Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading THE BRAND OF CAIN There never was a nose so completely out of joint as Wallie's nor an owner more thoroughly humiliated and embittered by the fickleness and ingratitude of human nature.

somewhat ill or prone to illness

From this reading The unfailing courtesy with which he had retrieved their yarn and handkerchiefs, the sympathy and attention with which he had listened to their symptoms, his solicitude when they were ailing--all were forgotten now that Pinkey was in the vicinity.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading The unfailing courtesy with which he had retrieved their yarn and handkerchiefs, the sympathy and attention with which he had listened to their symptoms, his solicitude when they were ailing--all were forgotten now that Pinkey was in the vicinity.

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

From this reading THE BRAND OF CAIN There never was a nose so completely out of joint as Wallie's nor an owner more thoroughly humiliated and embittered by the fickleness and ingratitude of human nature.

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

From this reading THE BRAND OF CAIN There never was a nose so completely out of joint as Wallie's nor an owner more thoroughly humiliated and embittered by the fickleness and ingratitude of human nature.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading The ladies swarmed around that person, quoted his sayings delightedly, and declared a million times in Wallie's hearing that "he was a character!"

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

From this reading THE BRAND OF CAIN There never was a nose so completely out of joint as Wallie's nor an owner more thoroughly humiliated and embittered by the fickleness and ingratitude of human nature.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading And the worst of it was that Helene Spenceley did not seem sufficiently aware of Wallie's existence even to laugh at him.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading The unfailing courtesy with which he had retrieved their yarn and handkerchiefs, the sympathy and attention with which he had listened to their symptoms, his solicitude when they were ailing--all were forgotten now that Pinkey was in the vicinity.

(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception

From this reading And the worst of it was that Helene Spenceley did not seem sufficiently aware of Wallie's existence even to laugh at him.

a name given to a product or service

From this reading THE BRAND OF CAIN There never was a nose so completely out of joint as Wallie's nor an owner more thoroughly humiliated and embittered by the fickleness and ingratitude of human nature.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading THE BRAND OF CAIN There never was a nose so completely out of joint as Wallie's nor an owner more thoroughly humiliated and embittered by the fickleness and ingratitude of human nature.

(Old Testament) Cain and Abel were the first children of Adam and Eve born after the Fall of Man; Cain killed Abel out of jealousy and was exiled by God

From this reading THE BRAND OF CAIN There never was a nose so completely out of joint as Wallie's nor an owner more thoroughly humiliated and embittered by the fickleness and ingratitude of human nature.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading The ladies swarmed around that person, quoted his sayings delightedly, and declared a million times in Wallie's hearing that "he was a character!"

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading THE BRAND OF CAIN There never was a nose so completely out of joint as Wallie's nor an owner more thoroughly humiliated and embittered by the fickleness and ingratitude of human nature.

a courteous or respectful or considerate act

From this reading The unfailing courtesy with which he had retrieved their yarn and handkerchiefs, the sympathy and attention with which he had listened to their symptoms, his solicitude when they were ailing--all were forgotten now that Pinkey was in the vicinity.

made known or openly avowed

From this reading The ladies swarmed around that person, quoted his sayings delightedly, and declared a million times in Wallie's hearing that "he was a character!"

with delight

From this reading The ladies swarmed around that person, quoted his sayings delightedly, and declared a million times in Wallie's hearing that "he was a character!"

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

From this reading And the worst of it was that Helene Spenceley did not seem sufficiently aware of Wallie's existence even to laugh at him.

lacking in liveliness or animation

From this reading The sacrifices he had made in escorting dull ladies to duller movies were wasted.

comparative of “dull” — lacking in liveliness or animation

From this reading The sacrifices he had made in escorting dull ladies to duller movies were wasted.

past form of “embitter” — cause to be bitter or resentful

From this reading THE BRAND OF CAIN There never was a nose so completely out of joint as Wallie's nor an owner more thoroughly humiliated and embittered by the fickleness and ingratitude of human nature.

