used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading His complexion was pale almost to ghastliness, and in his deep-set, sunken eyes there was more than a suggestion of recklessness.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He was so nervous that his face twitched as he stood there waiting, and the fingers which held his hat trembled.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.
cause to be bored
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
the bodily process of inhalation and exhalation; the process of taking in oxygen from inhaled air and releasing carbon dioxide by exhalation
From this reading His lips were a little parted, his breathing was scarcely healthy.
callernounUS /ˈkɔːlər/
a social or business visitor
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
collarnounUS /ˈkɑːlər/
a band that fits around the neck and is usually folded over
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
complexionnounUS /kəmˈplekʃən/
the coloring of a person's face
From this reading His complexion was pale almost to ghastliness, and in his deep-set, sunken eyes there was more than a suggestion of recklessness.
contrastnounUS /ˈkɑːntræst/
the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared
From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.
the appearance conveyed by a person's face
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
deep-setadjective
having a sunken area
From this reading His complexion was pale almost to ghastliness, and in his deep-set, sunken eyes there was more than a suggestion of recklessness.
doubtfuladjectiveUS /ˈdaʊtfəl/
open to doubt or suspicion
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
opinion or judgment
From this reading His complexion was pale almost to ghastliness, and in his deep-set, sunken eyes there was more than a suggestion of recklessness.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading He was so nervous that his face twitched as he stood there waiting, and the fingers which held his hat trembled.
plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)
From this reading He was so nervous that his face twitched as he stood there waiting, and the fingers which held his hat trembled.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
ghastlinessnounUS /ˈɡæstlinəs/
the quality of being ghastly
From this reading His complexion was pale almost to ghastliness, and in his deep-set, sunken eyes there was more than a suggestion of recklessness.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was so nervous that his face twitched as he stood there waiting, and the fingers which held his hat trembled.
healthyadjectiveUS /ˈhelθi/
having or indicating good health in body or mind; free from infirmity or disease
From this reading His lips were a little parted, his breathing was scarcely healthy.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading He was so nervous that his face twitched as he stood there waiting, and the fingers which held his hat trembled.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
ill-brushed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.
irregularadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈreɡjələr/
contrary to rule or accepted order or general practice
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
and nothing more
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.
plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking
From this reading His lips were a little parted, his breathing was scarcely healthy.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
the force of workers available
From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.
a particular point in time
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading His complexion was pale almost to ghastliness, and in his deep-set, sunken eyes there was more than a suggestion of recklessness.
easily agitated
From this reading He was so nervous that his face twitched as he stood there waiting, and the fingers which held his hat trembled.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
other's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
very light colored; highly diluted with white
From this reading His complexion was pale almost to ghastliness, and in his deep-set, sunken eyes there was more than a suggestion of recklessness.
having a margin incised almost to the base so as to create distinct divisions or lobes
From this reading His lips were a little parted, his breathing was scarcely healthy.
concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality
From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
positionsnounUS /pəˈzɪʃənz/
plural of “position” — the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.
recklessnessnounUS /ˈrekləsnəs/
the trait of giving little thought to danger
From this reading His complexion was pale almost to ghastliness, and in his deep-set, sunken eyes there was more than a suggestion of recklessness.
reducedadjectiveUS /rəˈduːst/
made less in size or amount or degree
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.
relativenounUS /ˈrelətɪv/
a person related by blood or marriage
From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.
SALEnounUS /seɪl/
a particular instance of selling
From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.
only a very short time before
From this reading His lips were a little parted, his breathing was scarcely healthy.
shabbyadjectiveUS /ˈʃæbi/
showing signs of wear and tear
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
significantadjectiveUS /səɡˈnɪfɪkənt/
important in effect or meaning
From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading He was so nervous that his face twitched as he stood there waiting, and the fingers which held his hat trembled.
having a supporting base
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading He was so nervous that his face twitched as he stood there waiting, and the fingers which held his hat trembled.
an idea that is suggested
From this reading His complexion was pale almost to ghastliness, and in his deep-set, sunken eyes there was more than a suggestion of recklessness.
summonedverbUS /ˈsʌmənd/
past form of “summon” — call in an official matter, such as to attend court
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
sunkenadjectiveUS /ˈsʌŋkən/
having a sunken area
From this reading His complexion was pale almost to ghastliness, and in his deep-set, sunken eyes there was more than a suggestion of recklessness.
suppliantnoun
one praying humbly for something
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading His complexion was pale almost to ghastliness, and in his deep-set, sunken eyes there was more than a suggestion of recklessness.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He was so nervous that his face twitched as he stood there waiting, and the fingers which held his hat trembled.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.
in or at that place or location
From this reading His complexion was pale almost to ghastliness, and in his deep-set, sunken eyes there was more than a suggestion of recklessness.
a special situation
From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.
tracesnounUS /ˈtreɪsəz/
plural of “trace” — a just detectable amount
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
past form of “tremble” — move or jerk quickly and involuntarily up and down or sideways
From this reading He was so nervous that his face twitched as he stood there waiting, and the fingers which held his hat trembled.
twitchedverbUS /twɪtʃt/
past form of “twitch” — make an uncontrolled, short, jerky motion
From this reading He was so nervous that his face twitched as he stood there waiting, and the fingers which held his hat trembled.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading He was so nervous that his face twitched as he stood there waiting, and the fingers which held his hat trembled.
waiting-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A LIFE FOR SALE The contrast in personal appearance between the two men, having regard to their relative positions, was a significant thing.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading His lips were a little parted, his breathing was scarcely healthy.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
which person or people
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
marked by extreme lack of restraint or control
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The caller, who had just been summoned from the waiting-room, and was standing before the other's table, hat in hand, a little shabby, with ill-brushed hair and doubtful collar, bore in his countenance many traces of the wild and irregular life which had reduced him at this moment to the position of suppliant.
