used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Miss Allen’s tactful sympathy and uncompromising common sense acted as a tonic to the girl and the older woman, who was never idle for long herself, managed to keep her guest employed with a variety of small occupations which gave her little chance to brood over the ordeal that lay before her.
generally approved or compelling recognition
From this reading She spent one short week-end with her people at Galston and then gratefully accepted Miss Allen’s proposal that she should stay with her till the Assizes opened at Carlisle.
past form of “act” — perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading Miss Allen’s tactful sympathy and uncompromising common sense acted as a tonic to the girl and the older woman, who was never idle for long herself, managed to keep her guest employed with a variety of small occupations which gave her little chance to brood over the ordeal that lay before her.
Extreme physical or mental suffering; intense anguish.
From this reading The next six weeks dragged heavily enough for John Leslie within the four walls of his cell at Carlisle, but, to Cynthia, they were one long agony.
AllennounUS /ˈælən/
United States comedienne remembered as the confused but imperturbable partner of her husband, George Burns (1906-1964)
From this reading “It’s no earthly good meeting troubles half-way,” Miss Allen assured her.
Allen'snounUS /ˈælənz/
possessive form of “allen” — United States comedienne remembered as the confused but imperturbable partner of her husband, George Burns (1906-1964)
From this reading She spent one short week-end with her people at Galston and then gratefully accepted Miss Allen’s proposal that she should stay with her till the Assizes opened at Carlisle.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading She spent one short week-end with her people at Galston and then gratefully accepted Miss Allen’s proposal that she should stay with her till the Assizes opened at Carlisle.
antagonismnounUS /ænˈtæɡənɪzəm/
a state of deep-seated ill-will
From this reading Her mother’s open antagonism to John Leslie made her home unbearable to the girl and she was thankful to get away.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Miss Allen’s tactful sympathy and uncompromising common sense acted as a tonic to the girl and the older woman, who was never idle for long herself, managed to keep her guest employed with a variety of small occupations which gave her little chance to brood over the ordeal that lay before her.
Assizesnoun
the county courts of England (replaced in 1971 by Crown courts)
From this reading She spent one short week-end with her people at Galston and then gratefully accepted Miss Allen’s proposal that she should stay with her till the Assizes opened at Carlisle.
marked by assurance; exhibiting confidence
From this reading “It’s no earthly good meeting troubles half-way,” Miss Allen assured her.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The next six weeks dragged heavily enough for John Leslie within the four walls of his cell at Carlisle, but, to Cynthia, they were one long agony.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Her mother’s open antagonism to John Leslie made her home unbearable to the girl and she was thankful to get away.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Miss Allen’s tactful sympathy and uncompromising common sense acted as a tonic to the girl and the older woman, who was never idle for long herself, managed to keep her guest employed with a variety of small occupations which gave her little chance to brood over the ordeal that lay before her.
broodverbUS /bruːd/
think moodily or anxiously about something
From this reading Miss Allen’s tactful sympathy and uncompromising common sense acted as a tonic to the girl and the older woman, who was never idle for long herself, managed to keep her guest employed with a variety of small occupations which gave her little chance to brood over the ordeal that lay before her.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The next six weeks dragged heavily enough for John Leslie within the four walls of his cell at Carlisle, but, to Cynthia, they were one long agony.
Carlisle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next six weeks dragged heavily enough for John Leslie within the four walls of his cell at Carlisle, but, to Cynthia, they were one long agony.
cellnounUS /sel/
A small stone room in a prison where an inmate is locked behind iron bars.
From this reading The next six weeks dragged heavily enough for John Leslie within the four walls of his cell at Carlisle, but, to Cynthia, they were one long agony.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading Miss Allen’s tactful sympathy and uncompromising common sense acted as a tonic to the girl and the older woman, who was never idle for long herself, managed to keep her guest employed with a variety of small occupations which gave her little chance to brood over the ordeal that lay before her.
belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public
From this reading Miss Allen’s tactful sympathy and uncompromising common sense acted as a tonic to the girl and the older woman, who was never idle for long herself, managed to keep her guest employed with a variety of small occupations which gave her little chance to brood over the ordeal that lay before her.
