Chapter IX · Chapter 9

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

From this reading Inspector Chippenfield, glancing up from his official desk in Scotland Yard, put this question in a tone of voice which suggested that the speaker had expected nothing better.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The scrap of lace merely shows that it was torn off a good handkerchief, but there is nothing about it to show that the handkerchief was different in any marked way from the average filmy scrap of muslin and lace which every smart woman carries as a handkerchief.

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

From this reading "And so you've had no luck, Rolfe?"

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading The scrap of lace merely shows that it was torn off a good handkerchief, but there is nothing about it to show that the handkerchief was different in any marked way from the average filmy scrap of muslin and lace which every smart woman carries as a handkerchief.

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

From this reading The scrap of lace merely shows that it was torn off a good handkerchief, but there is nothing about it to show that the handkerchief was different in any marked way from the average filmy scrap of muslin and lace which every smart woman carries as a handkerchief.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading "I've seen the heads of at least half a dozen likely West End shops," Rolfe replied, "and they tell me there is nothing to indicate where the handkerchief was bought.

approximating the statistical norm or average or expected value

From this reading The scrap of lace merely shows that it was torn off a good handkerchief, but there is nothing about it to show that the handkerchief was different in any marked way from the average filmy scrap of muslin and lace which every smart woman carries as a handkerchief.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading I thought so myself, before I started to make inquiries."

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading Inspector Chippenfield, glancing up from his official desk in Scotland Yard, put this question in a tone of voice which suggested that the speaker had expected nothing better.

inflected form of “buy” — obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction

From this reading "I've seen the heads of at least half a dozen likely West End shops," Rolfe replied, "and they tell me there is nothing to indicate where the handkerchief was bought.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The scrap of lace merely shows that it was torn off a good handkerchief, but there is nothing about it to show that the handkerchief was different in any marked way from the average filmy scrap of muslin and lace which every smart woman carries as a handkerchief.

plural of “carry” — the act of carrying something

From this reading The scrap of lace merely shows that it was torn off a good handkerchief, but there is nothing about it to show that the handkerchief was different in any marked way from the average filmy scrap of muslin and lace which every smart woman carries as a handkerchief.

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

From this reading Inspector Chippenfield, glancing up from his official desk in Scotland Yard, put this question in a tone of voice which suggested that the speaker had expected nothing better.

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

From this reading Inspector Chippenfield, glancing up from his official desk in Scotland Yard, put this question in a tone of voice which suggested that the speaker had expected nothing better.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading The scrap of lace merely shows that it was torn off a good handkerchief, but there is nothing about it to show that the handkerchief was different in any marked way from the average filmy scrap of muslin and lace which every smart woman carries as a handkerchief.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading "I've seen the heads of at least half a dozen likely West End shops," Rolfe replied, "and they tell me there is nothing to indicate where the handkerchief was bought.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading "I've seen the heads of at least half a dozen likely West End shops," Rolfe replied, "and they tell me there is nothing to indicate where the handkerchief was bought.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading The scrap of lace merely shows that it was torn off a good handkerchief, but there is nothing about it to show that the handkerchief was different in any marked way from the average filmy scrap of muslin and lace which every smart woman carries as a handkerchief.

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading Inspector Chippenfield, glancing up from his official desk in Scotland Yard, put this question in a tone of voice which suggested that the speaker had expected nothing better.

so thin as to transmit light

From this reading The scrap of lace merely shows that it was torn off a good handkerchief, but there is nothing about it to show that the handkerchief was different in any marked way from the average filmy scrap of muslin and lace which every smart woman carries as a handkerchief.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Inspector Chippenfield, glancing up from his official desk in Scotland Yard, put this question in a tone of voice which suggested that the speaker had expected nothing better.

-ing form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading Inspector Chippenfield, glancing up from his official desk in Scotland Yard, put this question in a tone of voice which suggested that the speaker had expected nothing better.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading The scrap of lace merely shows that it was torn off a good handkerchief, but there is nothing about it to show that the handkerchief was different in any marked way from the average filmy scrap of muslin and lace which every smart woman carries as a handkerchief.

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

From this reading "And so you've had no luck, Rolfe?"

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading "I've seen the heads of at least half a dozen likely West End shops," Rolfe replied, "and they tell me there is nothing to indicate where the handkerchief was bought.

a square piece of cloth used for wiping the eyes or nose or as a costume accessory

From this reading "I've seen the heads of at least half a dozen likely West End shops," Rolfe replied, "and they tell me there is nothing to indicate where the handkerchief was bought.

plural of “head” — the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading "I've seen the heads of at least half a dozen likely West End shops," Rolfe replied, "and they tell me there is nothing to indicate where the handkerchief was bought.

