used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A constable was on duty at the gate and as I came up and paused he regarded me rather doubtfully until I told him that I had an appointment with Gatton.
amidprepositionUS /əˈmɪd/
in the middle of; surrounded by
From this reading The half-moon formed by the crescent-shaped carriage-way and the wall bordering the road was filled with rather unkempt shrubbery, laurels and rhododendrons for the most part, from amid which arose several big trees.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A constable was on duty at the gate and as I came up and paused he regarded me rather doubtfully until I told him that I had an appointment with Gatton.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A constable was on duty at the gate and as I came up and paused he regarded me rather doubtfully until I told him that I had an appointment with Gatton.
from appearances alone
From this reading It was not, apparently, a very old building, presenting some of the worst features of the mid-Victorian period, and from whence it derived its name I could not conjecture unless from the fact that the greater part of the facade was overgrown with some kind of red creeper.
appointmentnounUS /əˈpɔɪntmənt/
the act of putting a person into a non-elective position
From this reading A constable was on duty at the gate and as I came up and paused he regarded me rather doubtfully until I told him that I had an appointment with Gatton.
inflected form of “arise” — come into existence; take on form or shape
From this reading The half-moon formed by the crescent-shaped carriage-way and the wall bordering the road was filled with rather unkempt shrubbery, laurels and rhododendrons for the most part, from amid which arose several big trees.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading THE INTERRUPTED SUPPER I arrived at the Red House before Inspector Gatton.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A constable was on duty at the gate and as I came up and paused he regarded me rather doubtfully until I told him that I had an appointment with Gatton.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE INTERRUPTED SUPPER I arrived at the Red House before Inspector Gatton.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading THE INTERRUPTED SUPPER I arrived at the Red House before Inspector Gatton.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The half-moon formed by the crescent-shaped carriage-way and the wall bordering the road was filled with rather unkempt shrubbery, laurels and rhododendrons for the most part, from amid which arose several big trees.
borderingverbUS /ˈbɔːrdərɪŋ/
-ing form of “border” — extend on all sides of simultaneously; encircle
From this reading The half-moon formed by the crescent-shaped carriage-way and the wall bordering the road was filled with rather unkempt shrubbery, laurels and rhododendrons for the most part, from amid which arose several big trees.
a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
From this reading It was not, apparently, a very old building, presenting some of the worst features of the mid-Victorian period, and from whence it derived its name I could not conjecture unless from the fact that the greater part of the facade was overgrown with some kind of red creeper.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The half-moon formed by the crescent-shaped carriage-way and the wall bordering the road was filled with rather unkempt shrubbery, laurels and rhododendrons for the most part, from amid which arose several big trees.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading A constable was on duty at the gate and as I came up and paused he regarded me rather doubtfully until I told him that I had an appointment with Gatton.
carriage-way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The half-moon formed by the crescent-shaped carriage-way and the wall bordering the road was filled with rather unkempt shrubbery, laurels and rhododendrons for the most part, from amid which arose several big trees.
conjecturenounUS /kənˈdʒektʃər/
a hypothesis that has been formed by speculating or conjecturing (usually with little hard evidence)
From this reading It was not, apparently, a very old building, presenting some of the worst features of the mid-Victorian period, and from whence it derived its name I could not conjecture unless from the fact that the greater part of the facade was overgrown with some kind of red creeper.
constablenounUS /ˈkɑːnstəbəl/
a lawman with less authority and jurisdiction than a sheriff
From this reading A constable was on duty at the gate and as I came up and paused he regarded me rather doubtfully until I told him that I had an appointment with Gatton.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading It was not, apparently, a very old building, presenting some of the worst features of the mid-Victorian period, and from whence it derived its name I could not conjecture unless from the fact that the greater part of the facade was overgrown with some kind of red creeper.
creepernoun
any plant (as ivy or periwinkle) that grows by creeping
From this reading It was not, apparently, a very old building, presenting some of the worst features of the mid-Victorian period, and from whence it derived its name I could not conjecture unless from the fact that the greater part of the facade was overgrown with some kind of red creeper.
