used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The head of the firm had hardly recovered his mental serenity after the painful duty of explaining her financial position to the Widow Hudson, when his quick ear caught the sound of a heavy footstep in the counting-house.
affirmativeadjectiveUS /əˈfɜːrmətɪv/
affirming or giving assent
From this reading The answer was evidently in the affirmative, for the lumbering tread came rapidly nearer, and a powerful double knock announced that the visitor was at the other side of the door.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading The head of the firm had hardly recovered his mental serenity after the painful duty of explaining her financial position to the Widow Hudson, when his quick ear caught the sound of a heavy footstep in the counting-house.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The answer was evidently in the affirmative, for the lumbering tread came rapidly nearer, and a powerful double knock announced that the visitor was at the other side of the door.
declared publicly; made widely known
From this reading The answer was evidently in the affirmative, for the lumbering tread came rapidly nearer, and a powerful double knock announced that the visitor was at the other side of the door.
react verbally
From this reading The answer was evidently in the affirmative, for the lumbering tread came rapidly nearer, and a powerful double knock announced that the visitor was at the other side of the door.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A gruff voice was audible at the same time, which demanded in rather more energetic language than was usually employed in that orderly establishment, whether the principal was to be seen or not.
audibleadjectiveUS /ˈɑːdəbəl/
heard or perceptible by the ear
From this reading A gruff voice was audible at the same time, which demanded in rather more energetic language than was usually employed in that orderly establishment, whether the principal was to be seen or not.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading A gruff voice was audible at the same time, which demanded in rather more energetic language than was usually employed in that orderly establishment, whether the principal was to be seen or not.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading CAPTAIN HAMILTON MIGGS OF THE "BLACK EAGLE."
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading The answer was evidently in the affirmative, for the lumbering tread came rapidly nearer, and a powerful double knock announced that the visitor was at the other side of the door.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading CAPTAIN HAMILTON MIGGS OF THE "BLACK EAGLE."
inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading The head of the firm had hardly recovered his mental serenity after the painful duty of explaining her financial position to the Widow Hudson, when his quick ear caught the sound of a heavy footstep in the counting-house.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading "Come in," cried Mr. Girdlestone, laying down his pen.
counting-house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The head of the firm had hardly recovered his mental serenity after the painful duty of explaining her financial position to the Widow Hudson, when his quick ear caught the sound of a heavy footstep in the counting-house.
inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading "Come in," cried Mr. Girdlestone, laying down his pen.
past form of “demand” — request urgently and forcefully
From this reading A gruff voice was audible at the same time, which demanded in rather more energetic language than was usually employed in that orderly establishment, whether the principal was to be seen or not.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading The answer was evidently in the affirmative, for the lumbering tread came rapidly nearer, and a powerful double knock announced that the visitor was at the other side of the door.
increase twofold
From this reading The answer was evidently in the affirmative, for the lumbering tread came rapidly nearer, and a powerful double knock announced that the visitor was at the other side of the door.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading "Come in," cried Mr. Girdlestone, laying down his pen.
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading The head of the firm had hardly recovered his mental serenity after the painful duty of explaining her financial position to the Widow Hudson, when his quick ear caught the sound of a heavy footstep in the counting-house.
EAGLEnounUS /ˈiːɡəl/
any of various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight
From this reading CAPTAIN HAMILTON MIGGS OF THE "BLACK EAGLE."
the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
From this reading The head of the firm had hardly recovered his mental serenity after the painful duty of explaining her financial position to the Widow Hudson, when his quick ear caught the sound of a heavy footstep in the counting-house.
having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary
From this reading A gruff voice was audible at the same time, which demanded in rather more energetic language than was usually employed in that orderly establishment, whether the principal was to be seen or not.
energeticadjectiveUS /ˌenərˈdʒetɪk/
possessing or exerting or displaying energy
From this reading A gruff voice was audible at the same time, which demanded in rather more energetic language than was usually employed in that orderly establishment, whether the principal was to be seen or not.
establishmentnounUS /ɪˈstæblɪʃmənt/
the act of forming or establishing something
From this reading A gruff voice was audible at the same time, which demanded in rather more energetic language than was usually employed in that orderly establishment, whether the principal was to be seen or not.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading The answer was evidently in the affirmative, for the lumbering tread came rapidly nearer, and a powerful double knock announced that the visitor was at the other side of the door.
explainingverbUS /ɪkˈspleɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible
From this reading The head of the firm had hardly recovered his mental serenity after the painful duty of explaining her financial position to the Widow Hudson, when his quick ear caught the sound of a heavy footstep in the counting-house.
financialadjectiveUS /fəˈnænʃəl/
involving financial matters
From this reading The head of the firm had hardly recovered his mental serenity after the painful duty of explaining her financial position to the Widow Hudson, when his quick ear caught the sound of a heavy footstep in the counting-house.
marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
From this reading The head of the firm had hardly recovered his mental serenity after the painful duty of explaining her financial position to the Widow Hudson, when his quick ear caught the sound of a heavy footstep in the counting-house.
footstepnounUS /ˈfʊtstep/
the sound of a step of someone walking
From this reading The head of the firm had hardly recovered his mental serenity after the painful duty of explaining her financial position to the Widow Hudson, when his quick ear caught the sound of a heavy footstep in the counting-house.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The answer was evidently in the affirmative, for the lumbering tread came rapidly nearer, and a powerful double knock announced that the visitor was at the other side of the door.
