Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading As he sat thus, broad shoulders stooped, feet drawn up--poised for swift action, he beheld a light that flashed here and there, that vanished and came again, hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire.

later than; following

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

anew

From this reading As he sat thus, broad shoulders stooped, feet drawn up--poised for swift action, he beheld a light that flashed here and there, that vanished and came again, hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading Came a soft click, a faint creak, and a breath of cool, fragrant air as the window was cautiously opened, and a shapeless something climbed through, while Mr. Ravenslee sat motionless--waiting.

the process of paying close and continuous attention

From this reading But, all at once, he started and glanced swiftly around toward a certain window, the curtains of which were only partly drawn, and his lounging attitude changed instantly to one of watchful alertness.

(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 But, all at once, he started and glanced swiftly around toward a certain window, the curtains of which were only partly drawn, and his lounging attitude changed instantly to one of watchful alertness.

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

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

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

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb

From this reading As he sat thus, broad shoulders stooped, feet drawn up--poised for swift action, he beheld a light that flashed here and there, that vanished and came again, hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading But, all at once, he started and glanced swiftly around toward a certain window, the curtains of which were only partly drawn, and his lounging attitude changed instantly to one of watchful alertness.

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

From this reading As he sat thus, broad shoulders stooped, feet drawn up--poised for swift action, he beheld a light that flashed here and there, that vanished and came again, hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways

From this reading But, all at once, he started and glanced swiftly around toward a certain window, the curtains of which were only partly drawn, and his lounging attitude changed instantly to one of watchful alertness.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

inflected form of “behold” — see with attention

From this reading As he sat thus, broad shoulders stooped, feet drawn up--poised for swift action, he beheld a light that flashed here and there, that vanished and came again, hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire.

without seeing or looking

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing

From this reading Came a soft click, a faint creak, and a breath of cool, fragrant air as the window was cautiously opened, and a shapeless something climbed through, while Mr. Ravenslee sat motionless--waiting.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading The flashing light winked again, a small, bright disc that hovered uncertainly and finally steadied upon the carved cabinet in the corner, and the Something crept stealthily thither.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

a piece of furniture resembling a cupboard with doors and shelves and drawers; for storage or display

From this reading The flashing light winked again, a small, bright disc that hovered uncertainly and finally steadied upon the carved cabinet in the corner, and the Something crept stealthily thither.

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

From this reading As he sat thus, broad shoulders stooped, feet drawn up--poised for swift action, he beheld a light that flashed here and there, that vanished and came again, hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire.

made for or formed by carving (“carven” is archaic or literary)

From this reading The flashing light winked again, a small, bright disc that hovered uncertainly and finally steadied upon the carved cabinet in the corner, and the Something crept stealthily thither.

as if with kid gloves; with caution or prudence or tact

From this reading Came a soft click, a faint creak, and a breath of cool, fragrant air as the window was cautiously opened, and a shapeless something climbed through, while Mr. Ravenslee sat motionless--waiting.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading But, all at once, he started and glanced swiftly around toward a certain window, the curtains of which were only partly drawn, and his lounging attitude changed instantly to one of watchful alertness.

made or become different in nature or form

From this reading But, all at once, he started and glanced swiftly around toward a certain window, the curtains of which were only partly drawn, and his lounging attitude changed instantly to one of watchful alertness.

the part of the human torso between the neck and the diaphragm or the corresponding part in other vertebrates

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

a percussion instrument consisting of a set of tuned bells that are struck with a hammer; used as an orchestral instrument

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

the protruding part of the lower jaw

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

move or strike with a noise

From this reading Came a soft click, a faint creak, and a breath of cool, fragrant air as the window was cautiously opened, and a shapeless something climbed through, while Mr. Ravenslee sat motionless--waiting.

past form of “climb” — go upward with gradual or continuous progress

From this reading Came a soft click, a faint creak, and a breath of cool, fragrant air as the window was cautiously opened, and a shapeless something climbed through, while Mr. Ravenslee sat motionless--waiting.

a timepiece that shows the time of day

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

neither warm nor very cold; giving relief from heat

From this reading Came a soft click, a faint creak, and a breath of cool, fragrant air as the window was cautiously opened, and a shapeless something climbed through, while Mr. Ravenslee sat motionless--waiting.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading The flashing light winked again, a small, bright disc that hovered uncertainly and finally steadied upon the carved cabinet in the corner, and the Something crept stealthily thither.

