used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading FRIENDS THE landlady came bouncing out, followed by her husband at a more dignified gait, to receive the newcomers.
Ah
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Ah, Mr. Thornby, you here?”
alighting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indifferent to their salutations, Mr. Foxwell stepped quickly from the chaise and offered his hand to his niece, who scarcely more than touched it in alighting.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Indifferent to their salutations, Mr. Foxwell stepped quickly from the chaise and offered his hand to his niece, who scarcely more than touched it in alighting.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Miss Foxwell and the maid followed the landlady immediately to the entry and up the stairs; but Mr. Foxwell, as he saw Squire Thornby gazing at him in sullen defiance, stopped to greet that gentleman in the suavest possible manner.
assistverbUS /əˈsɪst/
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading Caleb meanwhile ran up to assist the maid, but was forestalled by Mr. Betteridge, who performed the office with a stately gallantry quite flustering to the young woman, causing her to blush, and her legs, stiff with the constraint of the journey, to stumble.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading FRIENDS THE landlady came bouncing out, followed by her husband at a more dignified gait, to receive the newcomers.
Betteridge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Caleb meanwhile ran up to assist the maid, but was forestalled by Mr. Betteridge, who performed the office with a stately gallantry quite flustering to the young woman, causing her to blush, and her legs, stiff with the constraint of the journey, to stumble.
blushverbUS /blʌʃ/
turn red, as if in embarrassment or shame
From this reading Caleb meanwhile ran up to assist the maid, but was forestalled by Mr. Betteridge, who performed the office with a stately gallantry quite flustering to the young woman, causing her to blush, and her legs, stiff with the constraint of the journey, to stumble.
bouncingnounUS /ˈbaʊnsɪŋ/
rebounding from an impact (or series of impacts)
From this reading FRIENDS THE landlady came bouncing out, followed by her husband at a more dignified gait, to receive the newcomers.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Caleb meanwhile ran up to assist the maid, but was forestalled by Mr. Betteridge, who performed the office with a stately gallantry quite flustering to the young woman, causing her to blush, and her legs, stiff with the constraint of the journey, to stumble.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading FRIENDS THE landlady came bouncing out, followed by her husband at a more dignified gait, to receive the newcomers.
Caleb
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Caleb meanwhile ran up to assist the maid, but was forestalled by Mr. Betteridge, who performed the office with a stately gallantry quite flustering to the young woman, causing her to blush, and her legs, stiff with the constraint of the journey, to stumble.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading FRIENDS THE landlady came bouncing out, followed by her husband at a more dignified gait, to receive the newcomers.
causingnounUS /ˈkɑːzɪŋ/
the act of causing something to happen
From this reading Caleb meanwhile ran up to assist the maid, but was forestalled by Mr. Betteridge, who performed the office with a stately gallantry quite flustering to the young woman, causing her to blush, and her legs, stiff with the constraint of the journey, to stumble.
chaisenounUS /ʃeɪz/
a long chair; for reclining
From this reading Indifferent to their salutations, Mr. Foxwell stepped quickly from the chaise and offered his hand to his niece, who scarcely more than touched it in alighting.
constraintnounUS /kənˈstreɪnt/
the state of being physically constrained
From this reading Caleb meanwhile ran up to assist the maid, but was forestalled by Mr. Betteridge, who performed the office with a stately gallantry quite flustering to the young woman, causing her to blush, and her legs, stiff with the constraint of the journey, to stumble.
defiancenounUS /dɪˈfaɪəns/
intentionally contemptuous behavior or attitude
From this reading Miss Foxwell and the maid followed the landlady immediately to the entry and up the stairs; but Mr. Foxwell, as he saw Squire Thornby gazing at him in sullen defiance, stopped to greet that gentleman in the suavest possible manner.
dignifiedadjectiveUS /ˈdɪɡnəfaɪd/
having or expressing dignity; especially formality or stateliness in bearing or appearance
From this reading FRIENDS THE landlady came bouncing out, followed by her husband at a more dignified gait, to receive the newcomers.
entrynounUS /ˈentri/
an item inserted in a written record
From this reading Miss Foxwell and the maid followed the landlady immediately to the entry and up the stairs; but Mr. Foxwell, as he saw Squire Thornby gazing at him in sullen defiance, stopped to greet that gentleman in the suavest possible manner.
flusteringverbUS /ˈflʌstərɪŋ/
-ing form of “fluster” — be flustered; behave in a confused manner
From this reading Caleb meanwhile ran up to assist the maid, but was forestalled by Mr. Betteridge, who performed the office with a stately gallantry quite flustering to the young woman, causing her to blush, and her legs, stiff with the constraint of the journey, to stumble.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading FRIENDS THE landlady came bouncing out, followed by her husband at a more dignified gait, to receive the newcomers.
forestalledverbUS /ˌfɔːrˈstɑːld/
past form of “forestall” — keep from happening or arising; make impossible
From this reading Caleb meanwhile ran up to assist the maid, but was forestalled by Mr. Betteridge, who performed the office with a stately gallantry quite flustering to the young woman, causing her to blush, and her legs, stiff with the constraint of the journey, to stumble.