CynthianounUS /ˈsɪnθiə/
(Greek mythology) the virgin goddess of the hunt and the Moon; daughter of Leto and twin sister of Apollo; identified with Roman Diana
From this reading The next six weeks dragged heavily enough for John Leslie within the four walls of his cell at Carlisle, but, to Cynthia, they were one long agony.
inflected form of “drag” — pull, as against a resistance
From this reading The next six weeks dragged heavily enough for John Leslie within the four walls of his cell at Carlisle, but, to Cynthia, they were one long agony.
earthlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrθli/
of or belonging to or characteristic of this earth as distinguished from heaven
From this reading “It’s no earthly good meeting troubles half-way,” Miss Allen assured her.
having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary
From this reading Miss Allen’s tactful sympathy and uncompromising common sense acted as a tonic to the girl and the older woman, who was never idle for long herself, managed to keep her guest employed with a variety of small occupations which gave her little chance to brood over the ordeal that lay before her.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading The next six weeks dragged heavily enough for John Leslie within the four walls of his cell at Carlisle, but, to Cynthia, they were one long agony.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The next six weeks dragged heavily enough for John Leslie within the four walls of his cell at Carlisle, but, to Cynthia, they were one long agony.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading The next six weeks dragged heavily enough for John Leslie within the four walls of his cell at Carlisle, but, to Cynthia, they were one long agony.
Galston
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She spent one short week-end with her people at Galston and then gratefully accepted Miss Allen’s proposal that she should stay with her till the Assizes opened at Carlisle.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Miss Allen’s tactful sympathy and uncompromising common sense acted as a tonic to the girl and the older woman, who was never idle for long herself, managed to keep her guest employed with a variety of small occupations which gave her little chance to brood over the ordeal that lay before her.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading Her mother’s open antagonism to John Leslie made her home unbearable to the girl and she was thankful to get away.
a young female
From this reading Her mother’s open antagonism to John Leslie made her home unbearable to the girl and she was thankful to get away.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading “It’s no earthly good meeting troubles half-way,” Miss Allen assured her.
gratefullyadverbUS /ˈɡreɪtfəli/
with appreciation; in a grateful manner
From this reading She spent one short week-end with her people at Galston and then gratefully accepted Miss Allen’s proposal that she should stay with her till the Assizes opened at Carlisle.
a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading Miss Allen’s tactful sympathy and uncompromising common sense acted as a tonic to the girl and the older woman, who was never idle for long herself, managed to keep her guest employed with a variety of small occupations which gave her little chance to brood over the ordeal that lay before her.
half-way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “It’s no earthly good meeting troubles half-way,” Miss Allen assured her.
to a considerable degree
From this reading The next six weeks dragged heavily enough for John Leslie within the four walls of his cell at Carlisle, but, to Cynthia, they were one long agony.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading She spent one short week-end with her people at Galston and then gratefully accepted Miss Allen’s proposal that she should stay with her till the Assizes opened at Carlisle.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading Miss Allen’s tactful sympathy and uncompromising common sense acted as a tonic to the girl and the older woman, who was never idle for long herself, managed to keep her guest employed with a variety of small occupations which gave her little chance to brood over the ordeal that lay before her.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The next six weeks dragged heavily enough for John Leslie within the four walls of his cell at Carlisle, but, to Cynthia, they were one long agony.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading Her mother’s open antagonism to John Leslie made her home unbearable to the girl and she was thankful to get away.
not in action or at work
From this reading Miss Allen’s tactful sympathy and uncompromising common sense acted as a tonic to the girl and the older woman, who was never idle for long herself, managed to keep her guest employed with a variety of small occupations which gave her little chance to brood over the ordeal that lay before her.
It's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “It’s no earthly good meeting troubles half-way,” Miss Allen assured her.
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading The next six weeks dragged heavily enough for John Leslie within the four walls of his cell at Carlisle, but, to Cynthia, they were one long agony.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading Miss Allen’s tactful sympathy and uncompromising common sense acted as a tonic to the girl and the older woman, who was never idle for long herself, managed to keep her guest employed with a variety of small occupations which gave her little chance to brood over the ordeal that lay before her.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Miss Allen’s tactful sympathy and uncompromising common sense acted as a tonic to the girl and the older woman, who was never idle for long herself, managed to keep her guest employed with a variety of small occupations which gave her little chance to brood over the ordeal that lay before her.
Leslie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next six weeks dragged heavily enough for John Leslie within the four walls of his cell at Carlisle, but, to Cynthia, they were one long agony.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Miss Allen’s tactful sympathy and uncompromising common sense acted as a tonic to the girl and the older woman, who was never idle for long herself, managed to keep her guest employed with a variety of small occupations which gave her little chance to brood over the ordeal that lay before her.