make a high-pitched, screeching noise

From this reading Came a soft click, a faint creak, and a breath of cool, fragrant air as the window was cautiously opened, and a shapeless something climbed through, while Mr. Ravenslee sat motionless--waiting.

inflected form of “creep” — move slowly; in the case of people or animals with the body near the ground

From this reading The flashing light winked again, a small, bright disc that hovered uncertainly and finally steadied upon the carved cabinet in the corner, and the Something crept stealthily thither.

plural of “curtain” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

From this reading But, all at once, he started and glanced swiftly around toward a certain window, the curtains of which were only partly drawn, and his lounging attitude changed instantly to one of watchful alertness.

past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

sound recording consisting of a disk with a continuous groove; used to reproduce music by rotating while a phonograph needle tracks in the groove

From this reading The flashing light winked again, a small, bright disc that hovered uncertainly and finally steadied upon the carved cabinet in the corner, and the Something crept stealthily thither.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading As he sat thus, broad shoulders stooped, feet drawn up--poised for swift action, he beheld a light that flashed here and there, that vanished and came again, hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire.

a boxlike container in a piece of furniture; made so as to slide in and out

From this reading As he sat thus, broad shoulders stooped, feet drawn up--poised for swift action, he beheld a light that flashed here and there, that vanished and came again, hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading But, all at once, he started and glanced swiftly around toward a certain window, the curtains of which were only partly drawn, and his lounging attitude changed instantly to one of watchful alertness.

plural of “ember” — a hot fragment of wood or coal that is left from a fire and is glowing or smoldering

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

a desk used for writing

From this reading As he sat thus, broad shoulders stooped, feet drawn up--poised for swift action, he beheld a light that flashed here and there, that vanished and came again, hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire.

opinion or judgment

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

weakening in force or intensity

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

deficient in magnitude; barely perceptible; lacking clarity or brightness or loudness etc

From this reading Came a soft click, a faint creak, and a breath of cool, fragrant air as the window was cautiously opened, and a shapeless something climbed through, while Mr. Ravenslee sat motionless--waiting.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading As he sat thus, broad shoulders stooped, feet drawn up--poised for swift action, he beheld a light that flashed here and there, that vanished and came again, hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire.

after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay

From this reading The flashing light winked again, a small, bright disc that hovered uncertainly and finally steadied upon the carved cabinet in the corner, and the Something crept stealthily thither.

past form of “flash” — gleam or glow intermittently

From this reading As he sat thus, broad shoulders stooped, feet drawn up--poised for swift action, he beheld a light that flashed here and there, that vanished and came again, hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire.

a short vivid experience

From this reading The flashing light winked again, a small, bright disc that hovered uncertainly and finally steadied upon the carved cabinet in the corner, and the Something crept stealthily thither.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading As he sat thus, broad shoulders stooped, feet drawn up--poised for swift action, he beheld a light that flashed here and there, that vanished and came again, hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire.

pleasant-smelling

From this reading Came a soft click, a faint creak, and a breath of cool, fragrant air as the window was cautiously opened, and a shapeless something climbed through, while Mr. Ravenslee sat motionless--waiting.

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

From this reading As he sat thus, broad shoulders stooped, feet drawn up--poised for swift action, he beheld a light that flashed here and there, that vanished and came again, hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire.

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

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

past form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading But, all at once, he started and glanced swiftly around toward a certain window, the curtains of which were only partly drawn, and his lounging attitude changed instantly to one of watchful alertness.

a state of partial or total darkness

From this reading As he sat thus, broad shoulders stooped, feet drawn up--poised for swift action, he beheld a light that flashed here and there, that vanished and came again, hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire.

depressingly dark

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

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

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

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

From this reading But, all at once, he started and glanced swiftly around toward a certain window, the curtains of which were only partly drawn, and his lounging attitude changed instantly to one of watchful alertness.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading As he sat thus, broad shoulders stooped, feet drawn up--poised for swift action, he beheld a light that flashed here and there, that vanished and came again, hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire.

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

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

past form of “hover” — be undecided about something; waver between conflicting positions or courses of action

From this reading The flashing light winked again, a small, bright disc that hovered uncertainly and finally steadied upon the carved cabinet in the corner, and the Something crept stealthily thither.

-ing form of “hover” — be undecided about something; waver between conflicting positions or courses of action

From this reading As he sat thus, broad shoulders stooped, feet drawn up--poised for swift action, he beheld a light that flashed here and there, that vanished and came again, hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire.

