Chapter XIX · Chapter 19

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

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

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

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

any thing at all

From this reading If anything was wrong in Melinoff's dingy little place behind there, if anything had transpired, or was about to transpire that would ultimately, say, invite the attention of the police, it might prove extremely awkward--for Smarlinghue--should it be remembered that he had entered there!

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

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

From this reading He shook his head, as he tossed the match away.

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

From this reading If anything was wrong in Melinoff's dingy little place behind there, if anything had transpired, or was about to transpire that would ultimately, say, invite the attention of the police, it might prove extremely awkward--for Smarlinghue--should it be remembered that he had entered there!

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading He shook his head, as he tossed the match away.

causing inconvenience

From this reading If anything was wrong in Melinoff's dingy little place behind there, if anything had transpired, or was about to transpire that would ultimately, say, invite the attention of the police, it might prove extremely awkward--for Smarlinghue--should it be remembered that he had entered there!

having undesirable or negative qualities

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading If anything was wrong in Melinoff's dingy little place behind there, if anything had transpired, or was about to transpire that would ultimately, say, invite the attention of the police, it might prove extremely awkward--for Smarlinghue--should it be remembered that he had entered there!

earlier than; in front of

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading There was a better way--a much better way, and one that was exceedingly simple.

plural of “chance” — a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

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

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

relatively low in price or charging low prices

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

finely ground tobacco wrapped in paper; for smoking

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

An unroofed area that is completely or partially enclosed by the walls of a house.

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

an open river valley (in a hilly area)

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

the place designated as the end (as of a race or journey)

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

thickly covered with ingrained dirt or soot

From this reading If anything was wrong in Melinoff's dingy little place behind there, if anything had transpired, or was about to transpire that would ultimately, say, invite the attention of the police, it might prove extremely awkward--for Smarlinghue--should it be remembered that he had entered there!

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

the boundary of a surface

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading If anything was wrong in Melinoff's dingy little place behind there, if anything had transpired, or was about to transpire that would ultimately, say, invite the attention of the police, it might prove extremely awkward--for Smarlinghue--should it be remembered that he had entered there!

something that provides access (to get in or get out)

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

to an extreme degree

From this reading There was a better way--a much better way, and one that was exceedingly simple.

to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect

From this reading If anything was wrong in Melinoff's dingy little place behind there, if anything had transpired, or was about to transpire that would ultimately, say, invite the attention of the police, it might prove extremely awkward--for Smarlinghue--should it be remembered that he had entered there!

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading If anything was wrong in Melinoff's dingy little place behind there, if anything had transpired, or was about to transpire that would ultimately, say, invite the attention of the police, it might prove extremely awkward--for Smarlinghue--should it be remembered that he had entered there!

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

a channel along the eaves or on the roof; collects and carries away rainwater

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

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

From this reading If anything was wrong in Melinoff's dingy little place behind there, if anything had transpired, or was about to transpire that would ultimately, say, invite the attention of the police, it might prove extremely awkward--for Smarlinghue--should it be remembered that he had entered there!

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

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

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

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading He shook his head, as he tossed the match away.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

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

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

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

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If anything was wrong in Melinoff's dingy little place behind there, if anything had transpired, or was about to transpire that would ultimately, say, invite the attention of the police, it might prove extremely awkward--for Smarlinghue--should it be remembered that he had entered there!

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

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

increase the likelihood of

From this reading If anything was wrong in Melinoff's dingy little place behind there, if anything had transpired, or was about to transpire that would ultimately, say, invite the attention of the police, it might prove extremely awkward--for Smarlinghue--should it be remembered that he had entered there!

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

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

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

an artificial source of visible illumination

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

plural of “land” — the land on which real estate is located

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading If anything was wrong in Melinoff's dingy little place behind there, if anything had transpired, or was about to transpire that would ultimately, say, invite the attention of the police, it might prove extremely awkward--for Smarlinghue--should it be remembered that he had entered there!

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics

From this reading He shook his head, as he tossed the match away.

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

From this reading If anything was wrong in Melinoff's dingy little place behind there, if anything had transpired, or was about to transpire that would ultimately, say, invite the attention of the police, it might prove extremely awkward--for Smarlinghue--should it be remembered that he had entered there!

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading If anything was wrong in Melinoff's dingy little place behind there, if anything had transpired, or was about to transpire that would ultimately, say, invite the attention of the police, it might prove extremely awkward--for Smarlinghue--should it be remembered that he had entered there!

