Chapter XXIV · Chapter 24

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

From this reading From the top landing of a French restaurant we had gained access, by means of a trap, to the roof of the building.

the right to enter

From this reading From the top landing of a French restaurant we had gained access, by means of a trap, to the roof of the building.

anew

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

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

From this reading None of these gaps were more than a long stride from side to side; but the sense of depth conveyed in the muffled voices and dimmed footsteps from the pavements far below was almost overpowering.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading THE HOUSE OF HASHISH Along the leads from Frith Street we worked our perilous way.

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

From this reading Now, the busy streets of Soho were below me, and I clung dizzily to telephone standards and smoke stacks, rarely venturing to glance downward upon the cosmopolitan throng, surging, dwarfish, in the lighted depths.

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

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

for the reason that

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading Now, the busy streets of Soho were below me, and I clung dizzily to telephone standards and smoke stacks, rarely venturing to glance downward upon the cosmopolitan throng, surging, dwarfish, in the lighted depths.

the quality or state of the achromatic color of least lightness (bearing the least resemblance to white)

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

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

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading From the top landing of a French restaurant we had gained access, by means of a trap, to the roof of the building.

of large size for its weight

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading Now, the busy streets of Soho were below me, and I clung dizzily to telephone standards and smoke stacks, rarely venturing to glance downward upon the cosmopolitan throng, surging, dwarfish, in the lighted depths.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading None of these gaps were more than a long stride from side to side; but the sense of depth conveyed in the muffled voices and dimmed footsteps from the pavements far below was almost overpowering.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading From the top landing of a French restaurant we had gained access, by means of a trap, to the roof of the building.

inflected form of “cling” — come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation

From this reading Now, the busy streets of Soho were below me, and I clung dizzily to telephone standards and smoke stacks, rarely venturing to glance downward upon the cosmopolitan throng, surging, dwarfish, in the lighted depths.

-ing form of “contemplate” — look at thoughtfully; observe deep in thought

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

past form of “convey” — (of information) make known; pass on

From this reading None of these gaps were more than a long stride from side to side; but the sense of depth conveyed in the muffled voices and dimmed footsteps from the pavements far below was almost overpowering.

growing or occurring in many parts of the world

From this reading Now, the busy streets of Soho were below me, and I clung dizzily to telephone standards and smoke stacks, rarely venturing to glance downward upon the cosmopolitan throng, surging, dwarfish, in the lighted depths.

the extent downward or backward or inward

From this reading None of these gaps were more than a long stride from side to side; but the sense of depth conveyed in the muffled voices and dimmed footsteps from the pavements far below was almost overpowering.

(plural) the deepest and most remote part

From this reading Now, the busy streets of Soho were below me, and I clung dizzily to telephone standards and smoke stacks, rarely venturing to glance downward upon the cosmopolitan throng, surging, dwarfish, in the lighted depths.

made dim or less bright

From this reading None of these gaps were more than a long stride from side to side; but the sense of depth conveyed in the muffled voices and dimmed footsteps from the pavements far below was almost overpowering.

in a giddy light-headed manner

From this reading Now, the busy streets of Soho were below me, and I clung dizzily to telephone standards and smoke stacks, rarely venturing to glance downward upon the cosmopolitan throng, surging, dwarfish, in the lighted depths.

extending or moving from a higher to a lower place

From this reading Now, the busy streets of Soho were below me, and I clung dizzily to telephone standards and smoke stacks, rarely venturing to glance downward upon the cosmopolitan throng, surging, dwarfish, in the lighted depths.

atypically small

From this reading Now, the busy streets of Soho were below me, and I clung dizzily to telephone standards and smoke stacks, rarely venturing to glance downward upon the cosmopolitan throng, surging, dwarfish, in the lighted depths.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading None of these gaps were more than a long stride from side to side; but the sense of depth conveyed in the muffled voices and dimmed footsteps from the pavements far below was almost overpowering.

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

plural of “footstep” — the sound of a step of someone walking

From this reading None of these gaps were more than a long stride from side to side; but the sense of depth conveyed in the muffled voices and dimmed footsteps from the pavements far below was almost overpowering.

the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France

From this reading From the top landing of a French restaurant we had gained access, by means of a trap, to the roof of the building.

