used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
accurateadjectiveUS /ˈækjərət/
conforming exactly or almost exactly to fact or to a standard or performing with total accuracy
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
acquireverbUS /əˈkwaɪər/
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
admirablyadverbUS /ˈædmərəbli/
in an admirable manner
From this reading This suited Mrs. Peters admirably, for there was a dumb-waiter between that room and the pantry.
united by being of the same opinion
From this reading But the vicar wanted perfect quiet to prepare his sermons, and it was agreed that the instrument should be placed in the dining-room.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading Standing on the other side of the hatch (which she raised with caution a couple of inches) she could hear all that passed, secure in the reflection that a screen concealed the hatch and butler's tray.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading This is what she heard as soon as the vicar had left the room.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading But the vicar wanted perfect quiet to prepare his sermons, and it was agreed that the instrument should be placed in the dining-room.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading This suited Mrs. Peters admirably, for there was a dumb-waiter between that room and the pantry.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But the vicar wanted perfect quiet to prepare his sermons, and it was agreed that the instrument should be placed in the dining-room.
butler'snounUS /ˈbʌtlərz/
possessive form of “butler” — a manservant (usually the head servant of a household) who has charge of wines and the table
From this reading Standing on the other side of the hatch (which she raised with caution a couple of inches) she could hear all that passed, secure in the reflection that a screen concealed the hatch and butler's tray.
cautionnounUS /ˈkɑːʃən/
the trait of being cautious; being attentive to possible danger
From this reading Standing on the other side of the hatch (which she raised with caution a couple of inches) she could hear all that passed, secure in the reflection that a screen concealed the hatch and butler's tray.
not accessible to view
From this reading Standing on the other side of the hatch (which she raised with caution a couple of inches) she could hear all that passed, secure in the reflection that a screen concealed the hatch and butler's tray.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Standing on the other side of the hatch (which she raised with caution a couple of inches) she could hear all that passed, secure in the reflection that a screen concealed the hatch and butler's tray.
a pair who associate with one another
From this reading Standing on the other side of the hatch (which she raised with caution a couple of inches) she could hear all that passed, secure in the reflection that a screen concealed the hatch and butler's tray.
dining-roomnoun
a room used for dining
From this reading But the vicar wanted perfect quiet to prepare his sermons, and it was agreed that the instrument should be placed in the dining-room.
dumb-waiter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This suited Mrs. Peters admirably, for there was a dumb-waiter between that room and the pantry.
plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
hatchverbUS /hætʃ/
emerge from the eggs
From this reading Standing on the other side of the hatch (which she raised with caution a couple of inches) she could hear all that passed, secure in the reflection that a screen concealed the hatch and butler's tray.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
perceive (sound) via the auditory sense
From this reading Standing on the other side of the hatch (which she raised with caution a couple of inches) she could hear all that passed, secure in the reflection that a screen concealed the hatch and butler's tray.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading This is what she heard as soon as the vicar had left the room.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading But the vicar wanted perfect quiet to prepare his sermons, and it was agreed that the instrument should be placed in the dining-room.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
plural of “inch” — a unit of length equal to one twelfth of a foot
From this reading Standing on the other side of the hatch (which she raised with caution a couple of inches) she could hear all that passed, secure in the reflection that a screen concealed the hatch and butler's tray.
a message received and understood
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
instrumentnounUS /ˈɪnstrəmənt/
a device that requires skill for proper use
From this reading But the vicar wanted perfect quiet to prepare his sermons, and it was agreed that the instrument should be placed in the dining-room.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This is what she heard as soon as the vicar had left the room.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading But the vicar wanted perfect quiet to prepare his sermons, and it was agreed that the instrument should be placed in the dining-room.
having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
keyholenounUS /ˈkiːhoʊl/
the hole where a key is inserted
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading This is what she heard as soon as the vicar had left the room.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
in such a manner as could not be otherwise
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Standing on the other side of the hatch (which she raised with caution a couple of inches) she could hear all that passed, secure in the reflection that a screen concealed the hatch and butler's tray.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Standing on the other side of the hatch (which she raised with caution a couple of inches) she could hear all that passed, secure in the reflection that a screen concealed the hatch and butler's tray.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Standing on the other side of the hatch (which she raised with caution a couple of inches) she could hear all that passed, secure in the reflection that a screen concealed the hatch and butler's tray.
pantrynounUS /ˈpæntri/
a small storeroom for storing foods or wines
From this reading This suited Mrs. Peters admirably, for there was a dumb-waiter between that room and the pantry.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading Standing on the other side of the hatch (which she raised with caution a couple of inches) she could hear all that passed, secure in the reflection that a screen concealed the hatch and butler's tray.
being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish
From this reading But the vicar wanted perfect quiet to prepare his sermons, and it was agreed that the instrument should be placed in the dining-room.