-ing form of “escort” — accompany as an escort

From this reading The sacrifices he had made in escorting dull ladies to duller movies were wasted.

divisible by two

From this reading And the worst of it was that Helene Spenceley did not seem sufficiently aware of Wallie's existence even to laugh at him.

the state or fact of existing

From this reading And the worst of it was that Helene Spenceley did not seem sufficiently aware of Wallie's existence even to laugh at him.

unfaithfulness by virtue of being unreliable or treacherous

From this reading THE BRAND OF CAIN There never was a nose so completely out of joint as Wallie's nor an owner more thoroughly humiliated and embittered by the fickleness and ingratitude of human nature.

Not remembered; lapsed from memory.

From this reading The unfailing courtesy with which he had retrieved their yarn and handkerchiefs, the sympathy and attention with which he had listened to their symptoms, his solicitude when they were ailing--all were forgotten now that Pinkey was in the vicinity.

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

From this reading The sacrifices he had made in escorting dull ladies to duller movies were wasted.

plural of “handkerchief” — a square piece of cloth used for wiping the eyes or nose or as a costume accessory

From this reading The unfailing courtesy with which he had retrieved their yarn and handkerchiefs, the sympathy and attention with which he had listened to their symptoms, his solicitude when they were ailing--all were forgotten now that Pinkey was in the vicinity.

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

From this reading The sacrifices he had made in escorting dull ladies to duller movies were wasted.

(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence

From this reading The ladies swarmed around that person, quoted his sayings delightedly, and declared a million times in Wallie's hearing that "he was a character!"

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

From this reading And the worst of it was that Helene Spenceley did not seem sufficiently aware of Wallie's existence even to laugh at him.

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

From this reading And the worst of it was that Helene Spenceley did not seem sufficiently aware of Wallie's existence even to laugh at him.

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

From this reading The unfailing courtesy with which he had retrieved their yarn and handkerchiefs, the sympathy and attention with which he had listened to their symptoms, his solicitude when they were ailing--all were forgotten now that Pinkey was in the vicinity.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading THE BRAND OF CAIN There never was a nose so completely out of joint as Wallie's nor an owner more thoroughly humiliated and embittered by the fickleness and ingratitude of human nature.

subdued or brought low in condition or status

From this reading THE BRAND OF CAIN There never was a nose so completely out of joint as Wallie's nor an owner more thoroughly humiliated and embittered by the fickleness and ingratitude of human nature.

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

From this reading The sacrifices he had made in escorting dull ladies to duller movies were wasted.

a lack of gratitude

From this reading THE BRAND OF CAIN There never was a nose so completely out of joint as Wallie's nor an owner more thoroughly humiliated and embittered by the fickleness and ingratitude of human nature.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading And the worst of it was that Helene Spenceley did not seem sufficiently aware of Wallie's existence even to laugh at him.

(anatomy) the point of connection between two bones or elements of a skeleton (especially if it allows motion)

From this reading THE BRAND OF CAIN There never was a nose so completely out of joint as Wallie's nor an owner more thoroughly humiliated and embittered by the fickleness and ingratitude of human nature.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading The sacrifices he had made in escorting dull ladies to duller movies were wasted.

the sound of laughing

From this reading And the worst of it was that Helene Spenceley did not seem sufficiently aware of Wallie's existence even to laugh at him.

past form of “listen” — hear with intention

From this reading The unfailing courtesy with which he had retrieved their yarn and handkerchiefs, the sympathy and attention with which he had listened to their symptoms, his solicitude when they were ailing--all were forgotten now that Pinkey was in the vicinity.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading The sacrifices he had made in escorting dull ladies to duller movies were wasted.

the number that is represented as a one followed by 6 zeros

From this reading The ladies swarmed around that person, quoted his sayings delightedly, and declared a million times in Wallie's hearing that "he was a character!"

