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The Disowned — Volume 02
The Disowned — Volume 02

Chapter VIII

Cover illustration for The Disowned — Volume 02
Context Illustration Reading 1/19 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.
The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.
It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.
The light was not sufficient to give him more than a scattered and imperfect view of their motions.
Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Disowned — Volume 02

Chapter VIII

Reading 1/19 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.
Line 2
The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.
Line 3
It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.
Line 4
The light was not sufficient to give him more than a scattered and imperfect view of their motions.
Line 5
Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

About preposition US /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.”

Before preposition US /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.”

During preposition US /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading “It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.”

Entirely noun US /ˈentirely/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.”

Hand noun US /hand/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.”

Himself pronoun US /hɪmˈself/

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

From this reading “At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.”

Left noun US /left/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.”

Loitering verb US /ˈlɔɪtərɪŋ/

standing or moving slowly without a clear purpose

From this reading “It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.”

Several noun US /ˈseveral/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.”

Stood noun US /stood/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.”

Though conjunction US /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.”

Till preposition US /tɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading “Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.”

Well noun US /well/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.”

While conjunction US /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading “It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.”

Wind noun US /wind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.”

All words in this reading · 112

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.

able

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

From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.

action

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

From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.

admit

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

From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.

alarmed

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

From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.

alternate

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

From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.

AtprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.

bottom

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

From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.

Bower

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

From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.

capricious

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

From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.

cessations

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

From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.

Clarence

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

From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.

cocked

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

From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.

Copperas

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

From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.

dark

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

From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.

darkness

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

From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.

delayed

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

From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.

dim

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

From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.

distance

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

From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.

door

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

From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.

duringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.

enter

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

From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.

entirelynounUS /ˈentirely/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.

etc

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

From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.

Fortunes

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

From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.

gave

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

From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.

give

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

From this reading The light was not sufficient to give him more than a scattered and imperfect view of their motions.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.

hand

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

From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.

heavy

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

From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.

hid

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

From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

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

From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.

homeward

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

From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.

house

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

From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.

hurried

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

From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.

imperfect

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

From this reading The light was not sufficient to give him more than a scattered and imperfect view of their motions.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.

key

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

From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.

leftnounUS /left/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.

light

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

From this reading The light was not sufficient to give him more than a scattered and imperfect view of their motions.

loiterers

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

From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.

loiteringverbUS /ˈlɔɪtərɪŋ/

standing or moving slowly without a clear purpose

From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.

men

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

From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.

moments

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

From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.

more

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

From this reading The light was not sufficient to give him more than a scattered and imperfect view of their motions.

motions

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

From this reading The light was not sufficient to give him more than a scattered and imperfect view of their motions.

neighbour's

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

From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.

Nigel

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

From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.

night

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

From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.

norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.

observed

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

From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.

occasional

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

From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.

onwards

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

From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.

pistol

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

From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.

pockets

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

From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.

position

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

From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.

precipitated

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

From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.

rain

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

From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.

rapid

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

From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.

reached

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

From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.

rendered

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

From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.

return

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

From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.

scattered

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

From this reading The light was not sufficient to give him more than a scattered and imperfect view of their motions.

scene

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

From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.

searching

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

From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.

seeking

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

From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.

several

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

From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.

shelter

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

From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.

showers

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

From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.

small

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

From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.

Somewhat

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

From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.

staircase

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

From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.

stoodnounUS /stood/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.

sufficient

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

From this reading The light was not sufficient to give him more than a scattered and imperfect view of their motions.

suspicious

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

From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.

temporary

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

From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The light was not sufficient to give him more than a scattered and imperfect view of their motions.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The light was not sufficient to give him more than a scattered and imperfect view of their motions.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.

tillprepositionUS /tɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.

two

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

From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.

utterly

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

From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.

view

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

From this reading The light was not sufficient to give him more than a scattered and imperfect view of their motions.

walking

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

From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.

watching

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

From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.

way

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

From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.

well

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

From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading Somewhat alarmed, he stood for several moments at the door, watching them as well as he was able; nor did he enter the house till the loiterers had left their suspicious position, and, walking onwards, were hid entirely from him by the distance and darkness.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading At the bottom of the staircase was a small door, which gave way before Nigel, as he precipitated himself upon the scene of action, a cocked pistol in one hand, etc.--Fortunes of Nigel.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading It was during one of the temporary cessations of the rain that he reached Copperas Bower; and, while he was searching in his pockets for the key which was to admit him, he observed two men loitering about his neighbour's house.

windnounUS /wind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The night, though not utterly dark, was rendered capricious and dim by alternate wind and rain; and Clarence was delayed in his return homeward by seeking occasional shelter from the rapid and heavy showers which hurried by.