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

From this reading Inspector Chippenfield, glancing up from his official desk in Scotland Yard, put this question in a tone of voice which suggested that the speaker had expected nothing better.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading I thought so myself, before I started to make inquiries."

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

From this reading "I've seen the heads of at least half a dozen likely West End shops," Rolfe replied, "and they tell me there is nothing to indicate where the handkerchief was bought.

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

From this reading Inspector Chippenfield, glancing up from his official desk in Scotland Yard, put this question in a tone of voice which suggested that the speaker had expected nothing better.

be a signal for or a symptom of

From this reading "I've seen the heads of at least half a dozen likely West End shops," Rolfe replied, "and they tell me there is nothing to indicate where the handkerchief was bought.

plural of “inquiry” — a search for knowledge

From this reading I thought so myself, before I started to make inquiries."

a high ranking police officer

From this reading Inspector Chippenfield, glancing up from his official desk in Scotland Yard, put this question in a tone of voice which suggested that the speaker had expected nothing better.

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

From this reading "I've seen the heads of at least half a dozen likely West End shops," Rolfe replied, "and they tell me there is nothing to indicate where the handkerchief was bought.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The scrap of lace merely shows that it was torn off a good handkerchief, but there is nothing about it to show that the handkerchief was different in any marked way from the average filmy scrap of muslin and lace which every smart woman carries as a handkerchief.

spin, wind, or twist together

From this reading The scrap of lace merely shows that it was torn off a good handkerchief, but there is nothing about it to show that the handkerchief was different in any marked way from the average filmy scrap of muslin and lace which every smart woman carries as a handkerchief.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading "I've seen the heads of at least half a dozen likely West End shops," Rolfe replied, "and they tell me there is nothing to indicate where the handkerchief was bought.

has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

From this reading "I've seen the heads of at least half a dozen likely West End shops," Rolfe replied, "and they tell me there is nothing to indicate where the handkerchief was bought.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading "And so you've had no luck, Rolfe?"

engage in

From this reading I thought so myself, before I started to make inquiries."

strongly marked; easily noticeable

From this reading The scrap of lace merely shows that it was torn off a good handkerchief, but there is nothing about it to show that the handkerchief was different in any marked way from the average filmy scrap of muslin and lace which every smart woman carries as a handkerchief.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading "I've seen the heads of at least half a dozen likely West End shops," Rolfe replied, "and they tell me there is nothing to indicate where the handkerchief was bought.

and nothing more

From this reading The scrap of lace merely shows that it was torn off a good handkerchief, but there is nothing about it to show that the handkerchief was different in any marked way from the average filmy scrap of muslin and lace which every smart woman carries as a handkerchief.

plain-woven cotton fabric

From this reading The scrap of lace merely shows that it was torn off a good handkerchief, but there is nothing about it to show that the handkerchief was different in any marked way from the average filmy scrap of muslin and lace which every smart woman carries as a handkerchief.

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading I thought so myself, before I started to make inquiries."

not any; not one

From this reading "And so you've had no luck, Rolfe?"

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Inspector Chippenfield, glancing up from his official desk in Scotland Yard, put this question in a tone of voice which suggested that the speaker had expected nothing better.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Inspector Chippenfield, glancing up from his official desk in Scotland Yard, put this question in a tone of voice which suggested that the speaker had expected nothing better.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading The scrap of lace merely shows that it was torn off a good handkerchief, but there is nothing about it to show that the handkerchief was different in any marked way from the average filmy scrap of muslin and lace which every smart woman carries as a handkerchief.

having official authority or sanction

From this reading Inspector Chippenfield, glancing up from his official desk in Scotland Yard, put this question in a tone of voice which suggested that the speaker had expected nothing better.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Inspector Chippenfield, glancing up from his official desk in Scotland Yard, put this question in a tone of voice which suggested that the speaker had expected nothing better.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading Inspector Chippenfield, glancing up from his official desk in Scotland Yard, put this question in a tone of voice which suggested that the speaker had expected nothing better.

inflected form of “reply” — react verbally

From this reading "I've seen the heads of at least half a dozen likely West End shops," Rolfe replied, "and they tell me there is nothing to indicate where the handkerchief was bought.

