Chapter XIII · Chapter 13

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

From this reading She had spent the night dozing in a rocking-chair and at the first light of day she had bathed and redressed ready for any emergency.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The room in which she was imprisoned was on the first floor at the back of the house and the view she had of the grounds was restricted to a glimpse between two big lilac bushes which were planted almost on a level with her room.

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

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading She had spent the night dozing in a rocking-chair and at the first light of day she had bathed and redressed ready for any emergency.

a particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography)

From this reading The house had been built on the slope of a gentle rise so that you might walk from the first-floor window on to the grassy lawn at the back of the house but for two important obstacles, the first being represented by the bars which protected the window and the second by a deep area, concrete-lined, which formed a trench too wide to jump.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading The room in which she was imprisoned was on the first floor at the back of the house and the view she had of the grounds was restricted to a glimpse between two big lilac bushes which were planted almost on a level with her room.

gymnastic apparatus consisting of two parallel wooden rods supported on uprights

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

past form of “bathe” — cleanse the entire body

From this reading She had spent the night dozing in a rocking-chair and at the first light of day she had bathed and redressed ready for any emergency.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The house had been built on the slope of a gentle rise so that you might walk from the first-floor window on to the grassy lawn at the back of the house but for two important obstacles, the first being represented by the bars which protected the window and the second by a deep area, concrete-lined, which formed a trench too wide to jump.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading The house had been built on the slope of a gentle rise so that you might walk from the first-floor window on to the grassy lawn at the back of the house but for two important obstacles, the first being represented by the bars which protected the window and the second by a deep area, concrete-lined, which formed a trench too wide to jump.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading The room in which she was imprisoned was on the first floor at the back of the house and the view she had of the grounds was restricted to a glimpse between two big lilac bushes which were planted almost on a level with her room.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The room in which she was imprisoned was on the first floor at the back of the house and the view she had of the grounds was restricted to a glimpse between two big lilac bushes which were planted almost on a level with her room.

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

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness

From this reading The house had been built on the slope of a gentle rise so that you might walk from the first-floor window on to the grassy lawn at the back of the house but for two important obstacles, the first being represented by the bars which protected the window and the second by a deep area, concrete-lined, which formed a trench too wide to jump.

plural of “bush” — a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems

From this reading The room in which she was imprisoned was on the first floor at the back of the house and the view she had of the grounds was restricted to a glimpse between two big lilac bushes which were planted almost on a level with her room.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The house had been built on the slope of a gentle rise so that you might walk from the first-floor window on to the grassy lawn at the back of the house but for two important obstacles, the first being represented by the bars which protected the window and the second by a deep area, concrete-lined, which formed a trench too wide to jump.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The house had been built on the slope of a gentle rise so that you might walk from the first-floor window on to the grassy lawn at the back of the house but for two important obstacles, the first being represented by the bars which protected the window and the second by a deep area, concrete-lined, which formed a trench too wide to jump.

plural of “cheek” — either side of the face below the eyes

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

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

From this reading The house had been built on the slope of a gentle rise so that you might walk from the first-floor window on to the grassy lawn at the back of the house but for two important obstacles, the first being represented by the bars which protected the window and the second by a deep area, concrete-lined, which formed a trench too wide to jump.

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

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

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

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading She had spent the night dozing in a rocking-chair and at the first light of day she had bathed and redressed ready for any emergency.

plural of “dean” — an administrator in charge of a division of a university or college

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading The house had been built on the slope of a gentle rise so that you might walk from the first-floor window on to the grassy lawn at the back of the house but for two important obstacles, the first being represented by the bars which protected the window and the second by a deep area, concrete-lined, which formed a trench too wide to jump.

to cause to separate and go in different directions

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

-ing form of “doze” — sleep lightly or for a short period of time

From this reading She had spent the night dozing in a rocking-chair and at the first light of day she had bathed and redressed ready for any emergency.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading She had not heard any sound during the night and she guessed that van Heerden had returned to London.

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

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action

From this reading She had spent the night dozing in a rocking-chair and at the first light of day she had bathed and redressed ready for any emergency.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading She had spent the night dozing in a rocking-chair and at the first light of day she had bathed and redressed ready for any emergency.

