Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

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

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

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

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

a mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving

From this reading Instead, he had walked straight to the knocker, and, a gray-haired man in lounging-jacket and carpet slippers answering his ring, had come to anchor in the familiar den.

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

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

replying

From this reading Instead, he had walked straight to the knocker, and, a gray-haired man in lounging-jacket and carpet slippers answering his ring, had come to anchor in the familiar den.

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

From this reading The first time, in front of the house itself, he had merely halted, hands deep in his pockets, obviously uncertain; then, as though under strain of an immediate engagement beyond, had hastened on.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The third evening, the present, however, there had been no uncertainty, no hesitation.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The second time he had passed up the walk, half way to the door; had of a sudden changed his mind, and disappeared rapidly as before.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading The first time, in front of the house itself, he had merely halted, hands deep in his pockets, obviously uncertain; then, as though under strain of an immediate engagement beyond, had hastened on.

a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

floor covering consisting of a piece of thick heavy fabric (usually with nap or pile)

From this reading Instead, he had walked straight to the knocker, and, a gray-haired man in lounging-jacket and carpet slippers answering his ring, had come to anchor in the familiar den.

an event resulting in great loss and misfortune

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

made or become different in nature or form

From this reading The second time he had passed up the walk, half way to the door; had of a sudden changed his mind, and disappeared rapidly as before.

the protruding part of the lower jaw

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

past form of “circle” — travel around something

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Instead, he had walked straight to the knocker, and, a gray-haired man in lounging-jacket and carpet slippers answering his ring, had come to anchor in the familiar den.

a small house with a single story

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading The first time, in front of the house itself, he had merely halted, hands deep in his pockets, obviously uncertain; then, as though under strain of an immediate engagement beyond, had hastened on.

the habitation of wild animals

From this reading Instead, he had walked straight to the knocker, and, a gray-haired man in lounging-jacket and carpet slippers answering his ring, had come to anchor in the familiar den.

a felt hat that is round and hard with a narrow brim

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

past form of “disappear” — get lost, as without warning or explanation

From this reading The second time he had passed up the walk, half way to the door; had of a sudden changed his mind, and disappeared rapidly as before.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading The second time he had passed up the walk, half way to the door; had of a sudden changed his mind, and disappeared rapidly as before.

a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading The first time, in front of the house itself, he had merely halted, hands deep in his pockets, obviously uncertain; then, as though under strain of an immediate engagement beyond, had hastened on.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading The third evening, the present, however, there had been no uncertainty, no hesitation.

plural of “evening” — the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

opinion or judgment

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

well known or easily recognized

From this reading Instead, he had walked straight to the knocker, and, a gray-haired man in lounging-jacket and carpet slippers answering his ring, had come to anchor in the familiar den.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading The first time, in front of the house itself, he had merely halted, hands deep in his pockets, obviously uncertain; then, as though under strain of an immediate engagement beyond, had hastened on.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading The first time, in front of the house itself, he had merely halted, hands deep in his pockets, obviously uncertain; then, as though under strain of an immediate engagement beyond, had hastened on.

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

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

showing characteristics of age, especially having grey or white hair

From this reading Instead, he had walked straight to the knocker, and, a gray-haired man in lounging-jacket and carpet slippers answering his ring, had come to anchor in the familiar den.

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

From this reading The first time, in front of the house itself, he had merely halted, hands deep in his pockets, obviously uncertain; then, as though under strain of an immediate engagement beyond, had hastened on.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading The second time he had passed up the walk, half way to the door; had of a sudden changed his mind, and disappeared rapidly as before.

past form of “halt” — cause to stop

From this reading The first time, in front of the house itself, he had merely halted, hands deep in his pockets, obviously uncertain; then, as though under strain of an immediate engagement beyond, had hastened on.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading The first time, in front of the house itself, he had merely halted, hands deep in his pockets, obviously uncertain; then, as though under strain of an immediate engagement beyond, had hastened on.

past form of “hasten” — act or move at high speed

From this reading The first time, in front of the house itself, he had merely halted, hands deep in his pockets, obviously uncertain; then, as though under strain of an immediate engagement beyond, had hastened on.

headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

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

From this reading The first time, in front of the house itself, he had merely halted, hands deep in his pockets, obviously uncertain; then, as though under strain of an immediate engagement beyond, had hastened on.

indecision in speech or action

From this reading The third evening, the present, however, there had been no uncertainty, no hesitation.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

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

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading The first time, in front of the house itself, he had merely halted, hands deep in his pockets, obviously uncertain; then, as though under strain of an immediate engagement beyond, had hastened on.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading The third evening, the present, however, there had been no uncertainty, no hesitation.

of the present time and place

From this reading The first time, in front of the house itself, he had merely halted, hands deep in his pockets, obviously uncertain; then, as though under strain of an immediate engagement beyond, had hastened on.

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

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading Instead, he had walked straight to the knocker, and, a gray-haired man in lounging-jacket and carpet slippers answering his ring, had come to anchor in the familiar den.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading The first time, in front of the house itself, he had merely halted, hands deep in his pockets, obviously uncertain; then, as though under strain of an immediate engagement beyond, had hastened on.