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 The next six weeks dragged heavily enough for John Leslie within the four walls of his cell at Carlisle, but, to Cynthia, they were one long agony.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Her mother’s open antagonism to John Leslie made her home unbearable to the girl and she was thankful to get away.
past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal
From this reading Miss Allen’s tactful sympathy and uncompromising common sense acted as a tonic to the girl and the older woman, who was never idle for long herself, managed to keep her guest employed with a variety of small occupations which gave her little chance to brood over the ordeal that lay before her.
a formally arranged gathering
From this reading “It’s no earthly good meeting troubles half-way,” Miss Allen assured her.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading She spent one short week-end with her people at Galston and then gratefully accepted Miss Allen’s proposal that she should stay with her till the Assizes opened at Carlisle.
mother'snounUS /ˈmʌðərz/
possessive form of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading Her mother’s open antagonism to John Leslie made her home unbearable to the girl and she was thankful to get away.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Miss Allen’s tactful sympathy and uncompromising common sense acted as a tonic to the girl and the older woman, who was never idle for long herself, managed to keep her guest employed with a variety of small occupations which gave her little chance to brood over the ordeal that lay before her.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading The next six weeks dragged heavily enough for John Leslie within the four walls of his cell at Carlisle, but, to Cynthia, they were one long agony.
not any; not one
From this reading “It’s no earthly good meeting troubles half-way,” Miss Allen assured her.
occupationsnounUS /ˌɑːkjəˈpeɪʃənz/
plural of “occupation” — the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money
From this reading Miss Allen’s tactful sympathy and uncompromising common sense acted as a tonic to the girl and the older woman, who was never idle for long herself, managed to keep her guest employed with a variety of small occupations which gave her little chance to brood over the ordeal that lay before her.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The next six weeks dragged heavily enough for John Leslie within the four walls of his cell at Carlisle, but, to Cynthia, they were one long agony.
olderadjectiveUS /ˈoʊldər/
advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)
From this reading Miss Allen’s tactful sympathy and uncompromising common sense acted as a tonic to the girl and the older woman, who was never idle for long herself, managed to keep her guest employed with a variety of small occupations which gave her little chance to brood over the ordeal that lay before her.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The next six weeks dragged heavily enough for John Leslie within the four walls of his cell at Carlisle, but, to Cynthia, they were one long agony.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading Her mother’s open antagonism to John Leslie made her home unbearable to the girl and she was thankful to get away.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading She spent one short week-end with her people at Galston and then gratefully accepted Miss Allen’s proposal that she should stay with her till the Assizes opened at Carlisle.
ordealnounUS /ɔːrˈdiːl/
a severe or trying experience
From this reading Miss Allen’s tactful sympathy and uncompromising common sense acted as a tonic to the girl and the older woman, who was never idle for long herself, managed to keep her guest employed with a variety of small occupations which gave her little chance to brood over the ordeal that lay before her.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Miss Allen’s tactful sympathy and uncompromising common sense acted as a tonic to the girl and the older woman, who was never idle for long herself, managed to keep her guest employed with a variety of small occupations which gave her little chance to brood over the ordeal that lay before her.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading She spent one short week-end with her people at Galston and then gratefully accepted Miss Allen’s proposal that she should stay with her till the Assizes opened at Carlisle.
proposalnounUS /prəˈpoʊzəl/
something proposed (such as a plan or assumption)
From this reading She spent one short week-end with her people at Galston and then gratefully accepted Miss Allen’s proposal that she should stay with her till the Assizes opened at Carlisle.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading Miss Allen’s tactful sympathy and uncompromising common sense acted as a tonic to the girl and the older woman, who was never idle for long herself, managed to keep her guest employed with a variety of small occupations which gave her little chance to brood over the ordeal that lay before her.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She spent one short week-end with her people at Galston and then gratefully accepted Miss Allen’s proposal that she should stay with her till the Assizes opened at Carlisle.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading She spent one short week-end with her people at Galston and then gratefully accepted Miss Allen’s proposal that she should stay with her till the Assizes opened at Carlisle.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading She spent one short week-end with her people at Galston and then gratefully accepted Miss Allen’s proposal that she should stay with her till the Assizes opened at Carlisle.
the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
From this reading The next six weeks dragged heavily enough for John Leslie within the four walls of his cell at Carlisle, but, to Cynthia, they were one long agony.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Miss Allen’s tactful sympathy and uncompromising common sense acted as a tonic to the girl and the older woman, who was never idle for long herself, managed to keep her guest employed with a variety of small occupations which gave her little chance to brood over the ordeal that lay before her.
depleted of energy, force, or strength
From this reading She spent one short week-end with her people at Galston and then gratefully accepted Miss Allen’s proposal that she should stay with her till the Assizes opened at Carlisle.
stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading She spent one short week-end with her people at Galston and then gratefully accepted Miss Allen’s proposal that she should stay with her till the Assizes opened at Carlisle.
