used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE obsequious waiter had cleared the table and brought in the dessert, and was hovering in the middle distance with two cigars in a whiskey glass.
absencesnounUS /ˈæbsənsɪz/
plural of “absence” — the state of being absent
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
absent-minded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
accountings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
adventnounUS /ˈædvent/
arrival that has been awaited (especially of something momentous)
From this reading Because of the persiflant young people, the fire of query and rejoinder had been the merest shelling of the woods on either side; but with the advent of quiet Bartrow said: "Your winter on the lamb-ranch didn't do you much good, did it?"
anew
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE obsequious waiter had cleared the table and brought in the dessert, and was hovering in the middle distance with two cigars in a whiskey glass.
appointmentnounUS /əˈpɔɪntmənt/
the act of putting a person into a non-elective position
From this reading Bartrow was down from the mine on the ostensible business of restocking the commissariat department of the Little Myriad,--a business which, prior to Miss Van Vetter's Denver year, had transacted itself indifferently well by letter,--and Lansdale was dining with him at the hotel by hospitable appointment.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
Bartrow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bartrow was down from the mine on the ostensible business of restocking the commissariat department of the Little Myriad,--a business which, prior to Miss Van Vetter's Denver year, had transacted itself indifferently well by letter,--and Lansdale was dining with him at the hotel by hospitable appointment.
for the reason that
From this reading Because of the persiflant young people, the fire of query and rejoinder had been the merest shelling of the woods on either side; but with the advent of quiet Bartrow said: "Your winter on the lamb-ranch didn't do you much good, did it?"
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Because of the persiflant young people, the fire of query and rejoinder had been the merest shelling of the woods on either side; but with the advent of quiet Bartrow said: "Your winter on the lamb-ranch didn't do you much good, did it?"
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading THE obsequious waiter had cleared the table and brought in the dessert, and was hovering in the middle distance with two cigars in a whiskey glass.
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading Bartrow was down from the mine on the ostensible business of restocking the commissariat department of the Little Myriad,--a business which, prior to Miss Van Vetter's Denver year, had transacted itself indifferently well by letter,--and Lansdale was dining with him at the hotel by hospitable appointment.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Bartrow was down from the mine on the ostensible business of restocking the commissariat department of the Little Myriad,--a business which, prior to Miss Van Vetter's Denver year, had transacted itself indifferently well by letter,--and Lansdale was dining with him at the hotel by hospitable appointment.
a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
cigarsnounUS /sɪˈɡɑːrz/
plural of “cigar” — a roll of tobacco for smoking
From this reading THE obsequious waiter had cleared the table and brought in the dessert, and was hovering in the middle distance with two cigars in a whiskey glass.
rid of objects or obstructions such as e.g. trees and brush
From this reading THE obsequious waiter had cleared the table and brought in the dessert, and was hovering in the middle distance with two cigars in a whiskey glass.
clericaladjectiveUS /ˈklerəkəl/
of or relating to clerks
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
commissariatnoun
a stock or supply of foods
From this reading Bartrow was down from the mine on the ostensible business of restocking the commissariat department of the Little Myriad,--a business which, prior to Miss Van Vetter's Denver year, had transacted itself indifferently well by letter,--and Lansdale was dining with him at the hotel by hospitable appointment.
compensationsnounUS /ˌkɑːmpənˈseɪʃənz/
plural of “compensation” — something (such as money) given or received as payment or reparation (as for a service or loss or injury)
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
deferencenounUS /ˈdefərəns/
a courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
DenvernounUS /ˈdenvər/
the state capital and largest city of Colorado; located in central Colorado on the South Platte river
From this reading Bartrow was down from the mine on the ostensible business of restocking the commissariat department of the Little Myriad,--a business which, prior to Miss Van Vetter's Denver year, had transacted itself indifferently well by letter,--and Lansdale was dining with him at the hotel by hospitable appointment.
departmentnounUS /dɪˈpɑːrtmənt/
a specialized division of a large organization
From this reading Bartrow was down from the mine on the ostensible business of restocking the commissariat department of the Little Myriad,--a business which, prior to Miss Van Vetter's Denver year, had transacted itself indifferently well by letter,--and Lansdale was dining with him at the hotel by hospitable appointment.
dessertnounUS /dɪˈzɜːrt/
a dish served as the last course of a meal
From this reading THE obsequious waiter had cleared the table and brought in the dessert, and was hovering in the middle distance with two cigars in a whiskey glass.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Because of the persiflant young people, the fire of query and rejoinder had been the merest shelling of the woods on either side; but with the advent of quiet Bartrow said: "Your winter on the lamb-ranch didn't do you much good, did it?"