crescent-shapedadjective
resembling the new moon in shape
From this reading The half-moon formed by the crescent-shaped carriage-way and the wall bordering the road was filled with rather unkempt shrubbery, laurels and rhododendrons for the most part, from amid which arose several big trees.
derivedadjectiveUS /dərˈaɪvd/
formed or developed from something else; not original
From this reading It was not, apparently, a very old building, presenting some of the worst features of the mid-Victorian period, and from whence it derived its name I could not conjecture unless from the fact that the greater part of the facade was overgrown with some kind of red creeper.
doubtfullyadverb
in a doubtful manner
From this reading A constable was on duty at the gate and as I came up and paused he regarded me rather doubtfully until I told him that I had an appointment with Gatton.
operate or control a vehicle
From this reading I stared up the drive towards the house.
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading A constable was on duty at the gate and as I came up and paused he regarded me rather doubtfully until I told him that I had an appointment with Gatton.
facadenounUS /fəˈsɑːd/
the face or front of a building
From this reading It was not, apparently, a very old building, presenting some of the worst features of the mid-Victorian period, and from whence it derived its name I could not conjecture unless from the fact that the greater part of the facade was overgrown with some kind of red creeper.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading It was not, apparently, a very old building, presenting some of the worst features of the mid-Victorian period, and from whence it derived its name I could not conjecture unless from the fact that the greater part of the facade was overgrown with some kind of red creeper.
plural of “feature” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something
From this reading It was not, apparently, a very old building, presenting some of the worst features of the mid-Victorian period, and from whence it derived its name I could not conjecture unless from the fact that the greater part of the facade was overgrown with some kind of red creeper.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading The half-moon formed by the crescent-shaped carriage-way and the wall bordering the road was filled with rather unkempt shrubbery, laurels and rhododendrons for the most part, from amid which arose several big trees.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The half-moon formed by the crescent-shaped carriage-way and the wall bordering the road was filled with rather unkempt shrubbery, laurels and rhododendrons for the most part, from amid which arose several big trees.
having or given a form or shape
From this reading The half-moon formed by the crescent-shaped carriage-way and the wall bordering the road was filled with rather unkempt shrubbery, laurels and rhododendrons for the most part, from amid which arose several big trees.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It was not, apparently, a very old building, presenting some of the worst features of the mid-Victorian period, and from whence it derived its name I could not conjecture unless from the fact that the greater part of the facade was overgrown with some kind of red creeper.
a movable barrier in a fence or wall
From this reading A constable was on duty at the gate and as I came up and paused he regarded me rather doubtfully until I told him that I had an appointment with Gatton.
Gatton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE INTERRUPTED SUPPER I arrived at the Red House before Inspector Gatton.
greater in size or importance or degree
From this reading It was not, apparently, a very old building, presenting some of the worst features of the mid-Victorian period, and from whence it derived its name I could not conjecture unless from the fact that the greater part of the facade was overgrown with some kind of red creeper.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A constable was on duty at the gate and as I came up and paused he regarded me rather doubtfully until I told him that I had an appointment with Gatton.
half-moonnoun
the crescent-shaped area at the base of the human fingernail
From this reading The half-moon formed by the crescent-shaped carriage-way and the wall bordering the road was filled with rather unkempt shrubbery, laurels and rhododendrons for the most part, from amid which arose several big trees.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A constable was on duty at the gate and as I came up and paused he regarded me rather doubtfully until I told him that I had an appointment with Gatton.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading A constable was on duty at the gate and as I came up and paused he regarded me rather doubtfully until I told him that I had an appointment with Gatton.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading THE INTERRUPTED SUPPER I arrived at the Red House before Inspector Gatton.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading THE INTERRUPTED SUPPER I arrived at the Red House before Inspector Gatton.
