Chapter XXVII · Chapter 27

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

From this reading TO COME TO THE POINT It was equally a part of Honoré Grandissime's nature and of his art as a merchant to wear a look of serene leisure.

later than; following

From this reading With this look on his face he reëntered his counting-room after his morning visit to Frowenfeld's shop.

Having no one else present.

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

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

From this reading TO COME TO THE POINT It was equally a part of Honoré Grandissime's nature and of his art as a merchant to wear a look of serene leisure.

a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading TO COME TO THE POINT It was equally a part of Honoré Grandissime's nature and of his art as a merchant to wear a look of serene leisure.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading TO COME TO THE POINT It was equally a part of Honoré Grandissime's nature and of his art as a merchant to wear a look of serene leisure.

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

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

signal with the hands or nod

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading Then M. Grandissime passed on into his private office, and, shutting the door behind him, walked briskly to his desk and sat down.

in a brisk manner

From this reading Then M. Grandissime passed on into his private office, and, shutting the door behind him, walked briskly to his desk and sat down.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

put or send forth

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

a line of units following one after another

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

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

From this reading TO COME TO THE POINT It was equally a part of Honoré Grandissime's nature and of his art as a merchant to wear a look of serene leisure.

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

past form of “communicate” — transmit information

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

-ing form of “contain” — include or contain; have as a component

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

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

From this reading With this look on his face he reëntered his counting-room after his morning visit to Frowenfeld's shop.

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments

From this reading Then M. Grandissime passed on into his private office, and, shutting the door behind him, walked briskly to his desk and sat down.

true confidential information

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

past form of “disappear” — get lost, as without warning or explanation

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

psychological suffering

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

someone who claims to discover hidden knowledge with the aid of supernatural powers

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Then M. Grandissime passed on into his private office, and, shutting the door behind him, walked briskly to his desk and sat down.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Then M. Grandissime passed on into his private office, and, shutting the door behind him, walked briskly to his desk and sat down.

inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

plural of “elbow” — hinge joint between the forearm and upper arm and the corresponding joint in the forelimb of a quadruped

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

to the same degree (often followed by “as”)

From this reading TO COME TO THE POINT It was equally a part of Honoré Grandissime's nature and of his art as a merchant to wear a look of serene leisure.

a person or thing equal to another in value or measure or force or effect or significance etc

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

opinion or judgment

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading With this look on his face he reëntered his counting-room after his morning visit to Frowenfeld's shop.

plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

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

From this reading With this look on his face he reëntered his counting-room after his morning visit to Frowenfeld's shop.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

a man of refinement

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

motion of hands or body to emphasize or help to express a thought or feeling

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

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

From this reading Then M. Grandissime passed on into his private office, and, shutting the door behind him, walked briskly to his desk and sat down.

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

From this reading TO COME TO THE POINT It was equally a part of Honoré Grandissime's nature and of his art as a merchant to wear a look of serene leisure.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

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

From this reading With this look on his face he reëntered his counting-room after his morning visit to Frowenfeld's shop.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Then M. Grandissime passed on into his private office, and, shutting the door behind him, walked briskly to his desk and sat down.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading TO COME TO THE POINT It was equally a part of Honoré Grandissime's nature and of his art as a merchant to wear a look of serene leisure.

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

From this reading TO COME TO THE POINT It was equally a part of Honoré Grandissime's nature and of his art as a merchant to wear a look of serene leisure.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

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

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

enclosed in the same envelope or package

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

a message describing how something is to be done

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

the ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Then M. Grandissime passed on into his private office, and, shutting the door behind him, walked briskly to his desk and sat down.

having incalculable monetary, intellectual, or spiritual worth

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading TO COME TO THE POINT It was equally a part of Honoré Grandissime's nature and of his art as a merchant to wear a look of serene leisure.

plural of “item” — a distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

and nothing more

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

time available for ease and relaxation

From this reading TO COME TO THE POINT It was equally a part of Honoré Grandissime's nature and of his art as a merchant to wear a look of serene leisure.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading TO COME TO THE POINT It was equally a part of Honoré Grandissime's nature and of his art as a merchant to wear a look of serene leisure.

the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)

From this reading Then M. Grandissime passed on into his private office, and, shutting the door behind him, walked briskly to his desk and sat down.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

plural of “meaning” — the message that is intended or expressed or signified

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

a written proposal or reminder

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

involving the mind or an intellectual process

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially with foreign countries.

