used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with
From this reading According to the call, Knobs Whittaker would bear a little extra watching that night.
the performance of a part or role in a drama
From this reading Acting upon the tip he had stationed men at every point which Knobs had been seen to frequent.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading While putting little faith in this tip, the Chief had no desire to neglect the least clue which might assist in bringing to an end the series of disastrous fires which were reflecting great discredit upon his department.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
assistverbUS /əˈsɪst/
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading While putting little faith in this tip, the Chief had no desire to neglect the least clue which might assist in bringing to an end the series of disastrous fires which were reflecting great discredit upon his department.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
have
From this reading According to the call, Knobs Whittaker would bear a little extra watching that night.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Acting upon the tip he had stationed men at every point which Knobs had been seen to frequent.
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)
From this reading While putting little faith in this tip, the Chief had no desire to neglect the least clue which might assist in bringing to an end the series of disastrous fires which were reflecting great discredit upon his department.
a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Earlier that day a phone call had tipped off the Chief.
chemicalsnounUS /ˈkemɪkəlz/
plural of “chemical” — material produced by or used in a reaction involving changes in atoms or molecules
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
a person who is in charge
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
cluenounUS /kluː/
a slight indication
From this reading While putting little faith in this tip, the Chief had no desire to neglect the least clue which might assist in bringing to an end the series of disastrous fires which were reflecting great discredit upon his department.
collectionnounUS /kəˈlekʃən/
several things grouped together or considered as a whole
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
commoditiesnounUS /kəˈmɑːdətiz/
plural of “commodity” — articles of commerce
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Earlier that day a phone call had tipped off the Chief.
departmentnounUS /dɪˈpɑːrtmənt/
a specialized division of a large organization
From this reading While putting little faith in this tip, the Chief had no desire to neglect the least clue which might assist in bringing to an end the series of disastrous fires which were reflecting great discredit upon his department.
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading While putting little faith in this tip, the Chief had no desire to neglect the least clue which might assist in bringing to an end the series of disastrous fires which were reflecting great discredit upon his department.
diamondsnounUS /ˈdaɪməndz/
plural of “diamond” — a transparent piece of diamond that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
disastrousadjectiveUS /dɪˈzæstrəs/
(of events) having extremely unfortunate or dire consequences; bringing ruin
From this reading While putting little faith in this tip, the Chief had no desire to neglect the least clue which might assist in bringing to an end the series of disastrous fires which were reflecting great discredit upon his department.
discreditverbUS /dɪˈskredət/
cause to be distrusted or disbelieved
From this reading While putting little faith in this tip, the Chief had no desire to neglect the least clue which might assist in bringing to an end the series of disastrous fires which were reflecting great discredit upon his department.
earlier in time; previously
From this reading Earlier that day a phone call had tipped off the Chief.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading While putting little faith in this tip, the Chief had no desire to neglect the least clue which might assist in bringing to an end the series of disastrous fires which were reflecting great discredit upon his department.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Acting upon the tip he had stationed men at every point which Knobs had been seen to frequent.
extraadjectiveUS /ˈekstrə/
more than is needed, desired, or required
From this reading According to the call, Knobs Whittaker would bear a little extra watching that night.
a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny
From this reading While putting little faith in this tip, the Chief had no desire to neglect the least clue which might assist in bringing to an end the series of disastrous fires which were reflecting great discredit upon his department.
start firing a weapon
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
firebugnounUS /ˈfaɪərbʌɡ/
a criminal who illegally sets fire to property
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
plural of “fire” — the event of something burning (often destructive)
From this reading While putting little faith in this tip, the Chief had no desire to neglect the least clue which might assist in bringing to an end the series of disastrous fires which were reflecting great discredit upon his department.
frequentverbUS /ˈfriːkwənt/
do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of
From this reading Acting upon the tip he had stationed men at every point which Knobs had been seen to frequent.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading While putting little faith in this tip, the Chief had no desire to neglect the least clue which might assist in bringing to an end the series of disastrous fires which were reflecting great discredit upon his department.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Earlier that day a phone call had tipped off the Chief.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Acting upon the tip he had stationed men at every point which Knobs had been seen to frequent.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading While putting little faith in this tip, the Chief had no desire to neglect the least clue which might assist in bringing to an end the series of disastrous fires which were reflecting great discredit upon his department.