InspectornounUS /ˌɪnˈspektər/
a high ranking police officer
From this reading THE INTERRUPTED SUPPER I arrived at the Red House before Inspector Gatton.
discontinued temporarily
From this reading THE INTERRUPTED SUPPER I arrived at the Red House before Inspector Gatton.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was not, apparently, a very old building, presenting some of the worst features of the mid-Victorian period, and from whence it derived its name I could not conjecture unless from the fact that the greater part of the facade was overgrown with some kind of red creeper.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading It was not, apparently, a very old building, presenting some of the worst features of the mid-Victorian period, and from whence it derived its name I could not conjecture unless from the fact that the greater part of the facade was overgrown with some kind of red creeper.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading It was not, apparently, a very old building, presenting some of the worst features of the mid-Victorian period, and from whence it derived its name I could not conjecture unless from the fact that the greater part of the facade was overgrown with some kind of red creeper.
laurelsnounUS /ˈlɔːrəlz/
a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
From this reading The half-moon formed by the crescent-shaped carriage-way and the wall bordering the road was filled with rather unkempt shrubbery, laurels and rhododendrons for the most part, from amid which arose several big trees.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading A constable was on duty at the gate and as I came up and paused he regarded me rather doubtfully until I told him that I had an appointment with Gatton.
mid-Victorian
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was not, apparently, a very old building, presenting some of the worst features of the mid-Victorian period, and from whence it derived its name I could not conjecture unless from the fact that the greater part of the facade was overgrown with some kind of red creeper.
used to form the superlative
From this reading The half-moon formed by the crescent-shaped carriage-way and the wall bordering the road was filled with rather unkempt shrubbery, laurels and rhododendrons for the most part, from amid which arose several big trees.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading It was not, apparently, a very old building, presenting some of the worst features of the mid-Victorian period, and from whence it derived its name I could not conjecture unless from the fact that the greater part of the facade was overgrown with some kind of red creeper.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It was not, apparently, a very old building, presenting some of the worst features of the mid-Victorian period, and from whence it derived its name I could not conjecture unless from the fact that the greater part of the facade was overgrown with some kind of red creeper.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was not, apparently, a very old building, presenting some of the worst features of the mid-Victorian period, and from whence it derived its name I could not conjecture unless from the fact that the greater part of the facade was overgrown with some kind of red creeper.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading It was not, apparently, a very old building, presenting some of the worst features of the mid-Victorian period, and from whence it derived its name I could not conjecture unless from the fact that the greater part of the facade was overgrown with some kind of red creeper.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A constable was on duty at the gate and as I came up and paused he regarded me rather doubtfully until I told him that I had an appointment with Gatton.
overgrownadjectiveUS /ˌoʊvərˈɡroʊn/
covered with growing plants
From this reading It was not, apparently, a very old building, presenting some of the worst features of the mid-Victorian period, and from whence it derived its name I could not conjecture unless from the fact that the greater part of the facade was overgrown with some kind of red creeper.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading It was not, apparently, a very old building, presenting some of the worst features of the mid-Victorian period, and from whence it derived its name I could not conjecture unless from the fact that the greater part of the facade was overgrown with some kind of red creeper.
past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
From this reading A constable was on duty at the gate and as I came up and paused he regarded me rather doubtfully until I told him that I had an appointment with Gatton.
an amount of time
From this reading It was not, apparently, a very old building, presenting some of the worst features of the mid-Victorian period, and from whence it derived its name I could not conjecture unless from the fact that the greater part of the facade was overgrown with some kind of red creeper.
presentingverbUS /prɪˈzentɪŋ/
-ing form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading It was not, apparently, a very old building, presenting some of the worst features of the mid-Victorian period, and from whence it derived its name I could not conjecture unless from the fact that the greater part of the facade was overgrown with some kind of red creeper.
on the contrary
From this reading A constable was on duty at the gate and as I came up and paused he regarded me rather doubtfully until I told him that I had an appointment with Gatton.
