earlier which had sorely ruffled his usually placid acceptance of life as it presented itself.
marked by assurance; exhibiting confidence
From this reading She had invited the two men to share her carriage, and there was an assured authority in her voice when she now directed the gray-headed butler to show them into the library while she went upstairs to Mr. Osborne's dressing-room.
the power or right to give orders or make decisions
From this reading She had invited the two men to share her carriage, and there was an assured authority in her voice when she now directed the gray-headed butler to show them into the library while she went upstairs to Mr. Osborne's dressing-room.
automatonnounUS /ɔːˈtɑːmətɑːn/
someone who acts or responds in a mechanical or apathetic way
From this reading Still, the one dominant thought in his mind was anxiety in his master's behalf, and, faithful to its promptings, he behaved like an automaton.
behalfnounUS /bɪˈhæf/
as the agent of or on someone's part (usually expressed as “on behalf of” rather than “in behalf of”)
From this reading Still, the one dominant thought in his mind was anxiety in his master's behalf, and, faithful to its promptings, he behaved like an automaton.
behavedverbUS /bɪˈheɪvd/
past form of “behave” — behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself
From this reading Still, the one dominant thought in his mind was anxiety in his master's behalf, and, faithful to its promptings, he behaved like an automaton.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading These comings and goings of police officers were disconcerting, to put it mildly, and an event had happened but a few minutes earlier which had sorely ruffled his usually placid acceptance of life as it presented itself.
butlernounUS /ˈbʌtlər/
a manservant (usually the head servant of a household) who has charge of wines and the table
From this reading She had invited the two men to share her carriage, and there was an assured authority in her voice when she now directed the gray-headed butler to show them into the library while she went upstairs to Mr. Osborne's dressing-room.
a railcar where passengers ride
From this reading She had invited the two men to share her carriage, and there was an assured authority in her voice when she now directed the gray-headed butler to show them into the library while she went upstairs to Mr. Osborne's dressing-room.
inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading Hylda carried herself with the regal air of one who was virtual mistress of the house.
Clarges
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CLOSING SCENE It was a scared and worried-looking Jenkins who admitted Hylda Prout and the two detectives to Osborne's flat in Clarges Street, Mayfair.
CLOSINGnounUS /ˈkloʊzɪŋ/
the act of closing something
From this reading THE CLOSING SCENE It was a scared and worried-looking Jenkins who admitted Hylda Prout and the two detectives to Osborne's flat in Clarges Street, Mayfair.
comingsnounUS /ˈkʌmɪŋz/
plural of “coming” — the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading These comings and goings of police officers were disconcerting, to put it mildly, and an event had happened but a few minutes earlier which had sorely ruffled his usually placid acceptance of life as it presented itself.
detectivesnounUS /dɪˈtektɪvz/
plural of “detective” — a police officer who investigates crimes
From this reading THE CLOSING SCENE It was a scared and worried-looking Jenkins who admitted Hylda Prout and the two detectives to Osborne's flat in Clarges Street, Mayfair.
(often used in combination) having a specified direction
From this reading She had invited the two men to share her carriage, and there was an assured authority in her voice when she now directed the gray-headed butler to show them into the library while she went upstairs to Mr. Osborne's dressing-room.
disconcertingadjectiveUS /ˌdɪskənˈsɜːrtɪŋ/
causing an emotional disturbance
From this reading These comings and goings of police officers were disconcerting, to put it mildly, and an event had happened but a few minutes earlier which had sorely ruffled his usually placid acceptance of life as it presented itself.
dominantadjectiveUS /ˈdɑːmənənt/
exercising influence or control
From this reading Still, the one dominant thought in his mind was anxiety in his master's behalf, and, faithful to its promptings, he behaved like an automaton.
dressing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She had invited the two men to share her carriage, and there was an assured authority in her voice when she now directed the gray-headed butler to show them into the library while she went upstairs to Mr. Osborne's dressing-room.
earlier in time; previously
From this reading These comings and goings of police officers were disconcerting, to put it mildly, and an event had happened but a few minutes earlier which had sorely ruffled his usually placid acceptance of life as it presented itself.
something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading These comings and goings of police officers were disconcerting, to put it mildly, and an event had happened but a few minutes earlier which had sorely ruffled his usually placid acceptance of life as it presented itself.
