used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading So she ran desperately into a closet connected with her mother's chamber, fell upon the floor, and cried herself to sleep, with her flushed cheeks resting on two round arms, folded helplessly on the bare boards.
(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 Before Rose left the parlor she was so frightened and subdued by her mother's stern reprimands, that all idea of appealing for help forsook her.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Before Rose left the parlor she was so frightened and subdued by her mother's stern reprimands, that all idea of appealing for help forsook her.
appealingadjectiveUS /əˈpiːlɪŋ/
able to attract interest or draw favorable attention
From this reading Before Rose left the parlor she was so frightened and subdued by her mother's stern reprimands, that all idea of appealing for help forsook her.
weapons considered collectively
From this reading So she ran desperately into a closet connected with her mother's chamber, fell upon the floor, and cried herself to sleep, with her flushed cheeks resting on two round arms, folded helplessly on the bare boards.
completely unclothed
From this reading So she ran desperately into a closet connected with her mother's chamber, fell upon the floor, and cried herself to sleep, with her flushed cheeks resting on two round arms, folded helplessly on the bare boards.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Before Rose left the parlor she was so frightened and subdued by her mother's stern reprimands, that all idea of appealing for help forsook her.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
boardsnounUS /bɔːrdz/
(used in the plural) the stage of a theater
From this reading So she ran desperately into a closet connected with her mother's chamber, fell upon the floor, and cried herself to sleep, with her flushed cheeks resting on two round arms, folded helplessly on the bare boards.
bureausnounUS /ˈbjʊroʊz/
plural of “bureau” — an administrative unit of government
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Before Rose left the parlor she was so frightened and subdued by her mother's stern reprimands, that all idea of appealing for help forsook her.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Toward night, Mrs. Mason came up-stairs, looking haughty and excited.
a natural or artificial enclosed space
From this reading So she ran desperately into a closet connected with her mother's chamber, fell upon the floor, and cried herself to sleep, with her flushed cheeks resting on two round arms, folded helplessly on the bare boards.
plural of “cheek” — either side of the face below the eyes
From this reading So she ran desperately into a closet connected with her mother's chamber, fell upon the floor, and cried herself to sleep, with her flushed cheeks resting on two round arms, folded helplessly on the bare boards.
a young person of either sex
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
closetnounUS /ˈklɑːzət/
a small room (or recess) or cabinet used for storage space
From this reading So she ran desperately into a closet connected with her mother's chamber, fell upon the floor, and cried herself to sleep, with her flushed cheeks resting on two round arms, folded helplessly on the bare boards.
being joined in close association
From this reading So she ran desperately into a closet connected with her mother's chamber, fell upon the floor, and cried herself to sleep, with her flushed cheeks resting on two round arms, folded helplessly on the bare boards.
inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading So she ran desperately into a closet connected with her mother's chamber, fell upon the floor, and cried herself to sleep, with her flushed cheeks resting on two round arms, folded helplessly on the bare boards.
curlsnounUS /kɜːrlz/
plural of “curl” — a round shape formed by a series of concentric circles (as formed by leaves or flower petals)
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
desperatelyadverbUS /ˈdespərətli/
with great urgency
From this reading So she ran desperately into a closet connected with her mother's chamber, fell upon the floor, and cried herself to sleep, with her flushed cheeks resting on two round arms, folded helplessly on the bare boards.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
put on clothes
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
elaborateadjectiveUS /ɪˈlæbrət/
marked by complexity and richness of detail
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
having escaped, especially from confinement
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
(of persons) excessively affected by emotion
From this reading Toward night, Mrs. Mason came up-stairs, looking haughty and excited.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading So she ran desperately into a closet connected with her mother's chamber, fell upon the floor, and cried herself to sleep, with her flushed cheeks resting on two round arms, folded helplessly on the bare boards.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading So she ran desperately into a closet connected with her mother's chamber, fell upon the floor, and cried herself to sleep, with her flushed cheeks resting on two round arms, folded helplessly on the bare boards.