Girdlestone
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Come in," cried Mr. Girdlestone, laying down his pen.
gruffadjectiveUS /ɡrʌf/
brusque and surly and forbidding
From this reading A gruff voice was audible at the same time, which demanded in rather more energetic language than was usually employed in that orderly establishment, whether the principal was to be seen or not.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The head of the firm had hardly recovered his mental serenity after the painful duty of explaining her financial position to the Widow Hudson, when his quick ear caught the sound of a heavy footstep in the counting-house.
HAMILTONnounUS /ˈhæməltən/
Irish mathematician (1806-1865)
From this reading CAPTAIN HAMILTON MIGGS OF THE "BLACK EAGLE."
only a very short time before
From this reading The head of the firm had hardly recovered his mental serenity after the painful duty of explaining her financial position to the Widow Hudson, when his quick ear caught the sound of a heavy footstep in the counting-house.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading The head of the firm had hardly recovered his mental serenity after the painful duty of explaining her financial position to the Widow Hudson, when his quick ear caught the sound of a heavy footstep in the counting-house.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading The head of the firm had hardly recovered his mental serenity after the painful duty of explaining her financial position to the Widow Hudson, when his quick ear caught the sound of a heavy footstep in the counting-house.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The head of the firm had hardly recovered his mental serenity after the painful duty of explaining her financial position to the Widow Hudson, when his quick ear caught the sound of a heavy footstep in the counting-house.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The head of the firm had hardly recovered his mental serenity after the painful duty of explaining her financial position to the Widow Hudson, when his quick ear caught the sound of a heavy footstep in the counting-house.
HudsonnounUS /ˈhʌdsən/
a New York river; flows southward into New York Bay; explored by Henry Hudson early in the 17th century
From this reading The head of the firm had hardly recovered his mental serenity after the painful duty of explaining her financial position to the Widow Hudson, when his quick ear caught the sound of a heavy footstep in the counting-house.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The head of the firm had hardly recovered his mental serenity after the painful duty of explaining her financial position to the Widow Hudson, when his quick ear caught the sound of a heavy footstep in the counting-house.
deliver a sharp blow or push
From this reading The answer was evidently in the affirmative, for the lumbering tread came rapidly nearer, and a powerful double knock announced that the visitor was at the other side of the door.
a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols
From this reading A gruff voice was audible at the same time, which demanded in rather more energetic language than was usually employed in that orderly establishment, whether the principal was to be seen or not.
the production of eggs (especially in birds)
From this reading "Come in," cried Mr. Girdlestone, laying down his pen.
lumberingnounUS /ˈlʌmbərɪŋ/
the trade of cutting or preparing or selling timber
From this reading The answer was evidently in the affirmative, for the lumbering tread came rapidly nearer, and a powerful double knock announced that the visitor was at the other side of the door.
involving the mind or an intellectual process
From this reading The head of the firm had hardly recovered his mental serenity after the painful duty of explaining her financial position to the Widow Hudson, when his quick ear caught the sound of a heavy footstep in the counting-house.
MIGGS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CAPTAIN HAMILTON MIGGS OF THE "BLACK EAGLE."
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading A gruff voice was audible at the same time, which demanded in rather more energetic language than was usually employed in that orderly establishment, whether the principal was to be seen or not.
a form of address for a man
From this reading "Come in," cried Mr. Girdlestone, laying down his pen.
(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance
From this reading The answer was evidently in the affirmative, for the lumbering tread came rapidly nearer, and a powerful double knock announced that the visitor was at the other side of the door.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading A gruff voice was audible at the same time, which demanded in rather more energetic language than was usually employed in that orderly establishment, whether the principal was to be seen or not.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading CAPTAIN HAMILTON MIGGS OF THE "BLACK EAGLE."