steadfast in affection or allegiance
From this reading Still, the one dominant thought in his mind was anxiety in his master's behalf, and, faithful to its promptings, he behaved like an automaton.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading These comings and goings of police officers were disconcerting, to put it mildly, and an event had happened but a few minutes earlier which had sorely ruffled his usually placid acceptance of life as it presented itself.
having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another
From this reading THE CLOSING SCENE It was a scared and worried-looking Jenkins who admitted Hylda Prout and the two detectives to Osborne's flat in Clarges Street, Mayfair.
goingsnounUS /ˈɡoʊɪŋz/
plural of “going” — the act of departing
From this reading These comings and goings of police officers were disconcerting, to put it mildly, and an event had happened but a few minutes earlier which had sorely ruffled his usually placid acceptance of life as it presented itself.
gray-headedadjective
showing characteristics of age, especially having grey or white hair
From this reading She had invited the two men to share her carriage, and there was an assured authority in her voice when she now directed the gray-headed butler to show them into the library while she went upstairs to Mr. Osborne's dressing-room.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading These comings and goings of police officers were disconcerting, to put it mildly, and an event had happened but a few minutes earlier which had sorely ruffled his usually placid acceptance of life as it presented itself.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading These comings and goings of police officers were disconcerting, to put it mildly, and an event had happened but a few minutes earlier which had sorely ruffled his usually placid acceptance of life as it presented itself.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Still, the one dominant thought in his mind was anxiety in his master's behalf, and, faithful to its promptings, he behaved like an automaton.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading She had invited the two men to share her carriage, and there was an assured authority in her voice when she now directed the gray-headed butler to show them into the library while she went upstairs to Mr. Osborne's dressing-room.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading Hylda carried herself with the regal air of one who was virtual mistress of the house.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading These comings and goings of police officers were disconcerting, to put it mildly, and an event had happened but a few minutes earlier which had sorely ruffled his usually placid acceptance of life as it presented itself.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Hylda carried herself with the regal air of one who was virtual mistress of the house.
Hylda
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CLOSING SCENE It was a scared and worried-looking Jenkins who admitted Hylda Prout and the two detectives to Osborne's flat in Clarges Street, Mayfair.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE CLOSING SCENE It was a scared and worried-looking Jenkins who admitted Hylda Prout and the two detectives to Osborne's flat in Clarges Street, Mayfair.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading She had invited the two men to share her carriage, and there was an assured authority in her voice when she now directed the gray-headed butler to show them into the library while she went upstairs to Mr. Osborne's dressing-room.
past form of “invite” — increase the likelihood of
From this reading She had invited the two men to share her carriage, and there was an assured authority in her voice when she now directed the gray-headed butler to show them into the library while she went upstairs to Mr. Osborne's dressing-room.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE CLOSING SCENE It was a scared and worried-looking Jenkins who admitted Hylda Prout and the two detectives to Osborne's flat in Clarges Street, Mayfair.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Still, the one dominant thought in his mind was anxiety in his master's behalf, and, faithful to its promptings, he behaved like an automaton.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading These comings and goings of police officers were disconcerting, to put it mildly, and an event had happened but a few minutes earlier which had sorely ruffled his usually placid acceptance of life as it presented itself.
Jenkins
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CLOSING SCENE It was a scared and worried-looking Jenkins who admitted Hylda Prout and the two detectives to Osborne's flat in Clarges Street, Mayfair.
a room where books are kept
From this reading She had invited the two men to share her carriage, and there was an assured authority in her voice when she now directed the gray-headed butler to show them into the library while she went upstairs to Mr. Osborne's dressing-room.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading These comings and goings of police officers were disconcerting, to put it mildly, and an event had happened but a few minutes earlier which had sorely ruffled his usually placid acceptance of life as it presented itself.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Still, the one dominant thought in his mind was anxiety in his master's behalf, and, faithful to its promptings, he behaved like an automaton.
master'snounUS /ˈmæstərz/
possessive form of “master” — an artist of consummate skill
From this reading Still, the one dominant thought in his mind was anxiety in his master's behalf, and, faithful to its promptings, he behaved like an automaton.