having the pinkish flush of health
From this reading So she ran desperately into a closet connected with her mother's chamber, fell upon the floor, and cried herself to sleep, with her flushed cheeks resting on two round arms, folded helplessly on the bare boards.
past form of “fold” — bend or lay so that one part covers the other
From this reading So she ran desperately into a closet connected with her mother's chamber, fell upon the floor, and cried herself to sleep, with her flushed cheeks resting on two round arms, folded helplessly on the bare boards.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Before Rose left the parlor she was so frightened and subdued by her mother's stern reprimands, that all idea of appealing for help forsook her.
forsookverbUS /fɔːrˈsʊk/
inflected form of “forsake” — leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch
From this reading Before Rose left the parlor she was so frightened and subdued by her mother's stern reprimands, that all idea of appealing for help forsook her.
made afraid
From this reading Before Rose left the parlor she was so frightened and subdued by her mother's stern reprimands, that all idea of appealing for help forsook her.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
gossameradjectiveUS /ˈɡɑːsəmər/
characterized by unusual lightness and delicacy
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
haughtyadjectiveUS /ˈhɔːti/
having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy
From this reading Toward night, Mrs. Mason came up-stairs, looking haughty and excited.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
heedingverbUS /ˈhiːdɪŋ/
-ing form of “heed” — pay close attention to; give heed to
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading Before Rose left the parlor she was so frightened and subdued by her mother's stern reprimands, that all idea of appealing for help forsook her.
helplesslyadverbUS /ˈhelpləsli/
in a helpless manner
From this reading So she ran desperately into a closet connected with her mother's chamber, fell upon the floor, and cried herself to sleep, with her flushed cheeks resting on two round arms, folded helplessly on the bare boards.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Before Rose left the parlor she was so frightened and subdued by her mother's stern reprimands, that all idea of appealing for help forsook her.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading So she ran desperately into a closet connected with her mother's chamber, fell upon the floor, and cried herself to sleep, with her flushed cheeks resting on two round arms, folded helplessly on the bare boards.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading PAUL SEES HIS MOTHER'S NECKLACE.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Before Rose left the parlor she was so frightened and subdued by her mother's stern reprimands, that all idea of appealing for help forsook her.
indicationsnounUS /ˌɪndəˈkeɪʃənz/
plural of “indication” — something that serves to indicate or suggest
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading So she ran desperately into a closet connected with her mother's chamber, fell upon the floor, and cried herself to sleep, with her flushed cheeks resting on two round arms, folded helplessly on the bare boards.
and nothing more
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
lacesnounUS /ˈleɪsəz/
plural of “lace” — a cord that is drawn through eyelets or around hooks in order to draw together two edges (as of a shoe or garment)
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
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 Before Rose left the parlor she was so frightened and subdued by her mother's stern reprimands, that all idea of appealing for help forsook her.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading Toward night, Mrs. Mason came up-stairs, looking haughty and excited.
MasonnounUS /ˈmeɪsən/
American Revolutionary leader from Virginia whose objections led to the drafting of the Bill of Rights (1725-1792)
From this reading Toward night, Mrs. Mason came up-stairs, looking haughty and excited.
MOTHER'SnounUS /ˈmʌðərz/
possessive form of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading PAUL SEES HIS MOTHER'S NECKLACE.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Toward night, Mrs. Mason came up-stairs, looking haughty and excited.
NECKLACEnounUS /ˈnekləs/
jewelry consisting of a cord or chain (often bearing gems) worn about the neck as an ornament (especially by women)
From this reading PAUL SEES HIS MOTHER'S NECKLACE.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading Toward night, Mrs. Mason came up-stairs, looking haughty and excited.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Before Rose left the parlor she was so frightened and subdued by her mother's stern reprimands, that all idea of appealing for help forsook her.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading So she ran desperately into a closet connected with her mother's chamber, fell upon the floor, and cried herself to sleep, with her flushed cheeks resting on two round arms, folded helplessly on the bare boards.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
parlornounUS /ˈpɑːrlər/
reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received
From this reading Before Rose left the parlor she was so frightened and subdued by her mother's stern reprimands, that all idea of appealing for help forsook her.
