used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After considering the matter for a little space, he said aloud: “Nixon will be pretty sure to know.
using the voice; not silently
From this reading After considering the matter for a little space, he said aloud: “Nixon will be pretty sure to know.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
angryadjectiveUS /ˈæŋɡri/
feeling or showing anger
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading Like Rigg, Nixon was another pensioned dependent of the house of Clare, and together with his wife, much younger than himself, filled the post of lodge-keeper at the main entrance to Withington Chase.
ascertainverbUS /ˌæsərˈteɪn/
establish after a calculation, investigation, experiment, survey, or study
From this reading Evidently the first thing to do was to ascertain why the Tower was shut up and what had become of Rigg and his daughter.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading Evidently the first thing to do was to ascertain why the Tower was shut up and what had become of Rigg and his daughter.
a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
browsnounUS /braʊz/
plural of “brow” — the part of the face above the eyes
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
go after with the intent to catch
From this reading Like Rigg, Nixon was another pensioned dependent of the house of Clare, and together with his wife, much younger than himself, filled the post of lodge-keeper at the main entrance to Withington Chase.
Clare
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Like Rigg, Nixon was another pensioned dependent of the house of Clare, and together with his wife, much younger than himself, filled the post of lodge-keeper at the main entrance to Withington Chase.
-ing form of “consider” — deem to be
From this reading After considering the matter for a little space, he said aloud: “Nixon will be pretty sure to know.
a female human offspring
From this reading Evidently the first thing to do was to ascertain why the Tower was shut up and what had become of Rigg and his daughter.
debatingverbUS /dəˈbeɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “debate” — argue with one another
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
dependentadjectiveUS /dɪˈpendənt/
relying on or requiring a person or thing for support, supply, or what is needed
From this reading Like Rigg, Nixon was another pensioned dependent of the house of Clare, and together with his wife, much younger than himself, filled the post of lodge-keeper at the main entrance to Withington Chase.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Evidently the first thing to do was to ascertain why the Tower was shut up and what had become of Rigg and his daughter.
something that provides access (to get in or get out)
From this reading Like Rigg, Nixon was another pensioned dependent of the house of Clare, and together with his wife, much younger than himself, filled the post of lodge-keeper at the main entrance to Withington Chase.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading Evidently the first thing to do was to ascertain why the Tower was shut up and what had become of Rigg and his daughter.
opinion or judgment
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading Like Rigg, Nixon was another pensioned dependent of the house of Clare, and together with his wife, much younger than himself, filled the post of lodge-keeper at the main entrance to Withington Chase.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Evidently the first thing to do was to ascertain why the Tower was shut up and what had become of Rigg and his daughter.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
fumingverbUS /ˈfjuːmɪŋ/
-ing form of “fume” — be mad, angry, or furious
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
glaringadjectiveUS /ˈɡlerɪŋ/
shining intensely
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading I’ll go and question him.”
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Evidently the first thing to do was to ascertain why the Tower was shut up and what had become of Rigg and his daughter.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I’ll go and question him.”
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Like Rigg, Nixon was another pensioned dependent of the house of Clare, and together with his wife, much younger than himself, filled the post of lodge-keeper at the main entrance to Withington Chase.
I'll
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I’ll go and question him.”
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading After considering the matter for a little space, he said aloud: “Nixon will be pretty sure to know.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Like Rigg, Nixon was another pensioned dependent of the house of Clare, and together with his wife, much younger than himself, filled the post of lodge-keeper at the main entrance to Withington Chase.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading After considering the matter for a little space, he said aloud: “Nixon will be pretty sure to know.
lodge-keeper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Like Rigg, Nixon was another pensioned dependent of the house of Clare, and together with his wife, much younger than himself, filled the post of lodge-keeper at the main entrance to Withington Chase.
most important element
From this reading Like Rigg, Nixon was another pensioned dependent of the house of Clare, and together with his wife, much younger than himself, filled the post of lodge-keeper at the main entrance to Withington Chase.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading After considering the matter for a little space, he said aloud: “Nixon will be pretty sure to know.
plural of “moment” — a particular point in time
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Like Rigg, Nixon was another pensioned dependent of the house of Clare, and together with his wife, much younger than himself, filled the post of lodge-keeper at the main entrance to Withington Chase.
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
NixonnounUS /ˈnɪksən/
vice president under Eisenhower and 37th President of the United States; resigned after the Watergate scandal in 1974 (1913-1994)
From this reading After considering the matter for a little space, he said aloud: “Nixon will be pretty sure to know.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
used with “to” to say what is right or advisable
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
pensioned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Like Rigg, Nixon was another pensioned dependent of the house of Clare, and together with his wife, much younger than himself, filled the post of lodge-keeper at the main entrance to Withington Chase.
affix in a public place or for public notice
From this reading Like Rigg, Nixon was another pensioned dependent of the house of Clare, and together with his wife, much younger than himself, filled the post of lodge-keeper at the main entrance to Withington Chase.
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading After considering the matter for a little space, he said aloud: “Nixon will be pretty sure to know.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading I’ll go and question him.”
Rigg
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Evidently the first thing to do was to ascertain why the Tower was shut up and what had become of Rigg and his daughter.
ROOTnounUS /ruːt/
(botany) the usually underground organ that lacks buds or leaves or nodes; absorbs water and mineral salts; usually it anchors the plant to the ground
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading After considering the matter for a little space, he said aloud: “Nixon will be pretty sure to know.
move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut
From this reading Evidently the first thing to do was to ascertain why the Tower was shut up and what had become of Rigg and his daughter.
the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
From this reading After considering the matter for a little space, he said aloud: “Nixon will be pretty sure to know.
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading After considering the matter for a little space, he said aloud: “Nixon will be pretty sure to know.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Like Rigg, Nixon was another pensioned dependent of the house of Clare, and together with his wife, much younger than himself, filled the post of lodge-keeper at the main entrance to Withington Chase.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
a special situation
From this reading Evidently the first thing to do was to ascertain why the Tower was shut up and what had become of Rigg and his daughter.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading Like Rigg, Nixon was another pensioned dependent of the house of Clare, and together with his wife, much younger than himself, filled the post of lodge-keeper at the main entrance to Withington Chase.
a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building
From this reading Evidently the first thing to do was to ascertain why the Tower was shut up and what had become of Rigg and his daughter.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Evidently the first thing to do was to ascertain why the Tower was shut up and what had become of Rigg and his daughter.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Evidently the first thing to do was to ascertain why the Tower was shut up and what had become of Rigg and his daughter.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading Evidently the first thing to do was to ascertain why the Tower was shut up and what had become of Rigg and his daughter.
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading Like Rigg, Nixon was another pensioned dependent of the house of Clare, and together with his wife, much younger than himself, filled the post of lodge-keeper at the main entrance to Withington Chase.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading After considering the matter for a little space, he said aloud: “Nixon will be pretty sure to know.
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE ROOT OF THE MYSTERY For a few moments he stood fuming and glaring with angry eyes and bent brows at nothing in particular, while debating with himself what his next step ought to be.
Withington
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Like Rigg, Nixon was another pensioned dependent of the house of Clare, and together with his wife, much younger than himself, filled the post of lodge-keeper at the main entrance to Withington Chase.
used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father
From this reading Like Rigg, Nixon was another pensioned dependent of the house of Clare, and together with his wife, much younger than himself, filled the post of lodge-keeper at the main entrance to Withington Chase.