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading There was a better way--a much better way, and one that was exceedingly simple.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

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

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading There was a better way--a much better way, and one that was exceedingly simple.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading If anything was wrong in Melinoff's dingy little place behind there, if anything had transpired, or was about to transpire that would ultimately, say, invite the attention of the police, it might prove extremely awkward--for Smarlinghue--should it be remembered that he had entered there!

from appearances alone

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading If anything was wrong in Melinoff's dingy little place behind there, if anything had transpired, or was about to transpire that would ultimately, say, invite the attention of the police, it might prove extremely awkward--for Smarlinghue--should it be remembered that he had entered there!

the act of playing a musical instrument

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

the force of policemen and officers

From this reading If anything was wrong in Melinoff's dingy little place behind there, if anything had transpired, or was about to transpire that would ultimately, say, invite the attention of the police, it might prove extremely awkward--for Smarlinghue--should it be remembered that he had entered there!

be shown or be found to be

From this reading If anything was wrong in Melinoff's dingy little place behind there, if anything had transpired, or was about to transpire that would ultimately, say, invite the attention of the police, it might prove extremely awkward--for Smarlinghue--should it be remembered that he had entered there!

inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

past form of “remember” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

From this reading If anything was wrong in Melinoff's dingy little place behind there, if anything had transpired, or was about to transpire that would ultimately, say, invite the attention of the police, it might prove extremely awkward--for Smarlinghue--should it be remembered that he had entered there!

an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

express in words

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

a self-contained part of a larger composition (written or musical)

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

showing signs of wear and tear

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment

From this reading He shook his head, as he tossed the match away.

do one's shopping

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading If anything was wrong in Melinoff's dingy little place behind there, if anything had transpired, or was about to transpire that would ultimately, say, invite the attention of the police, it might prove extremely awkward--for Smarlinghue--should it be remembered that he had entered there!

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

walk consisting of a paved area for pedestrians; usually beside a street or roadway

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading There was a better way--a much better way, and one that was exceedingly simple.

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

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

not in physical motion

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

plural of “tenement” — a run-down apartment house barely meeting minimal standards

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

in a tentative manner

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

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

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

in or at that place or location

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

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

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

past form of “toss” — throw or toss with a light motion

From this reading He shook his head, as he tossed the match away.

pass through the tissue or substance or its pores or interstices, as of gas

From this reading If anything was wrong in Melinoff's dingy little place behind there, if anything had transpired, or was about to transpire that would ultimately, say, invite the attention of the police, it might prove extremely awkward--for Smarlinghue--should it be remembered that he had entered there!

past form of “transpire” — pass through the tissue or substance or its pores or interstices, as of gas

From this reading If anything was wrong in Melinoff's dingy little place behind there, if anything had transpired, or was about to transpire that would ultimately, say, invite the attention of the police, it might prove extremely awkward--for Smarlinghue--should it be remembered that he had entered there!

as the end result of a succession or process

From this reading If anything was wrong in Melinoff's dingy little place behind there, if anything had transpired, or was about to transpire that would ultimately, say, invite the attention of the police, it might prove extremely awkward--for Smarlinghue--should it be remembered that he had entered there!

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

a writ from a court commanding police to perform specified acts

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

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

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading There was a better way--a much better way, and one that was exceedingly simple.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

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

From this reading It was still early; there were too many people about, to say nothing of the group of half-naked children playing in the gutter under the street lamp in front of the courtyard entrance, and "Smarlinghue" was far too well known a character in that section of the Bad Lands to warrant him in taking any chances.

during the time that

From this reading THE OLD-CLOTHES SHOP Ten minutes later, still in the heart of the East Side, Jimmie Dale reached his destination, and paused on the edge of the sidewalk, ostensibly to light a cigarette while he looked tentatively around him, before the entrance to a courtyard that ran in behind a row of cheap and shabby tenements.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading If anything was wrong in Melinoff's dingy little place behind there, if anything had transpired, or was about to transpire that would ultimately, say, invite the attention of the police, it might prove extremely awkward--for Smarlinghue--should it be remembered that he had entered there!

not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth

From this reading If anything was wrong in Melinoff's dingy little place behind there, if anything had transpired, or was about to transpire that would ultimately, say, invite the attention of the police, it might prove extremely awkward--for Smarlinghue--should it be remembered that he had entered there!