From this reading TO COME TO THE POINT It was equally a part of Honoré Grandissime's nature and of his art as a merchant to wear a look of serene leisure.

a particular point in time

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading With this look on his face he reëntered his counting-room after his morning visit to Frowenfeld's shop.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading TO COME TO THE POINT It was equally a part of Honoré Grandissime's nature and of his art as a merchant to wear a look of serene leisure.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading TO COME TO THE POINT It was equally a part of Honoré Grandissime's nature and of his art as a merchant to wear a look of serene leisure.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading With this look on his face he reëntered his counting-room after his morning visit to Frowenfeld's shop.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

plural of “palm” — the inner surface of the hand from the wrist to the base of the fingers

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading TO COME TO THE POINT It was equally a part of Honoré Grandissime's nature and of his art as a merchant to wear a look of serene leisure.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading Then M. Grandissime passed on into his private office, and, shutting the door behind him, walked briskly to his desk and sat down.

past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

a human being

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading TO COME TO THE POINT It was equally a part of Honoré Grandissime's nature and of his art as a merchant to wear a look of serene leisure.

past form of “preside” — act as president

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy

From this reading Then M. Grandissime passed on into his private office, and, shutting the door behind him, walked briskly to his desk and sat down.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

a barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and supports

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

in the recent past

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

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

From this reading With this look on his face he reëntered his counting-room after his morning visit to Frowenfeld's shop.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading Then M. Grandissime passed on into his private office, and, shutting the door behind him, walked briskly to his desk and sat down.

the quality of being secluded from the presence or view of others

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

not agitated; without losing self-possession

From this reading TO COME TO THE POINT It was equally a part of Honoré Grandissime's nature and of his art as a merchant to wear a look of serene leisure.

do one's shopping

From this reading With this look on his face he reëntered his counting-room after his morning visit to Frowenfeld's shop.

the act of closing something

From this reading Then M. Grandissime passed on into his private office, and, shutting the door behind him, walked briskly to his desk and sat down.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

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

From this reading TO COME TO THE POINT It was equally a part of Honoré Grandissime's nature and of his art as a merchant to wear a look of serene leisure.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then M. Grandissime passed on into his private office, and, shutting the door behind him, walked briskly to his desk and sat down.

in or at that place or location

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

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

From this reading With this look on his face he reëntered his counting-room after his morning visit to Frowenfeld's shop.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

depleted of strength or energy

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

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

From this reading TO COME TO THE POINT It was equally a part of Honoré Grandissime's nature and of his art as a merchant to wear a look of serene leisure.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

not brought to the desired final state

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading With this look on his face he reëntered his counting-room after his morning visit to Frowenfeld's shop.

past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps

From this reading Then M. Grandissime passed on into his private office, and, shutting the door behind him, walked briskly to his desk and sat down.

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

From this reading TO COME TO THE POINT It was equally a part of Honoré Grandissime's nature and of his art as a merchant to wear a look of serene leisure.

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

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

be dressed in

From this reading TO COME TO THE POINT It was equally a part of Honoré Grandissime's nature and of his art as a merchant to wear a look of serene leisure.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

which person or people

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish

From this reading He paused a moment outside the rail, gave the weak-eyed gentleman who presided there a quiet glance equivalent to a beckon, and, as that person came near, communicated two or three items of intelligence or instruction concerning office details, by which that invaluable diviner of business meanings understood that he wished to be let alone for an hour.

in the company of; together with

From this reading With this look on his face he reëntered his counting-room after his morning visit to Frowenfeld's shop.

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading He dropped his elbows upon a broad paper containing some recently written, unfinished memoranda that included figures in column, cast his eyes quite around the apartment, and then covered his face with his palms--a gesture common enough for a tired man of business in a moment of seclusion; but just as the face disappeared in the hands, the look of serene leisure gave place to one of great mental distress.