used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE TOCSIN'S STORY It was a whimsical movement, a whimsical trick of Jimmie Dale's--that outward thrust of his hand that he might study it in a curiously impersonal, yet mercilessly critical way.
anew
From this reading He laughed a little harshly, as he allowed his hand to drop again to the arm of his chair.
past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading He laughed a little harshly, as he allowed his hand to drop again to the arm of his chair.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading An evening newspaper lay open on the table.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
From this reading He laughed a little harshly, as he allowed his hand to drop again to the arm of his chair.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading Jimmie Dale's eyes fixed for an instant on a glaring headline, then travelled slowly around the little room--one of the St. James' Club's private writing rooms--and came back to the paper again.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He laughed a little harshly, as he allowed his hand to drop again to the arm of his chair.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Jimmie Dale's eyes fixed for an instant on a glaring headline, then travelled slowly around the little room--one of the St. James' Club's private writing rooms--and came back to the paper again.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
people who have severe visual impairments, considered as a group
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
the act of breaking something
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Jimmie Dale's eyes fixed for an instant on a glaring headline, then travelled slowly around the little room--one of the St. James' Club's private writing rooms--and came back to the paper again.
a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading He laughed a little harshly, as he allowed his hand to drop again to the arm of his chair.
chessboardnounUS /ˈtʃesbɔːrd/
a checkerboard used to play chess
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
Club'snounUS /klʌbz/
possessive form of “club” — a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together
From this reading Jimmie Dale's eyes fixed for an instant on a glaring headline, then travelled slowly around the little room--one of the St. James' Club's private writing rooms--and came back to the paper again.
bringing or deserving severe rebuke or censure
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
criticaladjectiveUS /ˈkrɪtɪkəl/
marked by a tendency to find and call attention to errors and flaws
From this reading THE TOCSIN'S STORY It was a whimsical movement, a whimsical trick of Jimmie Dale's--that outward thrust of his hand that he might study it in a curiously impersonal, yet mercilessly critical way.
cumulativeadjectiveUS /ˈkjuːmjələtɪv/
increasing by successive addition
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
attractive especially by means of smallness or prettiness or quaintness
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
curiouslyadverbUS /ˈkjʊriəsli/
in a manner differing from the usual or expected
From this reading THE TOCSIN'S STORY It was a whimsical movement, a whimsical trick of Jimmie Dale's--that outward thrust of his hand that he might study it in a curiously impersonal, yet mercilessly critical way.
Dale'snounUS /deɪlz/
possessive form of “dale” — an open river valley (in a hilly area)
From this reading THE TOCSIN'S STORY It was a whimsical movement, a whimsical trick of Jimmie Dale's--that outward thrust of his hand that he might study it in a curiously impersonal, yet mercilessly critical way.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
dennounUS /den/
the habitation of wild animals
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
deviltrynoun
wicked and cruel behavior
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
divenounUS /daɪv/
a cheap disreputable nightclub or dance hall
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
dominatingadjectiveUS /ˈdɑːməneɪtɪŋ/
most powerful or important or influential
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
let fall to the ground
From this reading He laughed a little harshly, as he allowed his hand to drop again to the arm of his chair.
the boundary of a surface
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
having escaped, especially from confinement
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading An evening newspaper lay open on the table.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
morally objectionable behavior
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Jimmie Dale's eyes fixed for an instant on a glaring headline, then travelled slowly around the little room--one of the St. James' Club's private writing rooms--and came back to the paper again.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value
From this reading Jimmie Dale's eyes fixed for an instant on a glaring headline, then travelled slowly around the little room--one of the St. James' Club's private writing rooms--and came back to the paper again.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
glaringadjectiveUS /ˈɡlerɪŋ/
shining intensely
From this reading Jimmie Dale's eyes fixed for an instant on a glaring headline, then travelled slowly around the little room--one of the St. James' Club's private writing rooms--and came back to the paper again.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading THE TOCSIN'S STORY It was a whimsical movement, a whimsical trick of Jimmie Dale's--that outward thrust of his hand that he might study it in a curiously impersonal, yet mercilessly critical way.
harshlyadverbUS /ˈhɑːrʃli/
in a harsh or unkind manner
From this reading He laughed a little harshly, as he allowed his hand to drop again to the arm of his chair.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE TOCSIN'S STORY It was a whimsical movement, a whimsical trick of Jimmie Dale's--that outward thrust of his hand that he might study it in a curiously impersonal, yet mercilessly critical way.
headlineverbUS /ˈhedlaɪn/
publicize widely or highly, as if with a headline
From this reading Jimmie Dale's eyes fixed for an instant on a glaring headline, then travelled slowly around the little room--one of the St. James' Club's private writing rooms--and came back to the paper again.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE TOCSIN'S STORY It was a whimsical movement, a whimsical trick of Jimmie Dale's--that outward thrust of his hand that he might study it in a curiously impersonal, yet mercilessly critical way.
