used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The popular fallacy which likens circumstantial evidence to a chain naturally found no acceptance in the mind of Superintendent Merrington.
acceptancenounUS /ækˈseptəns/
the mental attitude that something is believable and should be accepted as true
From this reading The popular fallacy which likens circumstantial evidence to a chain naturally found no acceptance in the mind of Superintendent Merrington.
additionaladjectiveUS /əˈdɪʃənəl/
further or added
From this reading Merrington remained at Heredith to weave additional strands for the rope of circumstantial evidence by which Hazel Rath was held for the murder of Violet Heredith.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading If the circumstances against Hazel Rath remained open to an alternative explanation--if, for example, the defence suggested that the mother was implicated in the crime and the daughter was silent in order to shield her, it might be difficult to obtain a conviction.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading If a link in a chain snaps, the captive springs free, but if he is bound by a rope it is necessary for all the strands to be severed before liberty can be regained.
alternativeadjectiveUS /ɔːlˈtɜːrnətɪv/
serving or used in place of another
From this reading If the circumstances against Hazel Rath remained open to an alternative explanation--if, for example, the defence suggested that the mother was implicated in the crime and the daughter was silent in order to shield her, it might be difficult to obtain a conviction.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading If the circumstances against Hazel Rath remained open to an alternative explanation--if, for example, the defence suggested that the mother was implicated in the crime and the daughter was silent in order to shield her, it might be difficult to obtain a conviction.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading If the circumstances against Hazel Rath remained open to an alternative explanation--if, for example, the defence suggested that the mother was implicated in the crime and the daughter was silent in order to shield her, it might be difficult to obtain a conviction.
any thing at all
From this reading It was a good strong case as it stood, but Merrington had seen too many strong ropes nibbled through by sharp legal teeth to leave anything to chance.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It was a good strong case as it stood, but Merrington had seen too many strong ropes nibbled through by sharp legal teeth to leave anything to chance.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Merrington remained at Heredith to weave additional strands for the rope of circumstantial evidence by which Hazel Rath was held for the murder of Violet Heredith.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading If a link in a chain snaps, the captive springs free, but if he is bound by a rope it is necessary for all the strands to be severed before liberty can be regained.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading If a link in a chain snaps, the captive springs free, but if he is bound by a rope it is necessary for all the strands to be severed before liberty can be regained.
confined by bonds
From this reading If a link in a chain snaps, the captive springs free, but if he is bound by a rope it is necessary for all the strands to be severed before liberty can be regained.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading If a link in a chain snaps, the captive springs free, but if he is bound by a rope it is necessary for all the strands to be severed before liberty can be regained.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading If a link in a chain snaps, the captive springs free, but if he is bound by a rope it is necessary for all the strands to be severed before liberty can be regained.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading If a link in a chain snaps, the captive springs free, but if he is bound by a rope it is necessary for all the strands to be severed before liberty can be regained.
captivenounUS /ˈkæptɪv/
a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war
From this reading If a link in a chain snaps, the captive springs free, but if he is bound by a rope it is necessary for all the strands to be severed before liberty can be regained.
an occurrence of something
From this reading It was a good strong case as it stood, but Merrington had seen too many strong ropes nibbled through by sharp legal teeth to leave anything to chance.
a series of things depending on each other as if linked together
From this reading The popular fallacy which likens circumstantial evidence to a chain naturally found no acceptance in the mind of Superintendent Merrington.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading It was a good strong case as it stood, but Merrington had seen too many strong ropes nibbled through by sharp legal teeth to leave anything to chance.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading If the circumstances against Hazel Rath remained open to an alternative explanation--if, for example, the defence suggested that the mother was implicated in the crime and the daughter was silent in order to shield her, it might be difficult to obtain a conviction.
circumstantialadjectiveUS /ˌsɜːrkəmˈstænʃəl/
fully detailed and specific about particulars
From this reading The popular fallacy which likens circumstantial evidence to a chain naturally found no acceptance in the mind of Superintendent Merrington.
an unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence
From this reading If the circumstances against Hazel Rath remained open to an alternative explanation--if, for example, the defence suggested that the mother was implicated in the crime and the daughter was silent in order to shield her, it might be difficult to obtain a conviction.