Foxwell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indifferent to their salutations, Mr. Foxwell stepped quickly from the chaise and offered his hand to his niece, who scarcely more than touched it in alighting.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading FRIENDS THE landlady came bouncing out, followed by her husband at a more dignified gait, to receive the newcomers.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Indifferent to their salutations, Mr. Foxwell stepped quickly from the chaise and offered his hand to his niece, who scarcely more than touched it in alighting.
gaitnounUS /ɡeɪt/
the rate of moving (especially walking or running)
From this reading FRIENDS THE landlady came bouncing out, followed by her husband at a more dignified gait, to receive the newcomers.
gallantrynounUS /ˈɡæləntri/
the qualities of a hero or heroine; exceptional or heroic courage when facing danger (especially in battle)
From this reading Caleb meanwhile ran up to assist the maid, but was forestalled by Mr. Betteridge, who performed the office with a stately gallantry quite flustering to the young woman, causing her to blush, and her legs, stiff with the constraint of the journey, to stumble.
-ing form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes
From this reading Miss Foxwell and the maid followed the landlady immediately to the entry and up the stairs; but Mr. Foxwell, as he saw Squire Thornby gazing at him in sullen defiance, stopped to greet that gentleman in the suavest possible manner.
a man of refinement
From this reading Miss Foxwell and the maid followed the landlady immediately to the entry and up the stairs; but Mr. Foxwell, as he saw Squire Thornby gazing at him in sullen defiance, stopped to greet that gentleman in the suavest possible manner.
greetverbUS /ɡriːt/
express greetings upon meeting someone
From this reading Miss Foxwell and the maid followed the landlady immediately to the entry and up the stairs; but Mr. Foxwell, as he saw Squire Thornby gazing at him in sullen defiance, stopped to greet that gentleman in the suavest possible manner.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Indifferent to their salutations, Mr. Foxwell stepped quickly from the chaise and offered his hand to his niece, who scarcely more than touched it in alighting.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Miss Foxwell and the maid followed the landlady immediately to the entry and up the stairs; but Mr. Foxwell, as he saw Squire Thornby gazing at him in sullen defiance, stopped to greet that gentleman in the suavest possible manner.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading FRIENDS THE landlady came bouncing out, followed by her husband at a more dignified gait, to receive the newcomers.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading “Ah, Mr. Thornby, you here?”
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Miss Foxwell and the maid followed the landlady immediately to the entry and up the stairs; but Mr. Foxwell, as he saw Squire Thornby gazing at him in sullen defiance, stopped to greet that gentleman in the suavest possible manner.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Indifferent to their salutations, Mr. Foxwell stepped quickly from the chaise and offered his hand to his niece, who scarcely more than touched it in alighting.
a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading FRIENDS THE landlady came bouncing out, followed by her husband at a more dignified gait, to receive the newcomers.
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading Miss Foxwell and the maid followed the landlady immediately to the entry and up the stairs; but Mr. Foxwell, as he saw Squire Thornby gazing at him in sullen defiance, stopped to greet that gentleman in the suavest possible manner.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Indifferent to their salutations, Mr. Foxwell stepped quickly from the chaise and offered his hand to his niece, who scarcely more than touched it in alighting.
IndifferentadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈdɪfrənt/
marked by a lack of interest
From this reading Indifferent to their salutations, Mr. Foxwell stepped quickly from the chaise and offered his hand to his niece, who scarcely more than touched it in alighting.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Indifferent to their salutations, Mr. Foxwell stepped quickly from the chaise and offered his hand to his niece, who scarcely more than touched it in alighting.