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

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

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

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading But, all at once, he started and glanced swiftly around toward a certain window, the curtains of which were only partly drawn, and his lounging attitude changed instantly to one of watchful alertness.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading As he sat thus, broad shoulders stooped, feet drawn up--poised for swift action, he beheld a light that flashed here and there, that vanished and came again, hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire.

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 HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

-ing form of “lounge” — sit or recline comfortably

From this reading But, all at once, he started and glanced swiftly around toward a certain window, the curtains of which were only partly drawn, and his lounging attitude changed instantly to one of watchful alertness.

continuous and profound contemplation or musing on a subject or series of subjects of a deep or abstruse nature

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

12 o'clock at night; the middle of the night

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

not in physical motion

From this reading Came a soft click, a faint creak, and a breath of cool, fragrant air as the window was cautiously opened, and a shapeless something climbed through, while Mr. Ravenslee sat motionless--waiting.

a form of address for a man

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading But, all at once, he started and glanced swiftly around toward a certain window, the curtains of which were only partly drawn, and his lounging attitude changed instantly to one of watchful alertness.

on one occasion

From this reading But, all at once, he started and glanced swiftly around toward a certain window, the curtains of which were only partly drawn, and his lounging attitude changed instantly to one of watchful alertness.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading But, all at once, he started and glanced swiftly around toward a certain window, the curtains of which were only partly drawn, and his lounging attitude changed instantly to one of watchful alertness.

and nothing more

From this reading But, all at once, he started and glanced swiftly around toward a certain window, the curtains of which were only partly drawn, and his lounging attitude changed instantly to one of watchful alertness.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading As he sat thus, broad shoulders stooped, feet drawn up--poised for swift action, he beheld a light that flashed here and there, that vanished and came again, hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading As he sat thus, broad shoulders stooped, feet drawn up--poised for swift action, he beheld a light that flashed here and there, that vanished and came again, hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading As he sat thus, broad shoulders stooped, feet drawn up--poised for swift action, he beheld a light that flashed here and there, that vanished and came again, hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire.

to some extent; in some degree; not wholly

From this reading But, all at once, he started and glanced swiftly around toward a certain window, the curtains of which were only partly drawn, and his lounging attitude changed instantly to one of watchful alertness.

marked by balance or equilibrium and readiness for action

From this reading As he sat thus, broad shoulders stooped, feet drawn up--poised for swift action, he beheld a light that flashed here and there, that vanished and came again, hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire.

showing intellectual penetration or emotional depth

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

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

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading As he sat thus, broad shoulders stooped, feet drawn up--poised for swift action, he beheld a light that flashed here and there, that vanished and came again, hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire.

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

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

the act of searching for something

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

having no definite form or distinct shape

From this reading Came a soft click, a faint creak, and a breath of cool, fragrant air as the window was cautiously opened, and a shapeless something climbed through, while Mr. Ravenslee sat motionless--waiting.

plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm

From this reading As he sat thus, broad shoulders stooped, feet drawn up--poised for swift action, he beheld a light that flashed here and there, that vanished and came again, hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire.

without speaking

From this reading As he sat thus, broad shoulders stooped, feet drawn up--poised for swift action, he beheld a light that flashed here and there, that vanished and came again, hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire.

resembling or reminiscent of silver

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

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

From this reading The flashing light winked again, a small, bright disc that hovered uncertainly and finally steadied upon the carved cabinet in the corner, and the Something crept stealthily thither.

yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading Came a soft click, a faint creak, and a breath of cool, fragrant air as the window was cautiously opened, and a shapeless something climbed through, while Mr. Ravenslee sat motionless--waiting.

lacking brightness or color; dull

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading Came a soft click, a faint creak, and a breath of cool, fragrant air as the window was cautiously opened, and a shapeless something climbed through, while Mr. Ravenslee sat motionless--waiting.