(Yiddish) a big shot who knows it and acts that way; a boastful immoderate person

From this reading Instead, he had walked straight to the knocker, and, a gray-haired man in lounging-jacket and carpet slippers answering his ring, had come to anchor in the familiar den.

(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

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

From this reading Instead, he had walked straight to the knocker, and, a gray-haired man in lounging-jacket and carpet slippers answering his ring, had come to anchor in the familiar den.

below the surround or below the normal position

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

and nothing more

From this reading The first time, in front of the house itself, he had merely halted, hands deep in his pockets, obviously uncertain; then, as though under strain of an immediate engagement beyond, had hastened on.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading The second time he had passed up the walk, half way to the door; had of a sudden changed his mind, and disappeared rapidly as before.

not any; not one

From this reading The third evening, the present, however, there had been no uncertainty, no hesitation.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading The first time, in front of the house itself, he had merely halted, hands deep in his pockets, obviously uncertain; then, as though under strain of an immediate engagement beyond, had hastened on.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The first time, in front of the house itself, he had merely halted, hands deep in his pockets, obviously uncertain; then, as though under strain of an immediate engagement beyond, had hastened on.

above and across; more than

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading The second time he had passed up the walk, half way to the door; had of a sudden changed his mind, and disappeared rapidly as before.

plural of “pocket” — a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles

From this reading The first time, in front of the house itself, he had merely halted, hands deep in his pockets, obviously uncertain; then, as though under strain of an immediate engagement beyond, had hastened on.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading The third evening, the present, however, there had been no uncertainty, no hesitation.

with speed

From this reading The second time he had passed up the walk, half way to the door; had of a sudden changed his mind, and disappeared rapidly as before.

sound loudly and sonorously

From this reading Instead, he had walked straight to the knocker, and, a gray-haired man in lounging-jacket and carpet slippers answering his ring, had come to anchor in the familiar den.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading The second time he had passed up the walk, half way to the door; had of a sudden changed his mind, and disappeared rapidly as before.

plural of “slipper” — low footwear that can be slipped on and off easily; usually worn indoors

From this reading Instead, he had walked straight to the knocker, and, a gray-haired man in lounging-jacket and carpet slippers answering his ring, had come to anchor in the familiar den.

successive (without a break)

From this reading Instead, he had walked straight to the knocker, and, a gray-haired man in lounging-jacket and carpet slippers answering his ring, had come to anchor in the familiar den.

(physics) deformation of a physical body under the action of applied forces

From this reading The first time, in front of the house itself, he had merely halted, hands deep in his pockets, obviously uncertain; then, as though under strain of an immediate engagement beyond, had hastened on.

a following of one thing after another in time

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading The second time he had passed up the walk, half way to the door; had of a sudden changed his mind, and disappeared rapidly as before.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

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

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading The first time, in front of the house itself, he had merely halted, hands deep in his pockets, obviously uncertain; then, as though under strain of an immediate engagement beyond, had hastened on.

in or at that place or location

From this reading The third evening, the present, however, there had been no uncertainty, no hesitation.

one of three equal parts of a divisible whole

From this reading The third evening, the present, however, there had been no uncertainty, no hesitation.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading The first time, in front of the house itself, he had merely halted, hands deep in his pockets, obviously uncertain; then, as though under strain of an immediate engagement beyond, had hastened on.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading The first time, in front of the house itself, he had merely halted, hands deep in his pockets, obviously uncertain; then, as though under strain of an immediate engagement beyond, had hastened on.

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

From this reading The second time he had passed up the walk, half way to the door; had of a sudden changed his mind, and disappeared rapidly as before.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

a historic division of Ireland located in the northeastern part of the island; six of Ulster's nine counties are in Northern Ireland

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

lacking or indicating lack of confidence or assurance

From this reading The first time, in front of the house itself, he had merely halted, hands deep in his pockets, obviously uncertain; then, as though under strain of an immediate engagement beyond, had hastened on.

being unsettled or in doubt or dependent on chance

From this reading The third evening, the present, however, there had been no uncertainty, no hesitation.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading The first time, in front of the house itself, he had merely halted, hands deep in his pockets, obviously uncertain; then, as though under strain of an immediate engagement beyond, had hastened on.

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

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

the act of traveling by foot

From this reading The second time he had passed up the walk, half way to the door; had of a sudden changed his mind, and disappeared rapidly as before.

past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps

From this reading Instead, he had walked straight to the knocker, and, a gray-haired man in lounging-jacket and carpet slippers answering his ring, had come to anchor in the familiar den.

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

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The second time he had passed up the walk, half way to the door; had of a sudden changed his mind, and disappeared rapidly as before.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

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

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

in the company of; together with

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading CATASTROPHE Three evenings in succession a tall young man with an ulster turned up high above his chin and a derby hat lowered well over his eyes circled the block of which the Gleason lot and cottage was a part.