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading Caleb meanwhile ran up to assist the maid, but was forestalled by Mr. Betteridge, who performed the office with a stately gallantry quite flustering to the young woman, causing her to blush, and her legs, stiff with the constraint of the journey, to stumble.
landladynounUS /ˈlændleɪdi/
a landlord who is a woman
From this reading FRIENDS THE landlady came bouncing out, followed by her husband at a more dignified gait, to receive the newcomers.
staying power
From this reading Caleb meanwhile ran up to assist the maid, but was forestalled by Mr. Betteridge, who performed the office with a stately gallantry quite flustering to the young woman, causing her to blush, and her legs, stiff with the constraint of the journey, to stumble.
a female domestic
From this reading Caleb meanwhile ran up to assist the maid, but was forestalled by Mr. Betteridge, who performed the office with a stately gallantry quite flustering to the young woman, causing her to blush, and her legs, stiff with the constraint of the journey, to stumble.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Miss Foxwell and the maid followed the landlady immediately to the entry and up the stairs; but Mr. Foxwell, as he saw Squire Thornby gazing at him in sullen defiance, stopped to greet that gentleman in the suavest possible manner.
at the same time but in another place
From this reading Caleb meanwhile ran up to assist the maid, but was forestalled by Mr. Betteridge, who performed the office with a stately gallantry quite flustering to the young woman, causing her to blush, and her legs, stiff with the constraint of the journey, to stumble.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading Miss Foxwell and the maid followed the landlady immediately to the entry and up the stairs; but Mr. Foxwell, as he saw Squire Thornby gazing at him in sullen defiance, stopped to greet that gentleman in the suavest possible manner.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading FRIENDS THE landlady came bouncing out, followed by her husband at a more dignified gait, to receive the newcomers.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Indifferent to their salutations, Mr. Foxwell stepped quickly from the chaise and offered his hand to his niece, who scarcely more than touched it in alighting.
newcomersnounUS /ˈnuːkʌmərz/
plural of “newcomer” — any new participant in some activity
From this reading FRIENDS THE landlady came bouncing out, followed by her husband at a more dignified gait, to receive the newcomers.
niecenounUS /niːs/
a daughter of your brother or sister
From this reading Indifferent to their salutations, Mr. Foxwell stepped quickly from the chaise and offered his hand to his niece, who scarcely more than touched it in alighting.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Caleb meanwhile ran up to assist the maid, but was forestalled by Mr. Betteridge, who performed the office with a stately gallantry quite flustering to the young woman, causing her to blush, and her legs, stiff with the constraint of the journey, to stumble.
past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading Indifferent to their salutations, Mr. Foxwell stepped quickly from the chaise and offered his hand to his niece, who scarcely more than touched it in alighting.
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading Caleb meanwhile ran up to assist the maid, but was forestalled by Mr. Betteridge, who performed the office with a stately gallantry quite flustering to the young woman, causing her to blush, and her legs, stiff with the constraint of the journey, to stumble.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading FRIENDS THE landlady came bouncing out, followed by her husband at a more dignified gait, to receive the newcomers.
performedverbUS /pərˈfɔːrmd/
past form of “perform” — carry out or perform an action
From this reading Caleb meanwhile ran up to assist the maid, but was forestalled by Mr. Betteridge, who performed the office with a stately gallantry quite flustering to the young woman, causing her to blush, and her legs, stiff with the constraint of the journey, to stumble.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading Miss Foxwell and the maid followed the landlady immediately to the entry and up the stairs; but Mr. Foxwell, as he saw Squire Thornby gazing at him in sullen defiance, stopped to greet that gentleman in the suavest possible manner.
with speed
From this reading Indifferent to their salutations, Mr. Foxwell stepped quickly from the chaise and offered his hand to his niece, who scarcely more than touched it in alighting.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading Caleb meanwhile ran up to assist the maid, but was forestalled by Mr. Betteridge, who performed the office with a stately gallantry quite flustering to the young woman, causing her to blush, and her legs, stiff with the constraint of the journey, to stumble.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading Caleb meanwhile ran up to assist the maid, but was forestalled by Mr. Betteridge, who performed the office with a stately gallantry quite flustering to the young woman, causing her to blush, and her legs, stiff with the constraint of the journey, to stumble.
get something; come into possession of
From this reading FRIENDS THE landlady came bouncing out, followed by her husband at a more dignified gait, to receive the newcomers.
salutations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indifferent to their salutations, Mr. Foxwell stepped quickly from the chaise and offered his hand to his niece, who scarcely more than touched it in alighting.
cut with a saw
From this reading Miss Foxwell and the maid followed the landlady immediately to the entry and up the stairs; but Mr. Foxwell, as he saw Squire Thornby gazing at him in sullen defiance, stopped to greet that gentleman in the suavest possible manner.
only a very short time before
From this reading Indifferent to their salutations, Mr. Foxwell stepped quickly from the chaise and offered his hand to his niece, who scarcely more than touched it in alighting.