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

From this reading THE HOUSE OF HASHISH Along the leads from Frith Street we worked our perilous way.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading THE HOUSE OF HASHISH Along the leads from Frith Street we worked our perilous way.

past form of “gain” — obtain

From this reading From the top landing of a French restaurant we had gained access, by means of a trap, to the roof of the building.

plural of “gap” — a conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures

From this reading None of these gaps were more than a long stride from side to side; but the sense of depth conveyed in the muffled voices and dimmed footsteps from the pavements far below was almost overpowering.

throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading Now, the busy streets of Soho were below me, and I clung dizzily to telephone standards and smoke stacks, rarely venturing to glance downward upon the cosmopolitan throng, surging, dwarfish, in the lighted depths.

in a grotesque manner

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

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

From this reading From the top landing of a French restaurant we had gained access, by means of a trap, to the roof of the building.

purified resinous extract of the hemp plant; used as a hallucinogen

From this reading THE HOUSE OF HASHISH Along the leads from Frith Street we worked our perilous way.

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

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

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

From this reading THE HOUSE OF HASHISH Along the leads from Frith Street we worked our perilous way.

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

From this reading Now, the busy streets of Soho were below me, and I clung dizzily to telephone standards and smoke stacks, rarely venturing to glance downward upon the cosmopolitan throng, surging, dwarfish, in the lighted depths.

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

From this reading Now, the busy streets of Soho were below me, and I clung dizzily to telephone standards and smoke stacks, rarely venturing to glance downward upon the cosmopolitan throng, surging, dwarfish, in the lighted depths.

a high ranking police officer

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

an intermediate platform in a staircase

From this reading From the top landing of a French restaurant we had gained access, by means of a trap, to the roof of the building.

indicating the most important performer or role

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

plural of “lead” — an advantage held by a competitor in a race

From this reading THE HOUSE OF HASHISH Along the leads from Frith Street we worked our perilous way.

set afire or burning

From this reading Now, the busy streets of Soho were below me, and I clung dizzily to telephone standards and smoke stacks, rarely venturing to glance downward upon the cosmopolitan throng, surging, dwarfish, in the lighted depths.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading None of these gaps were more than a long stride from side to side; but the sense of depth conveyed in the muffled voices and dimmed footsteps from the pavements far below was almost overpowering.

come into view indistinctly, often threateningly

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

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

From this reading Now, the busy streets of Soho were below me, and I clung dizzily to telephone standards and smoke stacks, rarely venturing to glance downward upon the cosmopolitan throng, surging, dwarfish, in the lighted depths.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading From the top landing of a French restaurant we had gained access, by means of a trap, to the roof of the building.

a particular point in time

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

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

From this reading None of these gaps were more than a long stride from side to side; but the sense of depth conveyed in the muffled voices and dimmed footsteps from the pavements far below was almost overpowering.

being or made softer or less loud or clear

From this reading None of these gaps were more than a long stride from side to side; but the sense of depth conveyed in the muffled voices and dimmed footsteps from the pavements far below was almost overpowering.

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

the state that precedes vomiting

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

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

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

past form of “negotiate” — discuss the terms of an arrangement

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

not one, and not any

From this reading None of these gaps were more than a long stride from side to side; but the sense of depth conveyed in the muffled voices and dimmed footsteps from the pavements far below was almost overpowering.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Now, the busy streets of Soho were below me, and I clung dizzily to telephone standards and smoke stacks, rarely venturing to glance downward upon the cosmopolitan throng, surging, dwarfish, in the lighted depths.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE HOUSE OF HASHISH Along the leads from Frith Street we worked our perilous way.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading THE HOUSE OF HASHISH Along the leads from Frith Street we worked our perilous way.

so strong as to be irresistible

From this reading None of these gaps were more than a long stride from side to side; but the sense of depth conveyed in the muffled voices and dimmed footsteps from the pavements far below was almost overpowering.

past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

plural of “pavement” — the paved surface of a thoroughfare

From this reading None of these gaps were more than a long stride from side to side; but the sense of depth conveyed in the muffled voices and dimmed footsteps from the pavements far below was almost overpowering.

fraught with danger

From this reading THE HOUSE OF HASHISH Along the leads from Frith Street we worked our perilous way.

not often

From this reading Now, the busy streets of Soho were below me, and I clung dizzily to telephone standards and smoke stacks, rarely venturing to glance downward upon the cosmopolitan throng, surging, dwarfish, in the lighted depths.

a building where people go to eat

From this reading From the top landing of a French restaurant we had gained access, by means of a trap, to the roof of the building.

a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building

From this reading From the top landing of a French restaurant we had gained access, by means of a trap, to the roof of the building.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading None of these gaps were more than a long stride from side to side; but the sense of depth conveyed in the muffled voices and dimmed footsteps from the pavements far below was almost overpowering.

complete and without restriction or qualification; sometimes used informally as intensifiers

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading None of these gaps were more than a long stride from side to side; but the sense of depth conveyed in the muffled voices and dimmed footsteps from the pavements far below was almost overpowering.