didn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because of the persiflant young people, the fire of query and rejoinder had been the merest shelling of the woods on either side; but with the advent of quiet Bartrow said: "Your winter on the lamb-ranch didn't do you much good, did it?"
diningnounUS /ˈdaɪnɪŋ/
the act of eating dinner
From this reading Bartrow was down from the mine on the ostensible business of restocking the commissariat department of the Little Myriad,--a business which, prior to Miss Van Vetter's Denver year, had transacted itself indifferently well by letter,--and Lansdale was dining with him at the hotel by hospitable appointment.
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading THE obsequious waiter had cleared the table and brought in the dessert, and was hovering in the middle distance with two cigars in a whiskey glass.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Because of the persiflant young people, the fire of query and rejoinder had been the merest shelling of the woods on either side; but with the advent of quiet Bartrow said: "Your winter on the lamb-ranch didn't do you much good, did it?"
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Bartrow was down from the mine on the ostensible business of restocking the commissariat department of the Little Myriad,--a business which, prior to Miss Van Vetter's Denver year, had transacted itself indifferently well by letter,--and Lansdale was dining with him at the hotel by hospitable appointment.
one or the other of two
From this reading Because of the persiflant young people, the fire of query and rejoinder had been the merest shelling of the woods on either side; but with the advent of quiet Bartrow said: "Your winter on the lamb-ranch didn't do you much good, did it?"
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
constituting the full quantity or extent; complete
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
start firing a weapon
From this reading Because of the persiflant young people, the fire of query and rejoinder had been the merest shelling of the woods on either side; but with the advent of quiet Bartrow said: "Your winter on the lamb-ranch didn't do you much good, did it?"
past form of “fold” — bend or lay so that one part covers the other
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
friendshipsnounUS /ˈfrendʃɪps/
plural of “friendship” — the state of being friends (or friendly)
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Bartrow was down from the mine on the ostensible business of restocking the commissariat department of the Little Myriad,--a business which, prior to Miss Van Vetter's Denver year, had transacted itself indifferently well by letter,--and Lansdale was dining with him at the hotel by hospitable appointment.
a man of refinement
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure
From this reading THE obsequious waiter had cleared the table and brought in the dessert, and was hovering in the middle distance with two cigars in a whiskey glass.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Because of the persiflant young people, the fire of query and rejoinder had been the merest shelling of the woods on either side; but with the advent of quiet Bartrow said: "Your winter on the lamb-ranch didn't do you much good, did it?"
feeling or showing gratitude
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
an established custom
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THE obsequious waiter had cleared the table and brought in the dessert, and was hovering in the middle distance with two cigars in a whiskey glass.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Bartrow was down from the mine on the ostensible business of restocking the commissariat department of the Little Myriad,--a business which, prior to Miss Van Vetter's Denver year, had transacted itself indifferently well by letter,--and Lansdale was dining with him at the hotel by hospitable appointment.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
hospitableadjectiveUS /ˈhɑːˈspɪtəbəl/
favorable to life and growth
From this reading Bartrow was down from the mine on the ostensible business of restocking the commissariat department of the Little Myriad,--a business which, prior to Miss Van Vetter's Denver year, had transacted itself indifferently well by letter,--and Lansdale was dining with him at the hotel by hospitable appointment.
a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services
From this reading Bartrow was down from the mine on the ostensible business of restocking the commissariat department of the Little Myriad,--a business which, prior to Miss Van Vetter's Denver year, had transacted itself indifferently well by letter,--and Lansdale was dining with him at the hotel by hospitable appointment.
hoveringverbUS /ˈhʌvərɪŋ/
-ing form of “hover” — be undecided about something; waver between conflicting positions or courses of action
From this reading THE obsequious waiter had cleared the table and brought in the dessert, and was hovering in the middle distance with two cigars in a whiskey glass.
become quiet or still; fall silent
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
ignoreverbUS /ˌɪɡˈnɔːr/
refuse to acknowledge
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE obsequious waiter had cleared the table and brought in the dessert, and was hovering in the middle distance with two cigars in a whiskey glass.
incidentsnounUS /ˈɪnsədənts/
plural of “incident” — a single distinct event
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
indifferentlyadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdɪfrəntli/
with indifference; in an indifferent manner
From this reading Bartrow was down from the mine on the ostensible business of restocking the commissariat department of the Little Myriad,--a business which, prior to Miss Van Vetter's Denver year, had transacted itself indifferently well by letter,--and Lansdale was dining with him at the hotel by hospitable appointment.