PetersnounUS /ˈpiːtərz/
plural of “peter” — disciple of Jesus and leader of the Apostles; regarded by Catholics as the vicar of Christ on earth and first Pope
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading But the vicar wanted perfect quiet to prepare his sermons, and it was agreed that the instrument should be placed in the dining-room.
participate in games or sport
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
practiseverbUS /ˈpræktɪs/
engage in a rehearsal
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
prepareverbUS /priˈper/
make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc
From this reading But the vicar wanted perfect quiet to prepare his sermons, and it was agreed that the instrument should be placed in the dining-room.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading But the vicar wanted perfect quiet to prepare his sermons, and it was agreed that the instrument should be placed in the dining-room.
located or moved above the surround or above the normal position
From this reading Standing on the other side of the hatch (which she raised with caution a couple of inches) she could hear all that passed, secure in the reflection that a screen concealed the hatch and butler's tray.
a calm, lengthy, intent consideration
From this reading Standing on the other side of the hatch (which she raised with caution a couple of inches) she could hear all that passed, secure in the reflection that a screen concealed the hatch and butler's tray.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading This suited Mrs. Peters admirably, for there was a dumb-waiter between that room and the pantry.
screennounUS /skriːn/
a white or silvered surface where pictures can be projected for viewing
From this reading Standing on the other side of the hatch (which she raised with caution a couple of inches) she could hear all that passed, secure in the reflection that a screen concealed the hatch and butler's tray.
get by special effort
From this reading Standing on the other side of the hatch (which she raised with caution a couple of inches) she could hear all that passed, secure in the reflection that a screen concealed the hatch and butler's tray.
sermonsnounUS /ˈsɜːrmənz/
plural of “sermon” — an address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service)
From this reading But the vicar wanted perfect quiet to prepare his sermons, and it was agreed that the instrument should be placed in the dining-room.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Standing on the other side of the hatch (which she raised with caution a couple of inches) she could hear all that passed, secure in the reflection that a screen concealed the hatch and butler's tray.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading But the vicar wanted perfect quiet to prepare his sermons, and it was agreed that the instrument should be placed in the dining-room.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading Standing on the other side of the hatch (which she raised with caution a couple of inches) she could hear all that passed, secure in the reflection that a screen concealed the hatch and butler's tray.
in the near future
From this reading This is what she heard as soon as the vicar had left the room.
having a supporting base
From this reading Standing on the other side of the hatch (which she raised with caution a couple of inches) she could hear all that passed, secure in the reflection that a screen concealed the hatch and butler's tray.
a detailed critical inspection
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
suitedadjectiveUS /ˈsuːtɪd/
meant or adapted for an occasion or use
From this reading This suited Mrs. Peters admirably, for there was a dumb-waiter between that room and the pantry.
telephonenounUS /ˈteləfoʊn/
electronic equipment that converts sound into electrical signals that can be transmitted over distances and then converts received signals back into sounds
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading But the vicar wanted perfect quiet to prepare his sermons, and it was agreed that the instrument should be placed in the dining-room.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
in or at that place or location
From this reading This suited Mrs. Peters admirably, for there was a dumb-waiter between that room and the pantry.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This suited Mrs. Peters admirably, for there was a dumb-waiter between that room and the pantry.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
TONY
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
traynounUS /treɪ/
an open receptacle for holding or displaying or serving articles or food
From this reading Standing on the other side of the hatch (which she raised with caution a couple of inches) she could hear all that passed, secure in the reflection that a screen concealed the hatch and butler's tray.
unusuallyadverbUS /əˈnjuːʒuːəli/
to a remarkable degree or extent
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
vicarnounUS /ˈvɪkər/
a Roman Catholic priest who acts for another higher-ranking clergyman
From this reading But the vicar wanted perfect quiet to prepare his sermons, and it was agreed that the instrument should be placed in the dining-room.
vicar's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
desired or wished for or sought
From this reading But the vicar wanted perfect quiet to prepare his sermons, and it was agreed that the instrument should be placed in the dining-room.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But the vicar wanted perfect quiet to prepare his sermons, and it was agreed that the instrument should be placed in the dining-room.
past form of “watch” — look attentively
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading This is what she heard as soon as the vicar had left the room.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Standing on the other side of the hatch (which she raised with caution a couple of inches) she could hear all that passed, secure in the reflection that a screen concealed the hatch and butler's tray.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Standing on the other side of the hatch (which she raised with caution a couple of inches) she could hear all that passed, secure in the reflection that a screen concealed the hatch and butler's tray.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading TONY AT WORK AND AT PLAY If the telephone had been in the vicar's study Mrs. Peters might have watched in vain; for to acquire accurate information through a keyhole needs practise or unusually keen ears.