Mayfair
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CLOSING SCENE It was a scared and worried-looking Jenkins who admitted Hylda Prout and the two detectives to Osborne's flat in Clarges Street, Mayfair.
the force of workers available
From this reading She had invited the two men to share her carriage, and there was an assured authority in her voice when she now directed the gray-headed butler to show them into the library while she went upstairs to Mr. Osborne's dressing-room.
mildlyadverbUS /ˈmaɪldli/
to a moderate degree
From this reading These comings and goings of police officers were disconcerting, to put it mildly, and an event had happened but a few minutes earlier which had sorely ruffled his usually placid acceptance of life as it presented itself.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading Still, the one dominant thought in his mind was anxiety in his master's behalf, and, faithful to its promptings, he behaved like an automaton.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading These comings and goings of police officers were disconcerting, to put it mildly, and an event had happened but a few minutes earlier which had sorely ruffled his usually placid acceptance of life as it presented itself.
an adulterous woman; a woman who has an ongoing extramarital sexual relationship with a man
From this reading Hylda carried herself with the regal air of one who was virtual mistress of the house.
a form of address for a man
From this reading She had invited the two men to share her carriage, and there was an assured authority in her voice when she now directed the gray-headed butler to show them into the library while she went upstairs to Mr. Osborne's dressing-room.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading She had invited the two men to share her carriage, and there was an assured authority in her voice when she now directed the gray-headed butler to show them into the library while she went upstairs to Mr. Osborne's dressing-room.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading These comings and goings of police officers were disconcerting, to put it mildly, and an event had happened but a few minutes earlier which had sorely ruffled his usually placid acceptance of life as it presented itself.
plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading These comings and goings of police officers were disconcerting, to put it mildly, and an event had happened but a few minutes earlier which had sorely ruffled his usually placid acceptance of life as it presented itself.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Still, the one dominant thought in his mind was anxiety in his master's behalf, and, faithful to its promptings, he behaved like an automaton.
Osborne'snounUS /ˈɔːzbɔːrnz/
possessive form of “osborne” — English playwright (1929-1994)
From this reading THE CLOSING SCENE It was a scared and worried-looking Jenkins who admitted Hylda Prout and the two detectives to Osborne's flat in Clarges Street, Mayfair.
placidadjectiveUS /ˈplæsəd/
(of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves
From this reading These comings and goings of police officers were disconcerting, to put it mildly, and an event had happened but a few minutes earlier which had sorely ruffled his usually placid acceptance of life as it presented itself.
the force of policemen and officers
From this reading These comings and goings of police officers were disconcerting, to put it mildly, and an event had happened but a few minutes earlier which had sorely ruffled his usually placid acceptance of life as it presented itself.
past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading These comings and goings of police officers were disconcerting, to put it mildly, and an event had happened but a few minutes earlier which had sorely ruffled his usually placid acceptance of life as it presented itself.
promptings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Still, the one dominant thought in his mind was anxiety in his master's behalf, and, faithful to its promptings, he behaved like an automaton.
Prout
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CLOSING SCENE It was a scared and worried-looking Jenkins who admitted Hylda Prout and the two detectives to Osborne's flat in Clarges Street, Mayfair.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading These comings and goings of police officers were disconcerting, to put it mildly, and an event had happened but a few minutes earlier which had sorely ruffled his usually placid acceptance of life as it presented itself.
regaladjectiveUS /ˈriːɡəl/
belonging to or befitting a supreme ruler
From this reading Hylda carried herself with the regal air of one who was virtual mistress of the house.
ruffledadjectiveUS /ˈrʌfəld/
shaken into waves or undulations as by wind
From this reading These comings and goings of police officers were disconcerting, to put it mildly, and an event had happened but a few minutes earlier which had sorely ruffled his usually placid acceptance of life as it presented itself.
scaredadjectiveUS /skerd/
made afraid
From this reading THE CLOSING SCENE It was a scared and worried-looking Jenkins who admitted Hylda Prout and the two detectives to Osborne's flat in Clarges Street, Mayfair.
the place where some action occurs
From this reading THE CLOSING SCENE It was a scared and worried-looking Jenkins who admitted Hylda Prout and the two detectives to Osborne's flat in Clarges Street, Mayfair.