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading THE BRAND OF CAIN There never was a nose so completely out of joint as Wallie's nor an owner more thoroughly humiliated and embittered by the fickleness and ingratitude of human nature.

plural of “movie” — a form of entertainment that enacts a story by sound and a sequence of images giving the illusion of continuous movement

From this reading The sacrifices he had made in escorting dull ladies to duller movies were wasted.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading THE BRAND OF CAIN There never was a nose so completely out of joint as Wallie's nor an owner more thoroughly humiliated and embittered by the fickleness and ingratitude of human nature.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading THE BRAND OF CAIN There never was a nose so completely out of joint as Wallie's nor an owner more thoroughly humiliated and embittered by the fickleness and ingratitude of human nature.

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

From this reading THE BRAND OF CAIN There never was a nose so completely out of joint as Wallie's nor an owner more thoroughly humiliated and embittered by the fickleness and ingratitude of human nature.

the organ of smell and entrance to the respiratory tract; the prominent part of the face of man or other mammals

From this reading THE BRAND OF CAIN There never was a nose so completely out of joint as Wallie's nor an owner more thoroughly humiliated and embittered by the fickleness and ingratitude of human nature.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading And the worst of it was that Helene Spenceley did not seem sufficiently aware of Wallie's existence even to laugh at him.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading The unfailing courtesy with which he had retrieved their yarn and handkerchiefs, the sympathy and attention with which he had listened to their symptoms, his solicitude when they were ailing--all were forgotten now that Pinkey was in the vicinity.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE BRAND OF CAIN There never was a nose so completely out of joint as Wallie's nor an owner more thoroughly humiliated and embittered by the fickleness and ingratitude of human nature.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading THE BRAND OF CAIN There never was a nose so completely out of joint as Wallie's nor an owner more thoroughly humiliated and embittered by the fickleness and ingratitude of human nature.

(law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business

From this reading THE BRAND OF CAIN There never was a nose so completely out of joint as Wallie's nor an owner more thoroughly humiliated and embittered by the fickleness and ingratitude of human nature.

a human being

From this reading The ladies swarmed around that person, quoted his sayings delightedly, and declared a million times in Wallie's hearing that "he was a character!"

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

From this reading The unfailing courtesy with which he had retrieved their yarn and handkerchiefs, the sympathy and attention with which he had listened to their symptoms, his solicitude when they were ailing--all were forgotten now that Pinkey was in the vicinity.

past form of “quote” — repeat a passage from

From this reading The ladies swarmed around that person, quoted his sayings delightedly, and declared a million times in Wallie's hearing that "he was a character!"

Got or brought back something that was lost or hidden.

From this reading The unfailing courtesy with which he had retrieved their yarn and handkerchiefs, the sympathy and attention with which he had listened to their symptoms, his solicitude when they were ailing--all were forgotten now that Pinkey was in the vicinity.

plural of “sacrifice” — the act of losing or surrendering something as a penalty for a mistake or fault or failure to perform etc.

From this reading The sacrifices he had made in escorting dull ladies to duller movies were wasted.

plural of “saying” — a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations

From this reading The ladies swarmed around that person, quoted his sayings delightedly, and declared a million times in Wallie's hearing that "he was a character!"

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading And the worst of it was that Helene Spenceley did not seem sufficiently aware of Wallie's existence even to laugh at him.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading THE BRAND OF CAIN There never was a nose so completely out of joint as Wallie's nor an owner more thoroughly humiliated and embittered by the fickleness and ingratitude of human nature.

a feeling of excessive concern

From this reading The unfailing courtesy with which he had retrieved their yarn and handkerchiefs, the sympathy and attention with which he had listened to their symptoms, his solicitude when they were ailing--all were forgotten now that Pinkey was in the vicinity.

