Chapter XXIII · Chapter 23

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

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

later than; following

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

a cherished desire

From this reading He was deeply versed in the lore of stamps, and his private ambition was to become the possessor of a "blue Mauritius."

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

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

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

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

the act of being present (at a meeting or event etc.)

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading He was deeply versed in the lore of stamps, and his private ambition was to become the possessor of a "blue Mauritius."

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading He was deeply versed in the lore of stamps, and his private ambition was to become the possessor of a "blue Mauritius."

quick and energetic

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

an occurrence of something

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

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

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

a medium that disseminates moving pictures

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

the act of gathering something together

From this reading Rolfe's hobby was nothing more exciting than stamp collecting.

a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

plural of “dagger” — a short knife with a pointed blade used for piercing or stabbing

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

possessive form of “day” — time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

to a great depth psychologically or emotionally

From this reading He was deeply versed in the lore of stamps, and his private ambition was to become the possessor of a "blue Mauritius."

without or almost without hope

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

plural of “detective” — a police officer who investigates crimes

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

the pleasure felt when having a good time

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

(of persons) excessively affected by emotion

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

creating or arousing excitement

From this reading Rolfe's hobby was nothing more exciting than stamp collecting.

enclose in or as if in a frame

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

unproductive of success

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

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

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

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

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

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

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

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

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

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

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

an auxiliary activity

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

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

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

plural of “inquiry” — a search for knowledge

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

a high ranking police officer

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

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

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

someone who leaves

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

time available for ease and relaxation

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

knowledge gained through tradition or anecdote

From this reading He was deeply versed in the lore of stamps, and his private ambition was to become the possessor of a "blue Mauritius."

an artist of consummate skill

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

a parliamentary state on the island of Mauritius

From this reading He was deeply versed in the lore of stamps, and his private ambition was to become the possessor of a "blue Mauritius."

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Rolfe's hobby was nothing more exciting than stamp collecting.

the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Rolfe's hobby was nothing more exciting than stamp collecting.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

having official authority or sanction

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

a tube with a small bowl at one end; used for smoking tobacco

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

the force of policemen and officers

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

a person who owns something

From this reading He was deeply versed in the lore of stamps, and his private ambition was to become the possessor of a "blue Mauritius."

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

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy

From this reading He was deeply versed in the lore of stamps, and his private ambition was to become the possessor of a "blue Mauritius."

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

an act or expression of criticism and censure

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

a pistol with a revolving cylinder (usually having six chambers for bullets)

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

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

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

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

From this reading Rolfe's hobby was nothing more exciting than stamp collecting.

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

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

having or caused by an irregular surface

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

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 Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

having a surface free from roughness or bumps or ridges or irregularities

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

refrain from harming

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

the act of spending or disbursing money

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

walk heavily

From this reading Rolfe's hobby was nothing more exciting than stamp collecting.

plural of “stamp” — the distinctive form in which a thing is made

From this reading He was deeply versed in the lore of stamps, and his private ambition was to become the possessor of a "blue Mauritius."

a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

carry out

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Rolfe's hobby was nothing more exciting than stamp collecting.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

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

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

plural of “theatre” — a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

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

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

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

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

-ing form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

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

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

(of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

a cunning or deceitful action or device

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

hard to endure

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

marked by dissimilarity

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

an injectable form of benzodiazepine (trade name Versed) useful for sedation and for reducing pain during uncomfortable medical procedures

From this reading He was deeply versed in the lore of stamps, and his private ambition was to become the possessor of a "blue Mauritius."

the act of traveling by foot

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

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 This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

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

From this reading Rolfe was spending a quiet evening in his room after a trying day's inquiries into a confidence trick case; inquiries so fruitless that they had brought down on his head an official reproof from Inspector Chippenfield.

which person or people

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

belonging to which person

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.

showing curiosity

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading This hobby would have excited the wondering contempt of Joe Leaver, whose frequent attendance at cinema theatres had led him to the conclusion that police detectives--who, unlike his master, had to take the rough with the smooth--spent their spare time practising revolver shooting, and throwing daggers at an ace of hearts on the wall.

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 Rolfe had left Scotland Yard that evening in a somewhat despondent frame of mind in consequence, but a brisk walk home and a good supper had done him so much good, that with a tranquil mind and his pipe in his mouth, he was able to devote himself to the hobby of his leisure hours with keen enjoyment.