young nobleman attendant on a knight
From this reading Miss Foxwell and the maid followed the landlady immediately to the entry and up the stairs; but Mr. Foxwell, as he saw Squire Thornby gazing at him in sullen defiance, stopped to greet that gentleman in the suavest possible manner.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading Miss Foxwell and the maid followed the landlady immediately to the entry and up the stairs; but Mr. Foxwell, as he saw Squire Thornby gazing at him in sullen defiance, stopped to greet that gentleman in the suavest possible manner.
statelyadjectiveUS /ˈsteɪtli/
impressive in appearance
From this reading Caleb meanwhile ran up to assist the maid, but was forestalled by Mr. Betteridge, who performed the office with a stately gallantry quite flustering to the young woman, causing her to blush, and her legs, stiff with the constraint of the journey, to stumble.
inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step
From this reading Indifferent to their salutations, Mr. Foxwell stepped quickly from the chaise and offered his hand to his niece, who scarcely more than touched it in alighting.
not moving or operating freely
From this reading Caleb meanwhile ran up to assist the maid, but was forestalled by Mr. Betteridge, who performed the office with a stately gallantry quite flustering to the young woman, causing her to blush, and her legs, stiff with the constraint of the journey, to stumble.
(of a nose) blocked
From this reading Miss Foxwell and the maid followed the landlady immediately to the entry and up the stairs; but Mr. Foxwell, as he saw Squire Thornby gazing at him in sullen defiance, stopped to greet that gentleman in the suavest possible manner.
stumbleverbUS /ˈstʌmbəl/
walk unsteadily
From this reading Caleb meanwhile ran up to assist the maid, but was forestalled by Mr. Betteridge, who performed the office with a stately gallantry quite flustering to the young woman, causing her to blush, and her legs, stiff with the constraint of the journey, to stumble.
suavest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Miss Foxwell and the maid followed the landlady immediately to the entry and up the stairs; but Mr. Foxwell, as he saw Squire Thornby gazing at him in sullen defiance, stopped to greet that gentleman in the suavest possible manner.
sullenadjectiveUS /ˈsʌlən/
showing a brooding ill humor
From this reading Miss Foxwell and the maid followed the landlady immediately to the entry and up the stairs; but Mr. Foxwell, as he saw Squire Thornby gazing at him in sullen defiance, stopped to greet that gentleman in the suavest possible manner.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Indifferent to their salutations, Mr. Foxwell stepped quickly from the chaise and offered his hand to his niece, who scarcely more than touched it in alighting.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Miss Foxwell and the maid followed the landlady immediately to the entry and up the stairs; but Mr. Foxwell, as he saw Squire Thornby gazing at him in sullen defiance, stopped to greet that gentleman in the suavest possible manner.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading FRIENDS THE landlady came bouncing out, followed by her husband at a more dignified gait, to receive the newcomers.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Indifferent to their salutations, Mr. Foxwell stepped quickly from the chaise and offered his hand to his niece, who scarcely more than touched it in alighting.
Thornby
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Miss Foxwell and the maid followed the landlady immediately to the entry and up the stairs; but Mr. Foxwell, as he saw Squire Thornby gazing at him in sullen defiance, stopped to greet that gentleman in the suavest possible manner.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading FRIENDS THE landlady came bouncing out, followed by her husband at a more dignified gait, to receive the newcomers.
having come into contact
From this reading Indifferent to their salutations, Mr. Foxwell stepped quickly from the chaise and offered his hand to his niece, who scarcely more than touched it in alighting.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Caleb meanwhile ran up to assist the maid, but was forestalled by Mr. Betteridge, who performed the office with a stately gallantry quite flustering to the young woman, causing her to blush, and her legs, stiff with the constraint of the journey, to stumble.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Caleb meanwhile ran up to assist the maid, but was forestalled by Mr. Betteridge, who performed the office with a stately gallantry quite flustering to the young woman, causing her to blush, and her legs, stiff with the constraint of the journey, to stumble.
which person or people
From this reading Indifferent to their salutations, Mr. Foxwell stepped quickly from the chaise and offered his hand to his niece, who scarcely more than touched it in alighting.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Caleb meanwhile ran up to assist the maid, but was forestalled by Mr. Betteridge, who performed the office with a stately gallantry quite flustering to the young woman, causing her to blush, and her legs, stiff with the constraint of the journey, to stumble.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading Caleb meanwhile ran up to assist the maid, but was forestalled by Mr. Betteridge, who performed the office with a stately gallantry quite flustering to the young woman, causing her to blush, and her legs, stiff with the constraint of the journey, to stumble.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Ah, Mr. Thornby, you here?”
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Caleb meanwhile ran up to assist the maid, but was forestalled by Mr. Betteridge, who performed the office with a stately gallantry quite flustering to the young woman, causing her to blush, and her legs, stiff with the constraint of the journey, to stumble.