(used of eyes) open and fixed as if in fear or wonder

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading But, all at once, he started and glanced swiftly around toward a certain window, the curtains of which were only partly drawn, and his lounging attitude changed instantly to one of watchful alertness.

made steady or constant

From this reading The flashing light winked again, a small, bright disc that hovered uncertainly and finally steadied upon the carved cabinet in the corner, and the Something crept stealthily thither.

in a stealthy manner

From this reading The flashing light winked again, a small, bright disc that hovered uncertainly and finally steadied upon the carved cabinet in the corner, and the Something crept stealthily thither.

having the back and shoulders rounded; not erect

From this reading As he sat thus, broad shoulders stooped, feet drawn up--poised for swift action, he beheld a light that flashed here and there, that vanished and came again, hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

doomed to extinction

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

moving very fast

From this reading As he sat thus, broad shoulders stooped, feet drawn up--poised for swift action, he beheld a light that flashed here and there, that vanished and came again, hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire.

in a swift manner

From this reading But, all at once, he started and glanced swiftly around toward a certain window, the curtains of which were only partly drawn, and his lounging attitude changed instantly to one of watchful alertness.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading As he sat thus, broad shoulders stooped, feet drawn up--poised for swift action, he beheld a light that flashed here and there, that vanished and came again, hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire.

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

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

in or at that place or location

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

an old word meaning “to that place”

From this reading The flashing light winked again, a small, bright disc that hovered uncertainly and finally steadied upon the carved cabinet in the corner, and the Something crept stealthily thither.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Came a soft click, a faint creak, and a breath of cool, fragrant air as the window was cautiously opened, and a shapeless something climbed through, while Mr. Ravenslee sat motionless--waiting.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading As he sat thus, broad shoulders stooped, feet drawn up--poised for swift action, he beheld a light that flashed here and there, that vanished and came again, hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire.

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

From this reading But, all at once, he started and glanced swiftly around toward a certain window, the curtains of which were only partly drawn, and his lounging attitude changed instantly to one of watchful alertness.

in the direction of

From this reading But, all at once, he started and glanced swiftly around toward a certain window, the curtains of which were only partly drawn, and his lounging attitude changed instantly to one of watchful alertness.

in an unsteady manner

From this reading The flashing light winked again, a small, bright disc that hovered uncertainly and finally steadied upon the carved cabinet in the corner, and the Something crept stealthily thither.

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

From this reading As he sat thus, broad shoulders stooped, feet drawn up--poised for swift action, he beheld a light that flashed here and there, that vanished and came again, hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

having passed out of existence

From this reading As he sat thus, broad shoulders stooped, feet drawn up--poised for swift action, he beheld a light that flashed here and there, that vanished and came again, hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire.

the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)

From this reading Came a soft click, a faint creak, and a breath of cool, fragrant air as the window was cautiously opened, and a shapeless something climbed through, while Mr. Ravenslee sat motionless--waiting.

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

From this reading Came a soft click, a faint creak, and a breath of cool, fragrant air as the window was cautiously opened, and a shapeless something climbed through, while Mr. Ravenslee sat motionless--waiting.

engaged in or accustomed to close observation

From this reading But, all at once, he started and glanced swiftly around toward a certain window, the curtains of which were only partly drawn, and his lounging attitude changed instantly to one of watchful alertness.

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

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.

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

From this reading But, all at once, he started and glanced swiftly around toward a certain window, the curtains of which were only partly drawn, and his lounging attitude changed instantly to one of watchful alertness.

an old word meaning “why” or “for that reason”

From this reading As he sat thus, broad shoulders stooped, feet drawn up--poised for swift action, he beheld a light that flashed here and there, that vanished and came again, hovering up and down and to and fro outside the window; wherefore he reached out a long arm in the gloom and silently opened a certain drawer in the escritoire.

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

From this reading But, all at once, he started and glanced swiftly around toward a certain window, the curtains of which were only partly drawn, and his lounging attitude changed instantly to one of watchful alertness.

during the time that

From this reading Came a soft click, a faint creak, and a breath of cool, fragrant air as the window was cautiously opened, and a shapeless something climbed through, while Mr. Ravenslee sat motionless--waiting.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading But, all at once, he started and glanced swiftly around toward a certain window, the curtains of which were only partly drawn, and his lounging attitude changed instantly to one of watchful alertness.

past form of “wink” — signal by winking

From this reading The flashing light winked again, a small, bright disc that hovered uncertainly and finally steadied upon the carved cabinet in the corner, and the Something crept stealthily thither.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading HOW GEOFFREY RAVENSLEE WENT SEEKING AN OBJECT A clock in the hall without struck midnight, but Mr. Ravenslee sat there long after the silvery chime had died away, his chin sunk upon his broad chest, his sombre eyes staring blindly at the fading embers, lost in profound and gloomy meditation.