used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A DESPAIRING CALL The great lawyer whom the telephone message from Deane had summoned sat in a comfortable easy-chair adjoining Deane's writing-table.
adjoiningverbUS /əˈdʒɔɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “adjoin” — lie adjacent to another or share a boundary
From this reading A DESPAIRING CALL The great lawyer whom the telephone message from Deane had summoned sat in a comfortable easy-chair adjoining Deane's writing-table.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading "You see, Deane," he said, "after all, it depends very much upon this alleged document.
(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 "You see, Deane," he said, "after all, it depends very much upon this alleged document.
allegedadjectiveUS /əˈledʒd/
declared but not proved
From this reading "You see, Deane," he said, "after all, it depends very much upon this alleged document.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading If the defendants are unable to procure it, or a copy of it, or witnesses who can swear to it, I do not think that they can do us much harm, especially if we take the course which I have already suggested to our counsel.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading If the defendants are unable to procure it, or a copy of it, or witnesses who can swear to it, I do not think that they can do us much harm, especially if we take the course which I have already suggested to our counsel.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading His manner was serious, but not discouraging.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading A DESPAIRING CALL The great lawyer whom the telephone message from Deane had summoned sat in a comfortable easy-chair adjoining Deane's writing-table.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading If the defendants are unable to procure it, or a copy of it, or witnesses who can swear to it, I do not think that they can do us much harm, especially if we take the course which I have already suggested to our counsel.
an occurrence of something
From this reading The whole case practically hinges upon it.
providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)
From this reading A DESPAIRING CALL The great lawyer whom the telephone message from Deane had summoned sat in a comfortable easy-chair adjoining Deane's writing-table.
a reproduction of a written record (e.g. of a legal or school record)
From this reading If the defendants are unable to procure it, or a copy of it, or witnesses who can swear to it, I do not think that they can do us much harm, especially if we take the course which I have already suggested to our counsel.
a lawyer who pleads cases in court
From this reading If the defendants are unable to procure it, or a copy of it, or witnesses who can swear to it, I do not think that they can do us much harm, especially if we take the course which I have already suggested to our counsel.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading If the defendants are unable to procure it, or a copy of it, or witnesses who can swear to it, I do not think that they can do us much harm, especially if we take the course which I have already suggested to our counsel.
Deane
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A DESPAIRING CALL The great lawyer whom the telephone message from Deane had summoned sat in a comfortable easy-chair adjoining Deane's writing-table.
Deane's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A DESPAIRING CALL The great lawyer whom the telephone message from Deane had summoned sat in a comfortable easy-chair adjoining Deane's writing-table.
defendantsnounUS /dɪˈfendənts/
plural of “defendant” — a person or institution against whom an action is brought in a court of law; the person being sued or accused
From this reading If the defendants are unable to procure it, or a copy of it, or witnesses who can swear to it, I do not think that they can do us much harm, especially if we take the course which I have already suggested to our counsel.
dependsverbUS /dɪˈpendz/
third-person singular of “depend” — be contingent upon (something that is elided)
From this reading "You see, Deane," he said, "after all, it depends very much upon this alleged document.
DESPAIRINGadjectiveUS /dɪˈsperɪŋ/
arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope
From this reading A DESPAIRING CALL The great lawyer whom the telephone message from Deane had summoned sat in a comfortable easy-chair adjoining Deane's writing-table.
discouragingadjectiveUS /dɪˈskɜːrədʒɪŋ/
depriving of confidence or hope or enthusiasm and hence often deterring action
From this reading His manner was serious, but not discouraging.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading If the defendants are unable to procure it, or a copy of it, or witnesses who can swear to it, I do not think that they can do us much harm, especially if we take the course which I have already suggested to our counsel.
documentnounUS /ˈdɑːkjəment/
writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)
From this reading "You see, Deane," he said, "after all, it depends very much upon this alleged document.
easy-chair
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A DESPAIRING CALL The great lawyer whom the telephone message from Deane had summoned sat in a comfortable easy-chair adjoining Deane's writing-table.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading If the defendants are unable to procure it, or a copy of it, or witnesses who can swear to it, I do not think that they can do us much harm, especially if we take the course which I have already suggested to our counsel.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A DESPAIRING CALL The great lawyer whom the telephone message from Deane had summoned sat in a comfortable easy-chair adjoining Deane's writing-table.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading A DESPAIRING CALL The great lawyer whom the telephone message from Deane had summoned sat in a comfortable easy-chair adjoining Deane's writing-table.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A DESPAIRING CALL The great lawyer whom the telephone message from Deane had summoned sat in a comfortable easy-chair adjoining Deane's writing-table.
any physical damage to the body caused by violence or accident or fracture etc.
From this reading If the defendants are unable to procure it, or a copy of it, or witnesses who can swear to it, I do not think that they can do us much harm, especially if we take the course which I have already suggested to our counsel.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading If the defendants are unable to procure it, or a copy of it, or witnesses who can swear to it, I do not think that they can do us much harm, especially if we take the course which I have already suggested to our counsel.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "You see, Deane," he said, "after all, it depends very much upon this alleged document.
hingesnounUS /ˈhɪndʒɪz/
plural of “hinge” — a joint that holds two parts together so that one can swing relative to the other
From this reading The whole case practically hinges upon it.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His manner was serious, but not discouraging.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading If the defendants are unable to procure it, or a copy of it, or witnesses who can swear to it, I do not think that they can do us much harm, especially if we take the course which I have already suggested to our counsel.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If the defendants are unable to procure it, or a copy of it, or witnesses who can swear to it, I do not think that they can do us much harm, especially if we take the course which I have already suggested to our counsel.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A DESPAIRING CALL The great lawyer whom the telephone message from Deane had summoned sat in a comfortable easy-chair adjoining Deane's writing-table.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "You see, Deane," he said, "after all, it depends very much upon this alleged document.
a professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice
From this reading A DESPAIRING CALL The great lawyer whom the telephone message from Deane had summoned sat in a comfortable easy-chair adjoining Deane's writing-table.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading His manner was serious, but not discouraging.
a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled
From this reading A DESPAIRING CALL The great lawyer whom the telephone message from Deane had summoned sat in a comfortable easy-chair adjoining Deane's writing-table.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading "You see, Deane," he said, "after all, it depends very much upon this alleged document.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading His manner was serious, but not discouraging.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading If the defendants are unable to procure it, or a copy of it, or witnesses who can swear to it, I do not think that they can do us much harm, especially if we take the course which I have already suggested to our counsel.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading If the defendants are unable to procure it, or a copy of it, or witnesses who can swear to it, I do not think that they can do us much harm, especially if we take the course which I have already suggested to our counsel.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading If the defendants are unable to procure it, or a copy of it, or witnesses who can swear to it, I do not think that they can do us much harm, especially if we take the course which I have already suggested to our counsel.
practicallyadverbUS /ˈpræktɪkli/
almost; nearly
From this reading The whole case practically hinges upon it.
procureverbUS /proʊˈkjʊr/
get by special effort
From this reading If the defendants are unable to procure it, or a copy of it, or witnesses who can swear to it, I do not think that they can do us much harm, especially if we take the course which I have already suggested to our counsel.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "You see, Deane," he said, "after all, it depends very much upon this alleged document.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading A DESPAIRING CALL The great lawyer whom the telephone message from Deane had summoned sat in a comfortable easy-chair adjoining Deane's writing-table.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading "You see, Deane," he said, "after all, it depends very much upon this alleged document.
concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities
From this reading His manner was serious, but not discouraging.
past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading If the defendants are unable to procure it, or a copy of it, or witnesses who can swear to it, I do not think that they can do us much harm, especially if we take the course which I have already suggested to our counsel.
summonedverbUS /ˈsʌmənd/
past form of “summon” — call in an official matter, such as to attend court
From this reading A DESPAIRING CALL The great lawyer whom the telephone message from Deane had summoned sat in a comfortable easy-chair adjoining Deane's writing-table.
utter obscenities or profanities
From this reading If the defendants are unable to procure it, or a copy of it, or witnesses who can swear to it, I do not think that they can do us much harm, especially if we take the course which I have already suggested to our counsel.
carry out
From this reading If the defendants are unable to procure it, or a copy of it, or witnesses who can swear to it, I do not think that they can do us much harm, especially if we take the course which I have already suggested to our counsel.
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 A DESPAIRING CALL The great lawyer whom the telephone message from Deane had summoned sat in a comfortable easy-chair adjoining Deane's writing-table.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading If the defendants are unable to procure it, or a copy of it, or witnesses who can swear to it, I do not think that they can do us much harm, especially if we take the course which I have already suggested to our counsel.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A DESPAIRING CALL The great lawyer whom the telephone message from Deane had summoned sat in a comfortable easy-chair adjoining Deane's writing-table.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading If the defendants are unable to procure it, or a copy of it, or witnesses who can swear to it, I do not think that they can do us much harm, especially if we take the course which I have already suggested to our counsel.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading If the defendants are unable to procure it, or a copy of it, or witnesses who can swear to it, I do not think that they can do us much harm, especially if we take the course which I have already suggested to our counsel.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading "You see, Deane," he said, "after all, it depends very much upon this alleged document.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading If the defendants are unable to procure it, or a copy of it, or witnesses who can swear to it, I do not think that they can do us much harm, especially if we take the course which I have already suggested to our counsel.
(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how
From this reading If the defendants are unable to procure it, or a copy of it, or witnesses who can swear to it, I do not think that they can do us much harm, especially if we take the course which I have already suggested to our counsel.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading "You see, Deane," he said, "after all, it depends very much upon this alleged document.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading If the defendants are unable to procure it, or a copy of it, or witnesses who can swear to it, I do not think that they can do us much harm, especially if we take the course which I have already suggested to our counsel.
precisely as stated
From this reading "You see, Deane," he said, "after all, it depends very much upon this alleged document.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading His manner was serious, but not discouraging.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading If the defendants are unable to procure it, or a copy of it, or witnesses who can swear to it, I do not think that they can do us much harm, especially if we take the course which I have already suggested to our counsel.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading If the defendants are unable to procure it, or a copy of it, or witnesses who can swear to it, I do not think that they can do us much harm, especially if we take the course which I have already suggested to our counsel.
which person or people
From this reading If the defendants are unable to procure it, or a copy of it, or witnesses who can swear to it, I do not think that they can do us much harm, especially if we take the course which I have already suggested to our counsel.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading The whole case practically hinges upon it.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading A DESPAIRING CALL The great lawyer whom the telephone message from Deane had summoned sat in a comfortable easy-chair adjoining Deane's writing-table.
witnessesnounUS /ˈwɪtnəsəz/
plural of “witness” — someone who sees an event and reports what happened
From this reading If the defendants are unable to procure it, or a copy of it, or witnesses who can swear to it, I do not think that they can do us much harm, especially if we take the course which I have already suggested to our counsel.
writing-table
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A DESPAIRING CALL The great lawyer whom the telephone message from Deane had summoned sat in a comfortable easy-chair adjoining Deane's writing-table.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "You see, Deane," he said, "after all, it depends very much upon this alleged document.