(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act
From this reading If the circumstances against Hazel Rath remained open to an alternative explanation--if, for example, the defence suggested that the mother was implicated in the crime and the daughter was silent in order to shield her, it might be difficult to obtain a conviction.
a female human offspring
From this reading If the circumstances against Hazel Rath remained open to an alternative explanation--if, for example, the defence suggested that the mother was implicated in the crime and the daughter was silent in order to shield her, it might be difficult to obtain a conviction.
defencenounUS /dɪˈfens/
(psychiatry) an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety associated with instinctive desires
From this reading If the circumstances against Hazel Rath remained open to an alternative explanation--if, for example, the defence suggested that the mother was implicated in the crime and the daughter was silent in order to shield her, it might be difficult to obtain a conviction.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading If the circumstances against Hazel Rath remained open to an alternative explanation--if, for example, the defence suggested that the mother was implicated in the crime and the daughter was silent in order to shield her, it might be difficult to obtain a conviction.
your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief
From this reading The popular fallacy which likens circumstantial evidence to a chain naturally found no acceptance in the mind of Superintendent Merrington.
an item of information that is typical of a class or group
From this reading If the circumstances against Hazel Rath remained open to an alternative explanation--if, for example, the defence suggested that the mother was implicated in the crime and the daughter was silent in order to shield her, it might be difficult to obtain a conviction.
a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading If the circumstances against Hazel Rath remained open to an alternative explanation--if, for example, the defence suggested that the mother was implicated in the crime and the daughter was silent in order to shield her, it might be difficult to obtain a conviction.
fallacynounUS /ˈfæləsi/
a misconception resulting from incorrect reasoning
From this reading The popular fallacy which likens circumstantial evidence to a chain naturally found no acceptance in the mind of Superintendent Merrington.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading If a link in a chain snaps, the captive springs free, but if he is bound by a rope it is necessary for all the strands to be severed before liberty can be regained.
set up or found
From this reading The popular fallacy which likens circumstantial evidence to a chain naturally found no acceptance in the mind of Superintendent Merrington.
grant freedom to; free from confinement
From this reading If a link in a chain snaps, the captive springs free, but if he is bound by a rope it is necessary for all the strands to be severed before liberty can be regained.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading It was a good strong case as it stood, but Merrington had seen too many strong ropes nibbled through by sharp legal teeth to leave anything to chance.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was a good strong case as it stood, but Merrington had seen too many strong ropes nibbled through by sharp legal teeth to leave anything to chance.
HazeladjectiveUS /ˈheɪzəl/
of a light brown or yellowish brown color
From this reading Merrington remained at Heredith to weave additional strands for the rope of circumstantial evidence by which Hazel Rath was held for the murder of Violet Heredith.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading If a link in a chain snaps, the captive springs free, but if he is bound by a rope it is necessary for all the strands to be severed before liberty can be regained.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading Merrington remained at Heredith to weave additional strands for the rope of circumstantial evidence by which Hazel Rath was held for the murder of Violet Heredith.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading If the circumstances against Hazel Rath remained open to an alternative explanation--if, for example, the defence suggested that the mother was implicated in the crime and the daughter was silent in order to shield her, it might be difficult to obtain a conviction.
Heredith
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Merrington remained at Heredith to weave additional strands for the rope of circumstantial evidence by which Hazel Rath was held for the murder of Violet Heredith.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If a link in a chain snaps, the captive springs free, but if he is bound by a rope it is necessary for all the strands to be severed before liberty can be regained.
implicatedadjectiveUS /ˈɪmplɪkeɪtɪd/
culpably involved
From this reading If the circumstances against Hazel Rath remained open to an alternative explanation--if, for example, the defence suggested that the mother was implicated in the crime and the daughter was silent in order to shield her, it might be difficult to obtain a conviction.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The popular fallacy which likens circumstantial evidence to a chain naturally found no acceptance in the mind of Superintendent Merrington.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading If a link in a chain snaps, the captive springs free, but if he is bound by a rope it is necessary for all the strands to be severed before liberty can be regained.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading If a link in a chain snaps, the captive springs free, but if he is bound by a rope it is necessary for all the strands to be severed before liberty can be regained.
go away from a place
From this reading It was a good strong case as it stood, but Merrington had seen too many strong ropes nibbled through by sharp legal teeth to leave anything to chance.
legaladjectiveUS /ˈliːɡəl/
established by or founded upon law or official or accepted rules
From this reading It was a good strong case as it stood, but Merrington had seen too many strong ropes nibbled through by sharp legal teeth to leave anything to chance.