an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion
From this reading Miss Allen’s tactful sympathy and uncompromising common sense acted as a tonic to the girl and the older woman, who was never idle for long herself, managed to keep her guest employed with a variety of small occupations which gave her little chance to brood over the ordeal that lay before her.
tactfuladjectiveUS /ˈtæktfəl/
having or showing a sense of what is fitting and considerate in dealing with others
From this reading Miss Allen’s tactful sympathy and uncompromising common sense acted as a tonic to the girl and the older woman, who was never idle for long herself, managed to keep her guest employed with a variety of small occupations which gave her little chance to brood over the ordeal that lay before her.
thankfuladjectiveUS /ˈθæŋkfəl/
feeling or showing gratitude
From this reading Her mother’s open antagonism to John Leslie made her home unbearable to the girl and she was thankful to get away.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading She spent one short week-end with her people at Galston and then gratefully accepted Miss Allen’s proposal that she should stay with her till the Assizes opened at Carlisle.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The next six weeks dragged heavily enough for John Leslie within the four walls of his cell at Carlisle, but, to Cynthia, they were one long agony.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading She spent one short week-end with her people at Galston and then gratefully accepted Miss Allen’s proposal that she should stay with her till the Assizes opened at Carlisle.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The next six weeks dragged heavily enough for John Leslie within the four walls of his cell at Carlisle, but, to Cynthia, they were one long agony.
up to a particular time
From this reading She spent one short week-end with her people at Galston and then gratefully accepted Miss Allen’s proposal that she should stay with her till the Assizes opened at Carlisle.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The next six weeks dragged heavily enough for John Leslie within the four walls of his cell at Carlisle, but, to Cynthia, they were one long agony.
tonicadjectiveUS /ˈtɑːnɪk/
of or relating to or producing normal tone or tonus in muscles or tissue
From this reading Miss Allen’s tactful sympathy and uncompromising common sense acted as a tonic to the girl and the older woman, who was never idle for long herself, managed to keep her guest employed with a variety of small occupations which gave her little chance to brood over the ordeal that lay before her.
plural of “trouble” — a source of difficulty
From this reading “It’s no earthly good meeting troubles half-way,” Miss Allen assured her.
unbearableadjectiveUS /ənˈberəbəl/
incapable of being tolerated or endured
From this reading Her mother’s open antagonism to John Leslie made her home unbearable to the girl and she was thankful to get away.
uncompromisingadjectiveUS /ənˈkɑːmprəmaɪzɪŋ/
not making concessions
From this reading Miss Allen’s tactful sympathy and uncompromising common sense acted as a tonic to the girl and the older woman, who was never idle for long herself, managed to keep her guest employed with a variety of small occupations which gave her little chance to brood over the ordeal that lay before her.
varietynounUS /vərˈaɪəti/
a collection containing a variety of sorts of things
From this reading Miss Allen’s tactful sympathy and uncompromising common sense acted as a tonic to the girl and the older woman, who was never idle for long herself, managed to keep her guest employed with a variety of small occupations which gave her little chance to brood over the ordeal that lay before her.
plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading The next six weeks dragged heavily enough for John Leslie within the four walls of his cell at Carlisle, but, to Cynthia, they were one long agony.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Her mother’s open antagonism to John Leslie made her home unbearable to the girl and she was thankful to get away.
week-end
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She spent one short week-end with her people at Galston and then gratefully accepted Miss Allen’s proposal that she should stay with her till the Assizes opened at Carlisle.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading The next six weeks dragged heavily enough for John Leslie within the four walls of his cell at Carlisle, but, to Cynthia, they were one long agony.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The next six weeks dragged heavily enough for John Leslie within the four walls of his cell at Carlisle, but, to Cynthia, they were one long agony.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Miss Allen’s tactful sympathy and uncompromising common sense acted as a tonic to the girl and the older woman, who was never idle for long herself, managed to keep her guest employed with a variety of small occupations which gave her little chance to brood over the ordeal that lay before her.
which person or people
From this reading Miss Allen’s tactful sympathy and uncompromising common sense acted as a tonic to the girl and the older woman, who was never idle for long herself, managed to keep her guest employed with a variety of small occupations which gave her little chance to brood over the ordeal that lay before her.
in the company of; together with
From this reading She spent one short week-end with her people at Galston and then gratefully accepted Miss Allen’s proposal that she should stay with her till the Assizes opened at Carlisle.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading The next six weeks dragged heavily enough for John Leslie within the four walls of his cell at Carlisle, but, to Cynthia, they were one long agony.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading Miss Allen’s tactful sympathy and uncompromising common sense acted as a tonic to the girl and the older woman, who was never idle for long herself, managed to keep her guest employed with a variety of small occupations which gave her little chance to brood over the ordeal that lay before her.