United States feminist (1885-1977)
From this reading PAUL SEES HIS MOTHER'S NECKLACE.
pearlnounUS /pɜːrl/
a smooth lustrous round structure inside the shell of a clam or oyster; much valued as a jewel
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading So she ran desperately into a closet connected with her mother's chamber, fell upon the floor, and cried herself to sleep, with her flushed cheeks resting on two round arms, folded helplessly on the bare boards.
reprimandsnounUS /ˈreprəmændz/
plural of “reprimand” — an act or expression of criticism and censure
From this reading Before Rose left the parlor she was so frightened and subdued by her mother's stern reprimands, that all idea of appealing for help forsook her.
-ing form of “rest” — not move; be in a resting position
From this reading So she ran desperately into a closet connected with her mother's chamber, fell upon the floor, and cried herself to sleep, with her flushed cheeks resting on two round arms, folded helplessly on the bare boards.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading Before Rose left the parlor she was so frightened and subdued by her mother's stern reprimands, that all idea of appealing for help forsook her.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading So she ran desperately into a closet connected with her mother's chamber, fell upon the floor, and cried herself to sleep, with her flushed cheeks resting on two round arms, folded helplessly on the bare boards.
occurring or distributed over widely spaced and irregular intervals in time or space
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
plural of “see” — the seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located
From this reading PAUL SEES HIS MOTHER'S NECKLACE.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Before Rose left the parlor she was so frightened and subdued by her mother's stern reprimands, that all idea of appealing for help forsook her.
a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading So she ran desperately into a closet connected with her mother's chamber, fell upon the floor, and cried herself to sleep, with her flushed cheeks resting on two round arms, folded helplessly on the bare boards.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Before Rose left the parlor she was so frightened and subdued by her mother's stern reprimands, that all idea of appealing for help forsook her.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
sternadjectiveUS /stɜːrn/
of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
From this reading Before Rose left the parlor she was so frightened and subdued by her mother's stern reprimands, that all idea of appealing for help forsook her.
subduedadjectiveUS /səbˈduːd/
in a softened tone
From this reading Before Rose left the parlor she was so frightened and subdued by her mother's stern reprimands, that all idea of appealing for help forsook her.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Before Rose left the parlor she was so frightened and subdued by her mother's stern reprimands, that all idea of appealing for help forsook her.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Before Rose left the parlor she was so frightened and subdued by her mother's stern reprimands, that all idea of appealing for help forsook her.
thresholdnounUS /ˈθreʃoʊld/
the starting point for a new state or experience
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
tingenounUS /tɪndʒ/
a slight but appreciable amount
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading So she ran desperately into a closet connected with her mother's chamber, fell upon the floor, and cried herself to sleep, with her flushed cheeks resting on two round arms, folded helplessly on the bare boards.
toiletnounUS /ˈtɔɪlət/
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
TowardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading Toward night, Mrs. Mason came up-stairs, looking haughty and excited.
trunksnounUS /trʌŋks/
(used in the plural) trousers that end at or above the knee
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading So she ran desperately into a closet connected with her mother's chamber, fell upon the floor, and cried herself to sleep, with her flushed cheeks resting on two round arms, folded helplessly on the bare boards.
up-stairs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Toward night, Mrs. Mason came up-stairs, looking haughty and excited.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading So she ran desperately into a closet connected with her mother's chamber, fell upon the floor, and cried herself to sleep, with her flushed cheeks resting on two round arms, folded helplessly on the bare boards.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Before Rose left the parlor she was so frightened and subdued by her mother's stern reprimands, that all idea of appealing for help forsook her.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
a Caucasian
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
which person or people
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
in the company of; together with
From this reading So she ran desperately into a closet connected with her mother's chamber, fell upon the floor, and cried herself to sleep, with her flushed cheeks resting on two round arms, folded helplessly on the bare boards.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Without heeding the child, who lay just within the closet, with her curls scattered over the threshold of the door, she began to open trunks and bureaus, from which she drew first a heavy silk dress, which just escaped being white by a tinge of pearl gray, some gossamer laces, and other indications of an elaborate toilet.
