Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

matters of personal concern

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

relating to or expressed by a writing system that uses an alphabet

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

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

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

United States author whose works were frequently autobiographical (1876-1941)

From this reading The exception was Randolph Anderson.

able to attract interest or draw favorable attention

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

disposed or placed in a particular kind of order

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Then at last came a year when scarcely one client had darkened his doors except Tappan, who wanted to sue a delinquent customer and attach some of his personal property.

cause to be attached

From this reading Then at last came a year when scarcely one client had darkened his doors except Tappan, who wanted to sue a delinquent customer and attach some of his personal property.

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

From this reading In Banbridge no one in trade was considered in polite society, with one exception.

next to; at the side of

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

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

From this reading Then at last came a year when scarcely one client had darkened his doors except Tappan, who wanted to sue a delinquent customer and attach some of his personal property.

a person who seeks the advice of a lawyer

From this reading Then at last came a year when scarcely one client had darkened his doors except Tappan, who wanted to sue a delinquent customer and attach some of his personal property.

carefully weighed

From this reading In Banbridge no one in trade was considered in polite society, with one exception.

without variation or change, in every case

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

someone who pays for goods or services

From this reading Then at last came a year when scarcely one client had darkened his doors except Tappan, who wanted to sue a delinquent customer and attach some of his personal property.

(of fabrics and paper) grown dark in color over time

From this reading Then at last came a year when scarcely one client had darkened his doors except Tappan, who wanted to sue a delinquent customer and attach some of his personal property.

guilty of a misdeed

From this reading Then at last came a year when scarcely one client had darkened his doors except Tappan, who wanted to sue a delinquent customer and attach some of his personal property.

coming down or downward

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Then at last came a year when scarcely one client had darkened his doors except Tappan, who wanted to sue a delinquent customer and attach some of his personal property.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

apart from; not including

From this reading Then at last came a year when scarcely one client had darkened his doors except Tappan, who wanted to sue a delinquent customer and attach some of his personal property.

a deliberate act of omission

From this reading In Banbridge no one in trade was considered in polite society, with one exception.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Anderson had studied for the law.

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

From this reading Anderson had studied for the law.

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

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

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

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

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

From this reading In Banbridge no one in trade was considered in polite society, with one exception.

free from evil or guilt

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

immediately past

From this reading Then at last came a year when scarcely one client had darkened his doors except Tappan, who wanted to sue a delinquent customer and attach some of his personal property.

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading Anderson had studied for the law.

highly educated; having extensive information or understanding

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

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

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

impressiveness in scale or proportion

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

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

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

not any; not one

From this reading In Banbridge no one in trade was considered in polite society, with one exception.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

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

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading In Banbridge no one in trade was considered in polite society, with one exception.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

above and across; more than

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality

From this reading Then at last came a year when scarcely one client had darkened his doors except Tappan, who wanted to sue a delinquent customer and attach some of his personal property.

showing regard for others in manners, speech, behavior, etc.

From this reading In Banbridge no one in trade was considered in polite society, with one exception.

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

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone

From this reading Then at last came a year when scarcely one client had darkened his doors except Tappan, who wanted to sue a delinquent customer and attach some of his personal property.

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

From this reading The exception was Randolph Anderson.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

an ordered reference standard

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

only a very short time before

From this reading Then at last came a year when scarcely one client had darkened his doors except Tappan, who wanted to sue a delinquent customer and attach some of his personal property.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

Plural of shelf; the vast wooden or stone structures holding archives.

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading In Banbridge no one in trade was considered in polite society, with one exception.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Then at last came a year when scarcely one client had darkened his doors except Tappan, who wanted to sue a delinquent customer and attach some of his personal property.

produced or marked by conscious design or premeditation

From this reading Anderson had studied for the law.

institute legal proceedings against; file a suit against

From this reading Then at last came a year when scarcely one client had darkened his doors except Tappan, who wanted to sue a delinquent customer and attach some of his personal property.

confined on all sides

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

United States abolitionist (1786-1865)

From this reading Then at last came a year when scarcely one client had darkened his doors except Tappan, who wanted to sue a delinquent customer and attach some of his personal property.

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

From this reading The exception was Randolph Anderson.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then at last came a year when scarcely one client had darkened his doors except Tappan, who wanted to sue a delinquent customer and attach some of his personal property.

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

From this reading Then at last came a year when scarcely one client had darkened his doors except Tappan, who wanted to sue a delinquent customer and attach some of his personal property.

the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services

From this reading In Banbridge no one in trade was considered in polite society, with one exception.

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

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

desired or wished for or sought

From this reading Then at last came a year when scarcely one client had darkened his doors except Tappan, who wanted to sue a delinquent customer and attach some of his personal property.

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

From this reading In Banbridge no one in trade was considered in polite society, with one exception.

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

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

at the time that

From this reading Then at last came a year when scarcely one client had darkened his doors except Tappan, who wanted to sue a delinquent customer and attach some of his personal property.

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

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.

which person or people

From this reading Then at last came a year when scarcely one client had darkened his doors except Tappan, who wanted to sue a delinquent customer and attach some of his personal property.

in the company of; together with

From this reading In Banbridge no one in trade was considered in polite society, with one exception.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading Then at last came a year when scarcely one client had darkened his doors except Tappan, who wanted to sue a delinquent customer and attach some of his personal property.

a late time of life

From this reading He had set up his office over the post-office, hung out his innocent and appealing little sign, and sat in his new office-chair beside his new desk, surrounded by the majesty of the lettered law, arranged in shelves in alphabetical order, for several years, during which his affairs were constantly on a descending scale.