intervalsnounUS /ˈɪntərvəlz/
plural of “interval” — a definite length of time marked off by two instants
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading Bartrow was down from the mine on the ostensible business of restocking the commissariat department of the Little Myriad,--a business which, prior to Miss Van Vetter's Denver year, had transacted itself indifferently well by letter,--and Lansdale was dining with him at the hotel by hospitable appointment.
jarverbUS /dʒɑːr/
be incompatible; be or come into conflict
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
lacunanoun
a blank gap or missing part
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
lamb-ranch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because of the persiflant young people, the fire of query and rejoinder had been the merest shelling of the woods on either side; but with the advent of quiet Bartrow said: "Your winter on the lamb-ranch didn't do you much good, did it?"
Lansdale
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bartrow was down from the mine on the ostensible business of restocking the commissariat department of the Little Myriad,--a business which, prior to Miss Van Vetter's Denver year, had transacted itself indifferently well by letter,--and Lansdale was dining with him at the hotel by hospitable appointment.
Lansdale's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
immediately past
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
the act of departing
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading Bartrow was down from the mine on the ostensible business of restocking the commissariat department of the Little Myriad,--a business which, prior to Miss Van Vetter's Denver year, had transacted itself indifferently well by letter,--and Lansdale was dining with him at the hotel by hospitable appointment.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Bartrow was down from the mine on the ostensible business of restocking the commissariat department of the Little Myriad,--a business which, prior to Miss Van Vetter's Denver year, had transacted itself indifferently well by letter,--and Lansdale was dining with him at the hotel by hospitable appointment.
man-to-manadverb
directly
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
marverbUS /mɑːr/
make imperfect
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
a formally arranged gathering
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
merestadjectiveUS /ˈmerəst/
superlative of “mere” — being nothing more than specified
From this reading Because of the persiflant young people, the fire of query and rejoinder had been the merest shelling of the woods on either side; but with the advent of quiet Bartrow said: "Your winter on the lamb-ranch didn't do you much good, did it?"
an area that is approximately central within some larger region
From this reading THE obsequious waiter had cleared the table and brought in the dessert, and was hovering in the middle distance with two cigars in a whiskey glass.
the one or ones belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Bartrow was down from the mine on the ostensible business of restocking the commissariat department of the Little Myriad,--a business which, prior to Miss Van Vetter's Denver year, had transacted itself indifferently well by letter,--and Lansdale was dining with him at the hotel by hospitable appointment.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading Bartrow was down from the mine on the ostensible business of restocking the commissariat department of the Little Myriad,--a business which, prior to Miss Van Vetter's Denver year, had transacted itself indifferently well by letter,--and Lansdale was dining with him at the hotel by hospitable appointment.
plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Because of the persiflant young people, the fire of query and rejoinder had been the merest shelling of the woods on either side; but with the advent of quiet Bartrow said: "Your winter on the lamb-ranch didn't do you much good, did it?"
MyriadnounUS /ˈmɪriəd/
a large indefinite number
From this reading Bartrow was down from the mine on the ostensible business of restocking the commissariat department of the Little Myriad,--a business which, prior to Miss Van Vetter's Denver year, had transacted itself indifferently well by letter,--and Lansdale was dining with him at the hotel by hospitable appointment.
napkinnounUS /ˈnæpkɪn/
a small piece of table linen that is used to wipe the mouth and to cover the lap in order to protect clothing
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
new-born
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
obsequiousadjectiveUS /əbˈsiːkwiəs/
attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery
From this reading THE obsequious waiter had cleared the table and brought in the dessert, and was hovering in the middle distance with two cigars in a whiskey glass.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Bartrow was down from the mine on the ostensible business of restocking the commissariat department of the Little Myriad,--a business which, prior to Miss Van Vetter's Denver year, had transacted itself indifferently well by letter,--and Lansdale was dining with him at the hotel by hospitable appointment.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
ostensibleadjectiveUS /ɑːˈstensəbəl/
appearing as such but not necessarily so
From this reading Bartrow was down from the mine on the ostensible business of restocking the commissariat department of the Little Myriad,--a business which, prior to Miss Van Vetter's Denver year, had transacted itself indifferently well by letter,--and Lansdale was dining with him at the hotel by hospitable appointment.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
persiflant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
prioradjectiveUS /ˈpraɪər/
earlier in time
From this reading Bartrow was down from the mine on the ostensible business of restocking the commissariat department of the Little Myriad,--a business which, prior to Miss Van Vetter's Denver year, had transacted itself indifferently well by letter,--and Lansdale was dining with him at the hotel by hospitable appointment.
querynounUS /ˈkwiːri/
an instance of questioning
From this reading Because of the persiflant young people, the fire of query and rejoinder had been the merest shelling of the woods on either side; but with the advent of quiet Bartrow said: "Your winter on the lamb-ranch didn't do you much good, did it?"