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

From this reading The house had been built on the slope of a gentle rise so that you might walk from the first-floor window on to the grassy lawn at the back of the house but for two important obstacles, the first being represented by the bars which protected the window and the second by a deep area, concrete-lined, which formed a trench too wide to jump.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading The room in which she was imprisoned was on the first floor at the back of the house and the view she had of the grounds was restricted to a glimpse between two big lilac bushes which were planted almost on a level with her room.

the trait of acting stupidly or rashly

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading She had spent the night dozing in a rocking-chair and at the first light of day she had bathed and redressed ready for any emergency.

having or given a form or shape

From this reading The house had been built on the slope of a gentle rise so that you might walk from the first-floor window on to the grassy lawn at the back of the house but for two important obstacles, the first being represented by the bars which protected the window and the second by a deep area, concrete-lined, which formed a trench too wide to jump.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The house had been built on the slope of a gentle rise so that you might walk from the first-floor window on to the grassy lawn at the back of the house but for two important obstacles, the first being represented by the bars which protected the window and the second by a deep area, concrete-lined, which formed a trench too wide to jump.

soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

a quick look

From this reading The room in which she was imprisoned was on the first floor at the back of the house and the view she had of the grounds was restricted to a glimpse between two big lilac bushes which were planted almost on a level with her room.

abounding in grass

From this reading The house had been built on the slope of a gentle rise so that you might walk from the first-floor window on to the grassy lawn at the back of the house but for two important obstacles, the first being represented by the bars which protected the window and the second by a deep area, concrete-lined, which formed a trench too wide to jump.

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading The room in which she was imprisoned was on the first floor at the back of the house and the view she had of the grounds was restricted to a glimpse between two big lilac bushes which were planted almost on a level with her room.

past form of “guess” — expect, believe, or suppose

From this reading She had not heard any sound during the night and she guessed that van Heerden had returned to London.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading She had spent the night dozing in a rocking-chair and at the first light of day she had bathed and redressed ready for any emergency.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading She had not heard any sound during the night and she guessed that van Heerden had returned to London.

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

From this reading She had not heard any sound during the night and she guessed that van Heerden had returned to London.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading The room in which she was imprisoned was on the first floor at the back of the house and the view she had of the grounds was restricted to a glimpse between two big lilac bushes which were planted almost on a level with her room.

of great significance or value

From this reading The house had been built on the slope of a gentle rise so that you might walk from the first-floor window on to the grassy lawn at the back of the house but for two important obstacles, the first being represented by the bars which protected the window and the second by a deep area, concrete-lined, which formed a trench too wide to jump.

being in captivity

From this reading The room in which she was imprisoned was on the first floor at the back of the house and the view she had of the grounds was restricted to a glimpse between two big lilac bushes which were planted almost on a level with her room.

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

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

move forward by leaps and bounds

From this reading The house had been built on the slope of a gentle rise so that you might walk from the first-floor window on to the grassy lawn at the back of the house but for two important obstacles, the first being represented by the bars which protected the window and the second by a deep area, concrete-lined, which formed a trench too wide to jump.

a field of cultivated and mowed grass

From this reading The house had been built on the slope of a gentle rise so that you might walk from the first-floor window on to the grassy lawn at the back of the house but for two important obstacles, the first being represented by the bars which protected the window and the second by a deep area, concrete-lined, which formed a trench too wide to jump.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading The room in which she was imprisoned was on the first floor at the back of the house and the view she had of the grounds was restricted to a glimpse between two big lilac bushes which were planted almost on a level with her room.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading She had spent the night dozing in a rocking-chair and at the first light of day she had bathed and redressed ready for any emergency.

any of various plants of the genus Syringa having large panicles of usually fragrant flowers

From this reading The room in which she was imprisoned was on the first floor at the back of the house and the view she had of the grounds was restricted to a glimpse between two big lilac bushes which were planted almost on a level with her room.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading She had not heard any sound during the night and she guessed that van Heerden had returned to London.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The house had been built on the slope of a gentle rise so that you might walk from the first-floor window on to the grassy lawn at the back of the house but for two important obstacles, the first being represented by the bars which protected the window and the second by a deep area, concrete-lined, which formed a trench too wide to jump.

plural of “mist” — a thin fog with condensation near the ground

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading She had spent the night dozing in a rocking-chair and at the first light of day she had bathed and redressed ready for any emergency.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading She had not heard any sound during the night and she guessed that van Heerden had returned to London.

plural of “obstacle” — something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted

From this reading The house had been built on the slope of a gentle rise so that you might walk from the first-floor window on to the grassy lawn at the back of the house but for two important obstacles, the first being represented by the bars which protected the window and the second by a deep area, concrete-lined, which formed a trench too wide to jump.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

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

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

(used especially of ideas or principles) deeply rooted; firmly fixed or held

From this reading The room in which she was imprisoned was on the first floor at the back of the house and the view she had of the grounds was restricted to a glimpse between two big lilac bushes which were planted almost on a level with her room.

kept safe or defended from danger or injury or loss

From this reading The house had been built on the slope of a gentle rise so that you might walk from the first-floor window on to the grassy lawn at the back of the house but for two important obstacles, the first being represented by the bars which protected the window and the second by a deep area, concrete-lined, which formed a trench too wide to jump.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading She had spent the night dozing in a rocking-chair and at the first light of day she had bathed and redressed ready for any emergency.