Rhodesian statesman who declared independence of Zimbabwe from Great Britain (born in 1919)

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas

From this reading Now, the busy streets of Soho were below me, and I clung dizzily to telephone standards and smoke stacks, rarely venturing to glance downward upon the cosmopolitan throng, surging, dwarfish, in the lighted depths.

a district in southwestern Manhattan noted for its shops and restaurants and galleries and artist's lofts

From this reading Now, the busy streets of Soho were below me, and I clung dizzily to telephone standards and smoke stacks, rarely venturing to glance downward upon the cosmopolitan throng, surging, dwarfish, in the lighted depths.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

a large number or amount

From this reading Now, the busy streets of Soho were below me, and I clung dizzily to telephone standards and smoke stacks, rarely venturing to glance downward upon the cosmopolitan throng, surging, dwarfish, in the lighted depths.

plural of “standard” — a basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated

From this reading Now, the busy streets of Soho were below me, and I clung dizzily to telephone standards and smoke stacks, rarely venturing to glance downward upon the cosmopolitan throng, surging, dwarfish, in the lighted depths.

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

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading THE HOUSE OF HASHISH Along the leads from Frith Street we worked our perilous way.

plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading Now, the busy streets of Soho were below me, and I clung dizzily to telephone standards and smoke stacks, rarely venturing to glance downward upon the cosmopolitan throng, surging, dwarfish, in the lighted depths.

a step in walking or running

From this reading None of these gaps were more than a long stride from side to side; but the sense of depth conveyed in the muffled voices and dimmed footsteps from the pavements far below was almost overpowering.

characterized by great swelling waves or surges

From this reading Now, the busy streets of Soho were below me, and I clung dizzily to telephone standards and smoke stacks, rarely venturing to glance downward upon the cosmopolitan throng, surging, dwarfish, in the lighted depths.

carry out

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

electronic equipment that converts sound into electrical signals that can be transmitted over distances and then converts received signals back into sounds

From this reading Now, the busy streets of Soho were below me, and I clung dizzily to telephone standards and smoke stacks, rarely venturing to glance downward upon the cosmopolitan throng, surging, dwarfish, in the lighted depths.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading None of these gaps were more than a long stride from side to side; but the sense of depth conveyed in the muffled voices and dimmed footsteps from the pavements far below was almost overpowering.

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

From this reading THE HOUSE OF HASHISH Along the leads from Frith Street we worked our perilous way.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading None of these gaps were more than a long stride from side to side; but the sense of depth conveyed in the muffled voices and dimmed footsteps from the pavements far below was almost overpowering.

threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

a large gathering of people

From this reading Now, the busy streets of Soho were below me, and I clung dizzily to telephone standards and smoke stacks, rarely venturing to glance downward upon the cosmopolitan throng, surging, dwarfish, in the lighted depths.

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

From this reading From the top landing of a French restaurant we had gained access, by means of a trap, to the roof of the building.

the upper part of anything

From this reading From the top landing of a French restaurant we had gained access, by means of a trap, to the roof of the building.

a device in which something (usually an animal) can be caught and penned

From this reading From the top landing of a French restaurant we had gained access, by means of a trap, to the roof of the building.

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

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Now, the busy streets of Soho were below me, and I clung dizzily to telephone standards and smoke stacks, rarely venturing to glance downward upon the cosmopolitan throng, surging, dwarfish, in the lighted depths.

-ing form of “venture” — proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers

From this reading Now, the busy streets of Soho were below me, and I clung dizzily to telephone standards and smoke stacks, rarely venturing to glance downward upon the cosmopolitan throng, surging, dwarfish, in the lighted depths.

plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading None of these gaps were more than a long stride from side to side; but the sense of depth conveyed in the muffled voices and dimmed footsteps from the pavements far below was almost overpowering.

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

From this reading None of these gaps were more than a long stride from side to side; but the sense of depth conveyed in the muffled voices and dimmed footsteps from the pavements far below was almost overpowering.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading THE HOUSE OF HASHISH Along the leads from Frith Street we worked our perilous way.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading THE HOUSE OF HASHISH Along the leads from Frith Street we worked our perilous way.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

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

From this reading Now, the busy streets of Soho were below me, and I clung dizzily to telephone standards and smoke stacks, rarely venturing to glance downward upon the cosmopolitan throng, surging, dwarfish, in the lighted depths.

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

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.

past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading THE HOUSE OF HASHISH Along the leads from Frith Street we worked our perilous way.

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

From this reading Sometimes the bulky figure of Inspector Weymouth would loom up grotesquely against the star-sprinkled blue, as he paused to take breath; the next moment Nayland Smith would be leading the way again, and I would find myself contemplating some sheer well of blackness, with nausea threatening me because it had to be negotiated.