The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions on one's way of life.
From this reading If a link in a chain snaps, the captive springs free, but if he is bound by a rope it is necessary for all the strands to be severed before liberty can be regained.
likensverbUS /ˈlaɪkənz/
third-person singular of “liken” — consider or describe as similar, equal, or analogous
From this reading The popular fallacy which likens circumstantial evidence to a chain naturally found no acceptance in the mind of Superintendent Merrington.
linkverbUS /lɪŋk/
make a logical or causal connection
From this reading If a link in a chain snaps, the captive springs free, but if he is bound by a rope it is necessary for all the strands to be severed before liberty can be regained.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading It was a good strong case as it stood, but Merrington had seen too many strong ropes nibbled through by sharp legal teeth to leave anything to chance.
Merrington
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The popular fallacy which likens circumstantial evidence to a chain naturally found no acceptance in the mind of Superintendent Merrington.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading If the circumstances against Hazel Rath remained open to an alternative explanation--if, for example, the defence suggested that the mother was implicated in the crime and the daughter was silent in order to shield her, it might be difficult to obtain a conviction.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading The popular fallacy which likens circumstantial evidence to a chain naturally found no acceptance in the mind of Superintendent Merrington.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading If the circumstances against Hazel Rath remained open to an alternative explanation--if, for example, the defence suggested that the mother was implicated in the crime and the daughter was silent in order to shield her, it might be difficult to obtain a conviction.
kill intentionally and with premeditation
From this reading Merrington remained at Heredith to weave additional strands for the rope of circumstantial evidence by which Hazel Rath was held for the murder of Violet Heredith.
as might be expected
From this reading The popular fallacy which likens circumstantial evidence to a chain naturally found no acceptance in the mind of Superintendent Merrington.
absolutely essential
From this reading If a link in a chain snaps, the captive springs free, but if he is bound by a rope it is necessary for all the strands to be severed before liberty can be regained.
nibbledverbUS /ˈnɪbəld/
past form of “nibble” — bite off very small pieces
From this reading It was a good strong case as it stood, but Merrington had seen too many strong ropes nibbled through by sharp legal teeth to leave anything to chance.
not any; not one
From this reading The popular fallacy which likens circumstantial evidence to a chain naturally found no acceptance in the mind of Superintendent Merrington.
come into possession of
From this reading If the circumstances against Hazel Rath remained open to an alternative explanation--if, for example, the defence suggested that the mother was implicated in the crime and the daughter was silent in order to shield her, it might be difficult to obtain a conviction.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The popular fallacy which likens circumstantial evidence to a chain naturally found no acceptance in the mind of Superintendent Merrington.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading If the circumstances against Hazel Rath remained open to an alternative explanation--if, for example, the defence suggested that the mother was implicated in the crime and the daughter was silent in order to shield her, it might be difficult to obtain a conviction.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading If the circumstances against Hazel Rath remained open to an alternative explanation--if, for example, the defence suggested that the mother was implicated in the crime and the daughter was silent in order to shield her, it might be difficult to obtain a conviction.
regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public
From this reading The popular fallacy which likens circumstantial evidence to a chain naturally found no acceptance in the mind of Superintendent Merrington.
Rath
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Merrington remained at Heredith to weave additional strands for the rope of circumstantial evidence by which Hazel Rath was held for the murder of Violet Heredith.
regainedverbUS /riˈɡeɪnd/
past form of “regain” — get or find back; recover the use of
From this reading If a link in a chain snaps, the captive springs free, but if he is bound by a rope it is necessary for all the strands to be severed before liberty can be regained.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading Merrington remained at Heredith to weave additional strands for the rope of circumstantial evidence by which Hazel Rath was held for the murder of Violet Heredith.
a strong line
From this reading If a link in a chain snaps, the captive springs free, but if he is bound by a rope it is necessary for all the strands to be severed before liberty can be regained.
ropesnounUS /roʊps/
plural of “rope” — a strong line
From this reading It was a good strong case as it stood, but Merrington had seen too many strong ropes nibbled through by sharp legal teeth to leave anything to chance.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading It was a good strong case as it stood, but Merrington had seen too many strong ropes nibbled through by sharp legal teeth to leave anything to chance.
severedadjectiveUS /ˈsevərd/
detached by cutting
From this reading If a link in a chain snaps, the captive springs free, but if he is bound by a rope it is necessary for all the strands to be severed before liberty can be regained.