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

From this reading "And so you've had no luck, Rolfe?"

one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; located on the northern part of the island of Great Britain; famous for bagpipes and plaids and kilts

From this reading Inspector Chippenfield, glancing up from his official desk in Scotland Yard, put this question in a tone of voice which suggested that the speaker had expected nothing better.

a small fragment of something broken off from the whole

From this reading The scrap of lace merely shows that it was torn off a good handkerchief, but there is nothing about it to show that the handkerchief was different in any marked way from the average filmy scrap of muslin and lace which every smart woman carries as a handkerchief.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading "I've seen the heads of at least half a dozen likely West End shops," Rolfe replied, "and they tell me there is nothing to indicate where the handkerchief was bought.

plural of “shop” — a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services

From this reading "I've seen the heads of at least half a dozen likely West End shops," Rolfe replied, "and they tell me there is nothing to indicate where the handkerchief was bought.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading The scrap of lace merely shows that it was torn off a good handkerchief, but there is nothing about it to show that the handkerchief was different in any marked way from the average filmy scrap of muslin and lace which every smart woman carries as a handkerchief.

plural of “show” — the act of publicly exhibiting or entertaining

From this reading The scrap of lace merely shows that it was torn off a good handkerchief, but there is nothing about it to show that the handkerchief was different in any marked way from the average filmy scrap of muslin and lace which every smart woman carries as a handkerchief.

showing mental alertness and calculation and resourcefulness

From this reading The scrap of lace merely shows that it was torn off a good handkerchief, but there is nothing about it to show that the handkerchief was different in any marked way from the average filmy scrap of muslin and lace which every smart woman carries as a handkerchief.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading "And so you've had no luck, Rolfe?"

someone who expresses in language; someone who talks (especially someone who delivers a public speech or someone especially garrulous)

From this reading Inspector Chippenfield, glancing up from his official desk in Scotland Yard, put this question in a tone of voice which suggested that the speaker had expected nothing better.

past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading I thought so myself, before I started to make inquiries."

past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading Inspector Chippenfield, glancing up from his official desk in Scotland Yard, put this question in a tone of voice which suggested that the speaker had expected nothing better.

express in words

From this reading "I've seen the heads of at least half a dozen likely West End shops," Rolfe replied, "and they tell me there is nothing to indicate where the handkerchief was bought.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Inspector Chippenfield, glancing up from his official desk in Scotland Yard, put this question in a tone of voice which suggested that the speaker had expected nothing better.

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

From this reading Inspector Chippenfield, glancing up from his official desk in Scotland Yard, put this question in a tone of voice which suggested that the speaker had expected nothing better.

in or at that place or location

From this reading "I've seen the heads of at least half a dozen likely West End shops," Rolfe replied, "and they tell me there is nothing to indicate where the handkerchief was bought.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading "I've seen the heads of at least half a dozen likely West End shops," Rolfe replied, "and they tell me there is nothing to indicate where the handkerchief was bought.

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

From this reading Inspector Chippenfield, glancing up from his official desk in Scotland Yard, put this question in a tone of voice which suggested that the speaker had expected nothing better.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading I thought so myself, before I started to make inquiries."

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

From this reading "I've seen the heads of at least half a dozen likely West End shops," Rolfe replied, "and they tell me there is nothing to indicate where the handkerchief was bought.

the quality of a person's voice

From this reading Inspector Chippenfield, glancing up from his official desk in Scotland Yard, put this question in a tone of voice which suggested that the speaker had expected nothing better.

having edges that are jagged from injury

From this reading The scrap of lace merely shows that it was torn off a good handkerchief, but there is nothing about it to show that the handkerchief was different in any marked way from the average filmy scrap of muslin and lace which every smart woman carries as a handkerchief.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Inspector Chippenfield, glancing up from his official desk in Scotland Yard, put this question in a tone of voice which suggested that the speaker had expected nothing better.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading Inspector Chippenfield, glancing up from his official desk in Scotland Yard, put this question in a tone of voice which suggested that the speaker had expected nothing better.

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

From this reading "I've seen the heads of at least half a dozen likely West End shops," Rolfe replied, "and they tell me there is nothing to indicate where the handkerchief was bought.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The scrap of lace merely shows that it was torn off a good handkerchief, but there is nothing about it to show that the handkerchief was different in any marked way from the average filmy scrap of muslin and lace which every smart woman carries as a handkerchief.

the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America

From this reading "I've seen the heads of at least half a dozen likely West End shops," Rolfe replied, "and they tell me there is nothing to indicate where the handkerchief was bought.

in or at the place that

From this reading "I've seen the heads of at least half a dozen likely West End shops," Rolfe replied, "and they tell me there is nothing to indicate where the handkerchief was bought.

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

From this reading Inspector Chippenfield, glancing up from his official desk in Scotland Yard, put this question in a tone of voice which suggested that the speaker had expected nothing better.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading The scrap of lace merely shows that it was torn off a good handkerchief, but there is nothing about it to show that the handkerchief was different in any marked way from the average filmy scrap of muslin and lace which every smart woman carries as a handkerchief.

a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading Inspector Chippenfield, glancing up from his official desk in Scotland Yard, put this question in a tone of voice which suggested that the speaker had expected nothing better.

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

From this reading "And so you've had no luck, Rolfe?"