Chapter XXVI · Chapter 26

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

From this reading And presently we went upstairs to take a look at the contents of Silva's secret cupboard.

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

From this reading And presently we went upstairs to take a look at the contents of Silva's secret cupboard.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

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

From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading When he had first come to the house, Miss Vaughan explained, he had been given carte-blanche in this suite of rooms.

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

the lower side of anything

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness

From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.

an administrative unit of government

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

with self-possession (especially in times of stress)

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

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

From this reading When he had first come to the house, Miss Vaughan explained, he had been given carte-blanche in this suite of rooms.

an occurrence of something

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally

From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.

having the shape or form of a circle

From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading When he had first come to the house, Miss Vaughan explained, he had been given carte-blanche in this suite of rooms.

(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something

From this reading And presently we went upstairs to take a look at the contents of Silva's secret cupboard.

a solid formed by the solidification of a chemical and having a highly regular atomic structure

From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.

a small room (or recess) or cabinet used for storage space

From this reading And presently we went upstairs to take a look at the contents of Silva's secret cupboard.

a long backless sofa (usually with pillows against a wall)

From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible

From this reading When he had first come to the house, Miss Vaughan explained, he had been given carte-blanche in this suite of rooms.

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

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

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading When he had first come to the house, Miss Vaughan explained, he had been given carte-blanche in this suite of rooms.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading When he had first come to the house, Miss Vaughan explained, he had been given carte-blanche in this suite of rooms.

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

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

plural of “hanging” — decoration that is hung (as a tapestry) on a wall or over a window

From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.

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

From this reading When he had first come to the house, Miss Vaughan explained, he had been given carte-blanche in this suite of rooms.

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

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading When he had first come to the house, Miss Vaughan explained, he had been given carte-blanche in this suite of rooms.

the act of designating or identifying something

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

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

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

the quality of never making an error

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

inflected form of “instal” — set up for use

From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.

arousing or holding the attention

From this reading Its contents were most interesting.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading And presently we went upstairs to take a look at the contents of Silva's secret cupboard.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading When he had first come to the house, Miss Vaughan explained, he had been given carte-blanche in this suite of rooms.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Its contents were most interesting.

not any; not one

From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

by chance

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

in the near future

From this reading And presently we went upstairs to take a look at the contents of Silva's secret cupboard.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

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

From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)

From this reading When he had first come to the house, Miss Vaughan explained, he had been given carte-blanche in this suite of rooms.

Identical; not different.

From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading And presently we went upstairs to take a look at the contents of Silva's secret cupboard.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

chosen in preference to another

From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.

possessive form of “silva” — the forest trees growing in a country or region

From this reading And presently we went upstairs to take a look at the contents of Silva's secret cupboard.

a particular environment or walk of life

From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.

a musical composition of several movements only loosely connected

From this reading When he had first come to the house, Miss Vaughan explained, he had been given carte-blanche in this suite of rooms.

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

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

carry out

From this reading And presently we went upstairs to take a look at the contents of Silva's secret cupboard.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

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

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading When he had first come to the house, Miss Vaughan explained, he had been given carte-blanche in this suite of rooms.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading He had them remodelled, installed the circular divan and crystal sphere, selected the hangings, and had at the same time, no doubt, caused the secret cupboard to be built.

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

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

unsteady in gait as from infirmity or old age

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

on a floor above

From this reading And presently we went upstairs to take a look at the contents of Silva's secret cupboard.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

United States jazz singer noted for her complex bebop phrasing and scat singing (1924-1990)

From this reading When he had first come to the house, Miss Vaughan explained, he had been given carte-blanche in this suite of rooms.

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

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading And presently we went upstairs to take a look at the contents of Silva's secret cupboard.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading And presently we went upstairs to take a look at the contents of Silva's secret cupboard.

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

From this reading Its contents were most interesting.

at the time that

From this reading When he had first come to the house, Miss Vaughan explained, he had been given carte-blanche in this suite of rooms.

which person or people

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading THE END OF THE CASE To Sylvester, head of the Identification Bureau, it seemed that the world was tottering to its fall; but the rest of us, who had not really at the bottom of our hearts, perhaps, believed in the infallibility of the finger-print system, took it more calmly.