(of something seen or heard) clearly defined
From this reading It was a good strong case as it stood, but Merrington had seen too many strong ropes nibbled through by sharp legal teeth to leave anything to chance.
shieldnounUS /ʃiːld/
a protective covering or structure
From this reading If the circumstances against Hazel Rath remained open to an alternative explanation--if, for example, the defence suggested that the mother was implicated in the crime and the daughter was silent in order to shield her, it might be difficult to obtain a conviction.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading If the circumstances against Hazel Rath remained open to an alternative explanation--if, for example, the defence suggested that the mother was implicated in the crime and the daughter was silent in order to shield her, it might be difficult to obtain a conviction.
snapsnounUS /snæps/
plural of “snap” — the act of catching an object with the hands
From this reading If a link in a chain snaps, the captive springs free, but if he is bound by a rope it is necessary for all the strands to be severed before liberty can be regained.
springsnounUS /sprɪŋz/
plural of “spring” — the season of growth
From this reading If a link in a chain snaps, the captive springs free, but if he is bound by a rope it is necessary for all the strands to be severed before liberty can be regained.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading It was a good strong case as it stood, but Merrington had seen too many strong ropes nibbled through by sharp legal teeth to leave anything to chance.
strandsnounUS /strændz/
plural of “strand” — a pattern forming a unity within a larger structural whole
From this reading If a link in a chain snaps, the captive springs free, but if he is bound by a rope it is necessary for all the strands to be severed before liberty can be regained.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading It was a good strong case as it stood, but Merrington had seen too many strong ropes nibbled through by sharp legal teeth to leave anything to chance.
past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading If the circumstances against Hazel Rath remained open to an alternative explanation--if, for example, the defence suggested that the mother was implicated in the crime and the daughter was silent in order to shield her, it might be difficult to obtain a conviction.
SuperintendentnounUS /ˌsuːpərənˈtendənt/
a person who directs and manages an organization
From this reading The popular fallacy which likens circumstantial evidence to a chain naturally found no acceptance in the mind of Superintendent Merrington.
the kind and number and arrangement of teeth (collectively) in a person or animal
From this reading It was a good strong case as it stood, but Merrington had seen too many strong ropes nibbled through by sharp legal teeth to leave anything to chance.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading If the circumstances against Hazel Rath remained open to an alternative explanation--if, for example, the defence suggested that the mother was implicated in the crime and the daughter was silent in order to shield her, it might be difficult to obtain a conviction.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The popular fallacy which likens circumstantial evidence to a chain naturally found no acceptance in the mind of Superintendent Merrington.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading It was a good strong case as it stood, but Merrington had seen too many strong ropes nibbled through by sharp legal teeth to leave anything to chance.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The popular fallacy which likens circumstantial evidence to a chain naturally found no acceptance in the mind of Superintendent Merrington.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading It was a good strong case as it stood, but Merrington had seen too many strong ropes nibbled through by sharp legal teeth to leave anything to chance.
VioletnounUS /ˈvaɪəlɪt/
any of numerous low-growing violas with small flowers
From this reading Merrington remained at Heredith to weave additional strands for the rope of circumstantial evidence by which Hazel Rath was held for the murder of Violet Heredith.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Merrington remained at Heredith to weave additional strands for the rope of circumstantial evidence by which Hazel Rath was held for the murder of Violet Heredith.
weaveverbUS /wiːv/
interlace by or as if by weaving
From this reading Merrington remained at Heredith to weave additional strands for the rope of circumstantial evidence by which Hazel Rath was held for the murder of Violet Heredith.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The popular fallacy which likens circumstantial evidence to a chain naturally found no acceptance in the mind of Superintendent Merrington.