housedverbUS /haʊzd/
past form of “house” — contain or cover
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
“Johnny” was applied as a nickname for Confederate soldiers by the Federal soldiers in the American Civil War; “greyback” derived from their grey Confederate uniforms
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
juvenileadjectiveUS /ˈdʒuːvənəl/
of or relating to or characteristic of or appropriate for children or young people
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
KnobsnounUS /nɑːbz/
plural of “knob” — a circular rounded projection or protuberance
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading While putting little faith in this tip, the Chief had no desire to neglect the least clue which might assist in bringing to an end the series of disastrous fires which were reflecting great discredit upon his department.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading According to the call, Knobs Whittaker would bear a little extra watching that night.
lurkingverbUS /ˈlɜːrkɪŋ/
-ing form of “lurk” — lie in wait, lie in ambush, behave in a sneaky and secretive manner
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
the force of workers available
From this reading Acting upon the tip he had stationed men at every point which Knobs had been seen to frequent.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading While putting little faith in this tip, the Chief had no desire to neglect the least clue which might assist in bringing to an end the series of disastrous fires which were reflecting great discredit upon his department.
neglectverbUS /nəˈɡlekt/
leave undone or leave out
From this reading While putting little faith in this tip, the Chief had no desire to neglect the least clue which might assist in bringing to an end the series of disastrous fires which were reflecting great discredit upon his department.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading According to the call, Knobs Whittaker would bear a little extra watching that night.
not any; not one
From this reading While putting little faith in this tip, the Chief had no desire to neglect the least clue which might assist in bringing to an end the series of disastrous fires which were reflecting great discredit upon his department.
noveltiesnounUS /ˈnɑːvəltiz/
plural of “novelty” — originality by virtue of being refreshingly novel
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Earlier that day a phone call had tipped off the Chief.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
phonenounUS /foʊn/
electronic equipment that converts sound into electrical signals that can be transmitted over distances and then converts received signals back into sounds
From this reading Earlier that day a phone call had tipped off the Chief.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading Acting upon the tip he had stationed men at every point which Knobs had been seen to frequent.
hitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putter
From this reading While putting little faith in this tip, the Chief had no desire to neglect the least clue which might assist in bringing to an end the series of disastrous fires which were reflecting great discredit upon his department.
one of four equal parts
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
Randolph
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
reflectingadjectiveUS /rɪˈflektɪŋ/
causing reflection or having a device that reflects
From this reading While putting little faith in this tip, the Chief had no desire to neglect the least clue which might assist in bringing to an end the series of disastrous fires which were reflecting great discredit upon his department.
express the need or desire for
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Acting upon the tip he had stationed men at every point which Knobs had been seen to frequent.
similar things placed in order or happening one after another
From this reading While putting little faith in this tip, the Chief had no desire to neglect the least clue which might assist in bringing to an end the series of disastrous fires which were reflecting great discredit upon his department.
plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
stationedverbUS /ˈsteɪʃənd/
past form of “station” — assign to a station
From this reading Acting upon the tip he had stationed men at every point which Knobs had been seen to frequent.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
believed likely
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading While putting little faith in this tip, the Chief had no desire to neglect the least clue which might assist in bringing to an end the series of disastrous fires which were reflecting great discredit upon his department.
tipnounUS /tɪp/
the extreme end of something; especially something pointed
From this reading While putting little faith in this tip, the Chief had no desire to neglect the least clue which might assist in bringing to an end the series of disastrous fires which were reflecting great discredit upon his department.
tippedadjectiveUS /tɪpt/
having a tip; or having a tip as specified (used in combination)
From this reading Earlier that day a phone call had tipped off the Chief.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading According to the call, Knobs Whittaker would bear a little extra watching that night.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading While putting little faith in this tip, the Chief had no desire to neglect the least clue which might assist in bringing to an end the series of disastrous fires which were reflecting great discredit upon his department.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading At a quarter of six next evening, at the request of the Fire Chief, Johnny was lurking in the shadows back of the building on Randolph Street that housed such a strange collection of commodities: chemicals, diamonds, juvenile books, novelties and Knobs, the suspected firebug.
the act of observing; taking a patient look
From this reading According to the call, Knobs Whittaker would bear a little extra watching that night.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading While putting little faith in this tip, the Chief had no desire to neglect the least clue which might assist in bringing to an end the series of disastrous fires which were reflecting great discredit upon his department.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading While putting little faith in this tip, the Chief had no desire to neglect the least clue which might assist in bringing to an end the series of disastrous fires which were reflecting great discredit upon his department.
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading While putting little faith in this tip, the Chief had no desire to neglect the least clue which might assist in bringing to an end the series of disastrous fires which were reflecting great discredit upon his department.
Whittaker
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading According to the call, Knobs Whittaker would bear a little extra watching that night.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading According to the call, Knobs Whittaker would bear a little extra watching that night.