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading THE INTERRUPTED SUPPER I arrived at the Red House before Inspector Gatton.
past form of “regard” — deem to be
From this reading A constable was on duty at the gate and as I came up and paused he regarded me rather doubtfully until I told him that I had an appointment with Gatton.
rhododendrons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The half-moon formed by the crescent-shaped carriage-way and the wall bordering the road was filled with rather unkempt shrubbery, laurels and rhododendrons for the most part, from amid which arose several big trees.
an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
From this reading The half-moon formed by the crescent-shaped carriage-way and the wall bordering the road was filled with rather unkempt shrubbery, laurels and rhododendrons for the most part, from amid which arose several big trees.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading The half-moon formed by the crescent-shaped carriage-way and the wall bordering the road was filled with rather unkempt shrubbery, laurels and rhododendrons for the most part, from amid which arose several big trees.
shrubberynounUS /ˈʃrʌbəri/
an area where a number of shrubs are planted
From this reading The half-moon formed by the crescent-shaped carriage-way and the wall bordering the road was filled with rather unkempt shrubbery, laurels and rhododendrons for the most part, from amid which arose several big trees.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading It was not, apparently, a very old building, presenting some of the worst features of the mid-Victorian period, and from whence it derived its name I could not conjecture unless from the fact that the greater part of the facade was overgrown with some kind of red creeper.
past form of “stare” — look at with fixed eyes
From this reading I stared up the drive towards the house.
a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime
From this reading THE INTERRUPTED SUPPER I arrived at the Red House before Inspector Gatton.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A constable was on duty at the gate and as I came up and paused he regarded me rather doubtfully until I told him that I had an appointment with Gatton.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE INTERRUPTED SUPPER I arrived at the Red House before Inspector Gatton.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading A constable was on duty at the gate and as I came up and paused he regarded me rather doubtfully until I told him that I had an appointment with Gatton.
in the direction of
From this reading I stared up the drive towards the house.
plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading The half-moon formed by the crescent-shaped carriage-way and the wall bordering the road was filled with rather unkempt shrubbery, laurels and rhododendrons for the most part, from amid which arose several big trees.
unkemptadjectiveUS /ənˈkempt/
not neatly combed
From this reading The half-moon formed by the crescent-shaped carriage-way and the wall bordering the road was filled with rather unkempt shrubbery, laurels and rhododendrons for the most part, from amid which arose several big trees.
except if; if not
From this reading It was not, apparently, a very old building, presenting some of the worst features of the mid-Victorian period, and from whence it derived its name I could not conjecture unless from the fact that the greater part of the facade was overgrown with some kind of red creeper.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading A constable was on duty at the gate and as I came up and paused he regarded me rather doubtfully until I told him that I had an appointment with Gatton.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading A constable was on duty at the gate and as I came up and paused he regarded me rather doubtfully until I told him that I had an appointment with Gatton.
precisely as stated
From this reading It was not, apparently, a very old building, presenting some of the worst features of the mid-Victorian period, and from whence it derived its name I could not conjecture unless from the fact that the greater part of the facade was overgrown with some kind of red creeper.
an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading The half-moon formed by the crescent-shaped carriage-way and the wall bordering the road was filled with rather unkempt shrubbery, laurels and rhododendrons for the most part, from amid which arose several big trees.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A constable was on duty at the gate and as I came up and paused he regarded me rather doubtfully until I told him that I had an appointment with Gatton.
an old word meaning “from where”
From this reading It was not, apparently, a very old building, presenting some of the worst features of the mid-Victorian period, and from whence it derived its name I could not conjecture unless from the fact that the greater part of the facade was overgrown with some kind of red creeper.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The half-moon formed by the crescent-shaped carriage-way and the wall bordering the road was filled with rather unkempt shrubbery, laurels and rhododendrons for the most part, from amid which arose several big trees.
in the company of; together with
From this reading A constable was on duty at the gate and as I came up and paused he regarded me rather doubtfully until I told him that I had an appointment with Gatton.
the least favorable outcome
From this reading It was not, apparently, a very old building, presenting some of the worst features of the mid-Victorian period, and from whence it derived its name I could not conjecture unless from the fact that the greater part of the facade was overgrown with some kind of red creeper.