hourlyadjectiveUS /ˈaʊrli/
occurring every hour or payable by the hour
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
impersonaladjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpɜːrsənəl/
not relating to or responsive to individual persons
From this reading THE TOCSIN'S STORY It was a whimsical movement, a whimsical trick of Jimmie Dale's--that outward thrust of his hand that he might study it in a curiously impersonal, yet mercilessly critical way.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE TOCSIN'S STORY It was a whimsical movement, a whimsical trick of Jimmie Dale's--that outward thrust of his hand that he might study it in a curiously impersonal, yet mercilessly critical way.
made greater in size or amount or degree
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
inhumanadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈhjuːmən/
without compunction or human feeling
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)
From this reading Jimmie Dale's eyes fixed for an instant on a glaring headline, then travelled slowly around the little room--one of the St. James' Club's private writing rooms--and came back to the paper again.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE TOCSIN'S STORY It was a whimsical movement, a whimsical trick of Jimmie Dale's--that outward thrust of his hand that he might study it in a curiously impersonal, yet mercilessly critical way.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)
From this reading Jimmie Dale's eyes fixed for an instant on a glaring headline, then travelled slowly around the little room--one of the St. James' Club's private writing rooms--and came back to the paper again.
Jimmie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE TOCSIN'S STORY It was a whimsical movement, a whimsical trick of Jimmie Dale's--that outward thrust of his hand that he might study it in a curiously impersonal, yet mercilessly critical way.
set down according to a plan
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
past form of “laugh” — produce laughter
From this reading He laughed a little harshly, as he allowed his hand to drop again to the arm of his chair.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading An evening newspaper lay open on the table.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading He laughed a little harshly, as he allowed his hand to drop again to the arm of his chair.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
malignantadjectiveUS /məˈlɪɡnənt/
dangerous to health; characterized by progressive and uncontrolled growth (especially of a tumor)
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
an artist of consummate skill
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
mentallyadverbUS /ˈmentəli/
in your mind
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
mercilesslyadverbUS /ˈmɜːrsələsli/
without pity; in a merciless manner
From this reading THE TOCSIN'S STORY It was a whimsical movement, a whimsical trick of Jimmie Dale's--that outward thrust of his hand that he might study it in a curiously impersonal, yet mercilessly critical way.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading THE TOCSIN'S STORY It was a whimsical movement, a whimsical trick of Jimmie Dale's--that outward thrust of his hand that he might study it in a curiously impersonal, yet mercilessly critical way.
MolenounUS /moʊl/
the molecular weight of a substance expressed in grams; the basic unit of amount of substance adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
a change of position that does not entail a change of location
From this reading THE TOCSIN'S STORY It was a whimsical movement, a whimsical trick of Jimmie Dale's--that outward thrust of his hand that he might study it in a curiously impersonal, yet mercilessly critical way.
narrowlyadverbUS /ˈneroʊli/
in a narrow manner; not allowing for exceptions
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
an uneasy psychological state
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements
From this reading An evening newspaper lay open on the table.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
not any; not one
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE TOCSIN'S STORY It was a whimsical movement, a whimsical trick of Jimmie Dale's--that outward thrust of his hand that he might study it in a curiously impersonal, yet mercilessly critical way.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Jimmie Dale's eyes fixed for an instant on a glaring headline, then travelled slowly around the little room--one of the St. James' Club's private writing rooms--and came back to the paper again.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading An evening newspaper lay open on the table.
outwardadjectiveUS /ˈaʊtwərd/
relating to physical reality rather than with thoughts or the mind
From this reading THE TOCSIN'S STORY It was a whimsical movement, a whimsical trick of Jimmie Dale's--that outward thrust of his hand that he might study it in a curiously impersonal, yet mercilessly critical way.
outwardlyadverbUS /ˈaʊtwərdli/
with respect to the outside
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses
From this reading Jimmie Dale's eyes fixed for an instant on a glaring headline, then travelled slowly around the little room--one of the St. James' Club's private writing rooms--and came back to the paper again.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
pawnsnounUS /pɔːnz/
plural of “pawn” — an article deposited as security
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
physicallyadverbUS /ˈfɪzɪkəli/
in accord with physical laws
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
PippinnounUS /ˈpɪpɪn/
any of numerous superior eating apples with yellow or greenish yellow skin flushed with red
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
possession of controlling influence
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading Jimmie Dale's eyes fixed for an instant on a glaring headline, then travelled slowly around the little room--one of the St. James' Club's private writing rooms--and came back to the paper again.
rawadjectiveUS /rɑː/
(used especially of commodities) being unprocessed or manufactured using only simple or minimal processes
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading Jimmie Dale's eyes fixed for an instant on a glaring headline, then travelled slowly around the little room--one of the St. James' Club's private writing rooms--and came back to the paper again.
apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)
From this reading Jimmie Dale's eyes fixed for an instant on a glaring headline, then travelled slowly around the little room--one of the St. James' Club's private writing rooms--and came back to the paper again.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading Jimmie Dale's eyes fixed for an instant on a glaring headline, then travelled slowly around the little room--one of the St. James' Club's private writing rooms--and came back to the paper again.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
St
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jimmie Dale's eyes fixed for an instant on a glaring headline, then travelled slowly around the little room--one of the St. James' Club's private writing rooms--and came back to the paper again.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading THE TOCSIN'S STORY It was a whimsical movement, a whimsical trick of Jimmie Dale's--that outward thrust of his hand that he might study it in a curiously impersonal, yet mercilessly critical way.
(physics) deformation of a physical body under the action of applied forces
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
strategistnounUS /ˈstrætɪdʒɪst/
an expert in strategy (especially in warfare)
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
a detailed critical inspection
From this reading THE TOCSIN'S STORY It was a whimsical movement, a whimsical trick of Jimmie Dale's--that outward thrust of his hand that he might study it in a curiously impersonal, yet mercilessly critical way.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading An evening newspaper lay open on the table.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE TOCSIN'S STORY It was a whimsical movement, a whimsical trick of Jimmie Dale's--that outward thrust of his hand that he might study it in a curiously impersonal, yet mercilessly critical way.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE TOCSIN'S STORY It was a whimsical movement, a whimsical trick of Jimmie Dale's--that outward thrust of his hand that he might study it in a curiously impersonal, yet mercilessly critical way.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Jimmie Dale's eyes fixed for an instant on a glaring headline, then travelled slowly around the little room--one of the St. James' Club's private writing rooms--and came back to the paper again.
in or at that place or location
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
push forcefully
From this reading THE TOCSIN'S STORY It was a whimsical movement, a whimsical trick of Jimmie Dale's--that outward thrust of his hand that he might study it in a curiously impersonal, yet mercilessly critical way.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He laughed a little harshly, as he allowed his hand to drop again to the arm of his chair.
TOCSIN'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE TOCSIN'S STORY It was a whimsical movement, a whimsical trick of Jimmie Dale's--that outward thrust of his hand that he might study it in a curiously impersonal, yet mercilessly critical way.
toolsnounUS /tuːlz/
plural of “tool” — an implement used in the practice of a vocation
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
trapnounUS /træp/
a device in which something (usually an animal) can be caught and penned
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
travelledadjectiveUS /ˈtrævəld/
familiar with many parts of the world
From this reading Jimmie Dale's eyes fixed for an instant on a glaring headline, then travelled slowly around the little room--one of the St. James' Club's private writing rooms--and came back to the paper again.
tremornounUS /ˈtremər/
an involuntary vibration (as if from illness or fear)
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
a cunning or deceitful action or device
From this reading THE TOCSIN'S STORY It was a whimsical movement, a whimsical trick of Jimmie Dale's--that outward thrust of his hand that he might study it in a curiously impersonal, yet mercilessly critical way.
underworldnounUS /ˈʌndərwɜːrld/
the criminal class
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
not known
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
unseenadjectiveUS /ənˈsiːn/
not seen or perceived
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE TOCSIN'S STORY It was a whimsical movement, a whimsical trick of Jimmie Dale's--that outward thrust of his hand that he might study it in a curiously impersonal, yet mercilessly critical way.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading THE TOCSIN'S STORY It was a whimsical movement, a whimsical trick of Jimmie Dale's--that outward thrust of his hand that he might study it in a curiously impersonal, yet mercilessly critical way.
whimsicaladjectiveUS /ˈwɪmzɪkəl/
determined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason
From this reading THE TOCSIN'S STORY It was a whimsical movement, a whimsical trick of Jimmie Dale's--that outward thrust of his hand that he might study it in a curiously impersonal, yet mercilessly critical way.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
belonging to which person
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading No, there was no tremor there--mentally he might be near the breaking point, his nerves raw and on edge; but physically, outwardly, he gave no sign of the strain that, cumulative in its anxiety, had increased hourly, it seemed, in the three days that had passed since the night he had so narrowly escaped the trap laid by that unknown master criminal, whose cunning, power and malignant genius was dominating and making itself felt in every den and dive of the underworld, and for whom the Pippin and the Mole that night had been but blind tools, pawns moved at the will of this unseen, evil strategist upon a chessboard of inhuman deviltry.
the act of creating written works
From this reading Jimmie Dale's eyes fixed for an instant on a glaring headline, then travelled slowly around the little room--one of the St. James' Club's private writing rooms--and came back to the paper again.
but in spite of that
From this reading THE TOCSIN'S STORY It was a whimsical movement, a whimsical trick of Jimmie Dale's--that outward thrust of his hand that he might study it in a curiously impersonal, yet mercilessly critical way.