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

From this reading She had spent the night dozing in a rocking-chair and at the first light of day she had bathed and redressed ready for any emergency.

represented accurately or precisely

From this reading The house had been built on the slope of a gentle rise so that you might walk from the first-floor window on to the grassy lawn at the back of the house but for two important obstacles, the first being represented by the bars which protected the window and the second by a deep area, concrete-lined, which formed a trench too wide to jump.

-ing form of “rest” — not move; be in a resting position

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

subject to restriction or subjected to restriction

From this reading The room in which she was imprisoned was on the first floor at the back of the house and the view she had of the grounds was restricted to a glimpse between two big lilac bushes which were planted almost on a level with her room.

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading She had not heard any sound during the night and she guessed that van Heerden had returned to London.

move upward

From this reading The house had been built on the slope of a gentle rise so that you might walk from the first-floor window on to the grassy lawn at the back of the house but for two important obstacles, the first being represented by the bars which protected the window and the second by a deep area, concrete-lined, which formed a trench too wide to jump.

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

From this reading She had spent the night dozing in a rocking-chair and at the first light of day she had bathed and redressed ready for any emergency.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading The room in which she was imprisoned was on the first floor at the back of the house and the view she had of the grounds was restricted to a glimpse between two big lilac bushes which were planted almost on a level with her room.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading The house had been built on the slope of a gentle rise so that you might walk from the first-floor window on to the grassy lawn at the back of the house but for two important obstacles, the first being represented by the bars which protected the window and the second by a deep area, concrete-lined, which formed a trench too wide to jump.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading She had spent the night dozing in a rocking-chair and at the first light of day she had bathed and redressed ready for any emergency.

an elevated geological formation

From this reading The house had been built on the slope of a gentle rise so that you might walk from the first-floor window on to the grassy lawn at the back of the house but for two important obstacles, the first being represented by the bars which protected the window and the second by a deep area, concrete-lined, which formed a trench too wide to jump.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The house had been built on the slope of a gentle rise so that you might walk from the first-floor window on to the grassy lawn at the back of the house but for two important obstacles, the first being represented by the bars which protected the window and the second by a deep area, concrete-lined, which formed a trench too wide to jump.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading She had not heard any sound during the night and she guessed that van Heerden had returned to London.

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading She had spent the night dozing in a rocking-chair and at the first light of day she had bathed and redressed ready for any emergency.

an alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon; widely used in construction; mechanical properties can be varied over a wide range

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading She had not heard any sound during the night and she guessed that van Heerden had returned to London.

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

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

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

From this reading She had not heard any sound during the night and she guessed that van Heerden had returned to London.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading The house had been built on the slope of a gentle rise so that you might walk from the first-floor window on to the grassy lawn at the back of the house but for two important obstacles, the first being represented by the bars which protected the window and the second by a deep area, concrete-lined, which formed a trench too wide to jump.

a ditch dug as a fortification having a parapet of the excavated earth

From this reading The house had been built on the slope of a gentle rise so that you might walk from the first-floor window on to the grassy lawn at the back of the house but for two important obstacles, the first being represented by the bars which protected the window and the second by a deep area, concrete-lined, which formed a trench too wide to jump.

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

From this reading The room in which she was imprisoned was on the first floor at the back of the house and the view she had of the grounds was restricted to a glimpse between two big lilac bushes which were planted almost on a level with her room.

any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)

From this reading She had not heard any sound during the night and she guessed that van Heerden had returned to London.

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading The room in which she was imprisoned was on the first floor at the back of the house and the view she had of the grounds was restricted to a glimpse between two big lilac bushes which were planted almost on a level with her room.

the act of traveling by foot

From this reading The house had been built on the slope of a gentle rise so that you might walk from the first-floor window on to the grassy lawn at the back of the house but for two important obstacles, the first being represented by the bars which protected the window and the second by a deep area, concrete-lined, which formed a trench too wide to jump.

the sensation caused by heat energy

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

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

From this reading The room in which she was imprisoned was on the first floor at the back of the house and the view she had of the grounds was restricted to a glimpse between two big lilac bushes which were planted almost on a level with her room.

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading The room in which she was imprisoned was on the first floor at the back of the house and the view she had of the grounds was restricted to a glimpse between two big lilac bushes which were planted almost on a level with her room.

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

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

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

From this reading The house had been built on the slope of a gentle rise so that you might walk from the first-floor window on to the grassy lawn at the back of the house but for two important obstacles, the first being represented by the bars which protected the window and the second by a deep area, concrete-lined, which formed a trench too wide to jump.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

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

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

in the company of; together with

From this reading AT DEANS FOLLY With her elbows resting on the broad window-ledge and her cheeks against the cold steel bars which covered the window, Oliva Cresswell watched the mists slowly dissipate in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading The house had been built on the slope of a gentle rise so that you might walk from the first-floor window on to the grassy lawn at the back of the house but for two important obstacles, the first being represented by the bars which protected the window and the second by a deep area, concrete-lined, which formed a trench too wide to jump.