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading A gruff voice was audible at the same time, which demanded in rather more energetic language than was usually employed in that orderly establishment, whether the principal was to be seen or not.
orderlynounUS /ˈɔːrdərli/
a soldier who serves as an attendant to a superior officer
From this reading A gruff voice was audible at the same time, which demanded in rather more energetic language than was usually employed in that orderly establishment, whether the principal was to be seen or not.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading The answer was evidently in the affirmative, for the lumbering tread came rapidly nearer, and a powerful double knock announced that the visitor was at the other side of the door.
causing physical or psychological pain
From this reading The head of the firm had hardly recovered his mental serenity after the painful duty of explaining her financial position to the Widow Hudson, when his quick ear caught the sound of a heavy footstep in the counting-house.
a writing implement with a point from which ink flows
From this reading "Come in," cried Mr. Girdlestone, laying down his pen.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading The head of the firm had hardly recovered his mental serenity after the painful duty of explaining her financial position to the Widow Hudson, when his quick ear caught the sound of a heavy footstep in the counting-house.
having great power or force or potency or effect
From this reading The answer was evidently in the affirmative, for the lumbering tread came rapidly nearer, and a powerful double knock announced that the visitor was at the other side of the door.
the original amount of a debt on which interest is calculated
From this reading A gruff voice was audible at the same time, which demanded in rather more energetic language than was usually employed in that orderly establishment, whether the principal was to be seen or not.
accomplished rapidly and without delay
From this reading The head of the firm had hardly recovered his mental serenity after the painful duty of explaining her financial position to the Widow Hudson, when his quick ear caught the sound of a heavy footstep in the counting-house.
with speed
From this reading The answer was evidently in the affirmative, for the lumbering tread came rapidly nearer, and a powerful double knock announced that the visitor was at the other side of the door.
on the contrary
From this reading A gruff voice was audible at the same time, which demanded in rather more energetic language than was usually employed in that orderly establishment, whether the principal was to be seen or not.
freed from illness or injury
From this reading The head of the firm had hardly recovered his mental serenity after the painful duty of explaining her financial position to the Widow Hudson, when his quick ear caught the sound of a heavy footstep in the counting-house.
Identical; not different.
From this reading A gruff voice was audible at the same time, which demanded in rather more energetic language than was usually employed in that orderly establishment, whether the principal was to be seen or not.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading A gruff voice was audible at the same time, which demanded in rather more energetic language than was usually employed in that orderly establishment, whether the principal was to be seen or not.
serenitynounUS /səˈren.ə.t̬i/
The state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled by external storms.
From this reading The head of the firm had hardly recovered his mental serenity after the painful duty of explaining her financial position to the Widow Hudson, when his quick ear caught the sound of a heavy footstep in the counting-house.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading The answer was evidently in the affirmative, for the lumbering tread came rapidly nearer, and a powerful double knock announced that the visitor was at the other side of the door.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading The head of the firm had hardly recovered his mental serenity after the painful duty of explaining her financial position to the Widow Hudson, when his quick ear caught the sound of a heavy footstep in the counting-house.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading A gruff voice was audible at the same time, which demanded in rather more energetic language than was usually employed in that orderly establishment, whether the principal was to be seen or not.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A gruff voice was audible at the same time, which demanded in rather more energetic language than was usually employed in that orderly establishment, whether the principal was to be seen or not.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading CAPTAIN HAMILTON MIGGS OF THE "BLACK EAGLE."
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading A gruff voice was audible at the same time, which demanded in rather more energetic language than was usually employed in that orderly establishment, whether the principal was to be seen or not.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The head of the firm had hardly recovered his mental serenity after the painful duty of explaining her financial position to the Widow Hudson, when his quick ear caught the sound of a heavy footstep in the counting-house.
treadverbUS /tred/
put down or press the foot, place the foot
From this reading The answer was evidently in the affirmative, for the lumbering tread came rapidly nearer, and a powerful double knock announced that the visitor was at the other side of the door.
under normal conditions
From this reading A gruff voice was audible at the same time, which demanded in rather more energetic language than was usually employed in that orderly establishment, whether the principal was to be seen or not.
someone who visits
From this reading The answer was evidently in the affirmative, for the lumbering tread came rapidly nearer, and a powerful double knock announced that the visitor was at the other side of the door.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading A gruff voice was audible at the same time, which demanded in rather more energetic language than was usually employed in that orderly establishment, whether the principal was to be seen or not.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A gruff voice was audible at the same time, which demanded in rather more energetic language than was usually employed in that orderly establishment, whether the principal was to be seen or not.
at the time that
From this reading The head of the firm had hardly recovered his mental serenity after the painful duty of explaining her financial position to the Widow Hudson, when his quick ear caught the sound of a heavy footstep in the counting-house.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading A gruff voice was audible at the same time, which demanded in rather more energetic language than was usually employed in that orderly establishment, whether the principal was to be seen or not.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A gruff voice was audible at the same time, which demanded in rather more energetic language than was usually employed in that orderly establishment, whether the principal was to be seen or not.
a woman whose husband is dead especially one who has not remarried
From this reading The head of the firm had hardly recovered his mental serenity after the painful duty of explaining her financial position to the Widow Hudson, when his quick ear caught the sound of a heavy footstep in the counting-house.