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

From this reading And the worst of it was that Helene Spenceley did not seem sufficiently aware of Wallie's existence even to laugh at him.

to a sufficient degree

From this reading And the worst of it was that Helene Spenceley did not seem sufficiently aware of Wallie's existence even to laugh at him.

past form of “swarm” — be teeming, be abuzz

From this reading The ladies swarmed around that person, quoted his sayings delightedly, and declared a million times in Wallie's hearing that "he was a character!"

an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion

From this reading The unfailing courtesy with which he had retrieved their yarn and handkerchiefs, the sympathy and attention with which he had listened to their symptoms, his solicitude when they were ailing--all were forgotten now that Pinkey was in the vicinity.

plural of “symptom” — (medicine) any sensation or change in bodily function that is experienced by a patient and is associated with a particular disease

From this reading The unfailing courtesy with which he had retrieved their yarn and handkerchiefs, the sympathy and attention with which he had listened to their symptoms, his solicitude when they were ailing--all were forgotten now that Pinkey was in the vicinity.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The unfailing courtesy with which he had retrieved their yarn and handkerchiefs, the sympathy and attention with which he had listened to their symptoms, his solicitude when they were ailing--all were forgotten now that Pinkey was in the vicinity.

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

From this reading THE BRAND OF CAIN There never was a nose so completely out of joint as Wallie's nor an owner more thoroughly humiliated and embittered by the fickleness and ingratitude of human nature.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The unfailing courtesy with which he had retrieved their yarn and handkerchiefs, the sympathy and attention with which he had listened to their symptoms, his solicitude when they were ailing--all were forgotten now that Pinkey was in the vicinity.

in or at that place or location

From this reading THE BRAND OF CAIN There never was a nose so completely out of joint as Wallie's nor an owner more thoroughly humiliated and embittered by the fickleness and ingratitude of human nature.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The unfailing courtesy with which he had retrieved their yarn and handkerchiefs, the sympathy and attention with which he had listened to their symptoms, his solicitude when they were ailing--all were forgotten now that Pinkey was in the vicinity.

in an exhaustive manner

From this reading THE BRAND OF CAIN There never was a nose so completely out of joint as Wallie's nor an owner more thoroughly humiliated and embittered by the fickleness and ingratitude of human nature.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading The ladies swarmed around that person, quoted his sayings delightedly, and declared a million times in Wallie's hearing that "he was a character!"

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

From this reading The sacrifices he had made in escorting dull ladies to duller movies were wasted.

not liable to failure

From this reading The unfailing courtesy with which he had retrieved their yarn and handkerchiefs, the sympathy and attention with which he had listened to their symptoms, his solicitude when they were ailing--all were forgotten now that Pinkey was in the vicinity.

a surrounding or nearby region

From this reading The unfailing courtesy with which he had retrieved their yarn and handkerchiefs, the sympathy and attention with which he had listened to their symptoms, his solicitude when they were ailing--all were forgotten now that Pinkey was in the vicinity.

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

From this reading THE BRAND OF CAIN There never was a nose so completely out of joint as Wallie's nor an owner more thoroughly humiliated and embittered by the fickleness and ingratitude of human nature.

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

From this reading THE BRAND OF CAIN There never was a nose so completely out of joint as Wallie's nor an owner more thoroughly humiliated and embittered by the fickleness and ingratitude of human nature.

serving no useful purpose; having no excuse for being

From this reading The sacrifices he had made in escorting dull ladies to duller movies were wasted.

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

From this reading The sacrifices he had made in escorting dull ladies to duller movies were wasted.

at the time that

From this reading The unfailing courtesy with which he had retrieved their yarn and handkerchiefs, the sympathy and attention with which he had listened to their symptoms, his solicitude when they were ailing--all were forgotten now that Pinkey was in the vicinity.

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

From this reading The unfailing courtesy with which he had retrieved their yarn and handkerchiefs, the sympathy and attention with which he had listened to their symptoms, his solicitude when they were ailing--all were forgotten now that Pinkey was in the vicinity.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The unfailing courtesy with which he had retrieved their yarn and handkerchiefs, the sympathy and attention with which he had listened to their symptoms, his solicitude when they were ailing--all were forgotten now that Pinkey was in the vicinity.

the least favorable outcome

From this reading And the worst of it was that Helene Spenceley did not seem sufficiently aware of Wallie's existence even to laugh at him.

the act of giving an account describing incidents or a course of events

From this reading The unfailing courtesy with which he had retrieved their yarn and handkerchiefs, the sympathy and attention with which he had listened to their symptoms, his solicitude when they were ailing--all were forgotten now that Pinkey was in the vicinity.