have in common
From this reading She had invited the two men to share her carriage, and there was an assured authority in her voice when she now directed the gray-headed butler to show them into the library while she went upstairs to Mr. Osborne's dressing-room.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She had invited the two men to share her carriage, and there was an assured authority in her voice when she now directed the gray-headed butler to show them into the library while she went upstairs to Mr. Osborne's dressing-room.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading She had invited the two men to share her carriage, and there was an assured authority in her voice when she now directed the gray-headed butler to show them into the library while she went upstairs to Mr. Osborne's dressing-room.
sorelyadverbUS /ˈsɔːrli/
to a great degree
From this reading These comings and goings of police officers were disconcerting, to put it mildly, and an event had happened but a few minutes earlier which had sorely ruffled his usually placid acceptance of life as it presented itself.
not in physical motion
From this reading Still, the one dominant thought in his mind was anxiety in his master's behalf, and, faithful to its promptings, he behaved like an automaton.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading THE CLOSING SCENE It was a scared and worried-looking Jenkins who admitted Hylda Prout and the two detectives to Osborne's flat in Clarges Street, Mayfair.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE CLOSING SCENE It was a scared and worried-looking Jenkins who admitted Hylda Prout and the two detectives to Osborne's flat in Clarges Street, Mayfair.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading She had invited the two men to share her carriage, and there was an assured authority in her voice when she now directed the gray-headed butler to show them into the library while she went upstairs to Mr. Osborne's dressing-room.
in or at that place or location
From this reading She had invited the two men to share her carriage, and there was an assured authority in her voice when she now directed the gray-headed butler to show them into the library while she went upstairs to Mr. Osborne's dressing-room.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading These comings and goings of police officers were disconcerting, to put it mildly, and an event had happened but a few minutes earlier which had sorely ruffled his usually placid acceptance of life as it presented itself.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Still, the one dominant thought in his mind was anxiety in his master's behalf, and, faithful to its promptings, he behaved like an automaton.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE CLOSING SCENE It was a scared and worried-looking Jenkins who admitted Hylda Prout and the two detectives to Osborne's flat in Clarges Street, Mayfair.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading THE CLOSING SCENE It was a scared and worried-looking Jenkins who admitted Hylda Prout and the two detectives to Osborne's flat in Clarges Street, Mayfair.
on a floor above
From this reading She had invited the two men to share her carriage, and there was an assured authority in her voice when she now directed the gray-headed butler to show them into the library while she went upstairs to Mr. Osborne's dressing-room.
under normal conditions
From this reading These comings and goings of police officers were disconcerting, to put it mildly, and an event had happened but a few minutes earlier which had sorely ruffled his usually placid acceptance of life as it presented itself.
virtualadjectiveUS /ˈvɜːrtʃuːəl/
being actually such in almost every respect
From this reading Hylda carried herself with the regal air of one who was virtual mistress of the house.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading She had invited the two men to share her carriage, and there was an assured authority in her voice when she now directed the gray-headed butler to show them into the library while she went upstairs to Mr. Osborne's dressing-room.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE CLOSING SCENE It was a scared and worried-looking Jenkins who admitted Hylda Prout and the two detectives to Osborne's flat in Clarges Street, Mayfair.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading She had invited the two men to share her carriage, and there was an assured authority in her voice when she now directed the gray-headed butler to show them into the library while she went upstairs to Mr. Osborne's dressing-room.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading These comings and goings of police officers were disconcerting, to put it mildly, and an event had happened but a few minutes earlier which had sorely ruffled his usually placid acceptance of life as it presented itself.
at the time that
From this reading She had invited the two men to share her carriage, and there was an assured authority in her voice when she now directed the gray-headed butler to show them into the library while she went upstairs to Mr. Osborne's dressing-room.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading These comings and goings of police officers were disconcerting, to put it mildly, and an event had happened but a few minutes earlier which had sorely ruffled his usually placid acceptance of life as it presented itself.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading She had invited the two men to share her carriage, and there was an assured authority in her voice when she now directed the gray-headed butler to show them into the library while she went upstairs to Mr. Osborne's dressing-room.
which person or people
From this reading THE CLOSING SCENE It was a scared and worried-looking Jenkins who admitted Hylda Prout and the two detectives to Osborne's flat in Clarges Street, Mayfair.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Hylda carried herself with the regal air of one who was virtual mistress of the house.
worried-looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CLOSING SCENE It was a scared and worried-looking Jenkins who admitted Hylda Prout and the two detectives to Osborne's flat in Clarges Street, Mayfair.