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading Because of the persiflant young people, the fire of query and rejoinder had been the merest shelling of the woods on either side; but with the advent of quiet Bartrow said: "Your winter on the lamb-ranch didn't do you much good, did it?"
rejoindernounUS /rɪˈdʒɔɪndər/
a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one)
From this reading Because of the persiflant young people, the fire of query and rejoinder had been the merest shelling of the woods on either side; but with the advent of quiet Bartrow said: "Your winter on the lamb-ranch didn't do you much good, did it?"
reluctantadjectiveUS /rɪˈlʌktənt/
unwillingness to do something contrary to your custom
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
restockingverbUS /riˈstɑːkɪŋ/
-ing form of “restock” — stock again
From this reading Bartrow was down from the mine on the ostensible business of restocking the commissariat department of the Little Myriad,--a business which, prior to Miss Van Vetter's Denver year, had transacted itself indifferently well by letter,--and Lansdale was dining with him at the hotel by hospitable appointment.
precisely, exactly
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading Because of the persiflant young people, the fire of query and rejoinder had been the merest shelling of the woods on either side; but with the advent of quiet Bartrow said: "Your winter on the lamb-ranch didn't do you much good, did it?"
shellingnounUS /ˈʃelɪŋ/
the heavy fire of artillery to saturate an area rather than hit a specific target
From this reading Because of the persiflant young people, the fire of query and rejoinder had been the merest shelling of the woods on either side; but with the advent of quiet Bartrow said: "Your winter on the lamb-ranch didn't do you much good, did it?"
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading Because of the persiflant young people, the fire of query and rejoinder had been the merest shelling of the woods on either side; but with the advent of quiet Bartrow said: "Your winter on the lamb-ranch didn't do you much good, did it?"
sidewiseadverbUS /ˈsaɪdwaɪz/
toward one side
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
inflected form of “slip” — move stealthily
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
smoothlyadverbUS /ˈsmuːðli/
with no problems or difficulties
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading THE obsequious waiter had cleared the table and brought in the dessert, and was hovering in the middle distance with two cigars in a whiskey glass.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE obsequious waiter had cleared the table and brought in the dessert, and was hovering in the middle distance with two cigars in a whiskey glass.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
transactedverbUS /trænˈsæktɪd/
past form of “transact” — conduct business
From this reading Bartrow was down from the mine on the ostensible business of restocking the commissariat department of the Little Myriad,--a business which, prior to Miss Van Vetter's Denver year, had transacted itself indifferently well by letter,--and Lansdale was dining with him at the hotel by hospitable appointment.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading THE obsequious waiter had cleared the table and brought in the dessert, and was hovering in the middle distance with two cigars in a whiskey glass.
uncoupling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
upcoupling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)
From this reading Bartrow was down from the mine on the ostensible business of restocking the commissariat department of the Little Myriad,--a business which, prior to Miss Van Vetter's Denver year, had transacted itself indifferently well by letter,--and Lansdale was dining with him at the hotel by hospitable appointment.
Vetter's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bartrow was down from the mine on the ostensible business of restocking the commissariat department of the Little Myriad,--a business which, prior to Miss Van Vetter's Denver year, had transacted itself indifferently well by letter,--and Lansdale was dining with him at the hotel by hospitable appointment.
waiternounUS /ˈweɪtər/
a person whose occupation is to serve at table (as in a restaurant)
From this reading THE obsequious waiter had cleared the table and brought in the dessert, and was hovering in the middle distance with two cigars in a whiskey glass.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE obsequious waiter had cleared the table and brought in the dessert, and was hovering in the middle distance with two cigars in a whiskey glass.
(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 Bartrow was down from the mine on the ostensible business of restocking the commissariat department of the Little Myriad,--a business which, prior to Miss Van Vetter's Denver year, had transacted itself indifferently well by letter,--and Lansdale was dining with him at the hotel by hospitable appointment.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Bartrow was down from the mine on the ostensible business of restocking the commissariat department of the Little Myriad,--a business which, prior to Miss Van Vetter's Denver year, had transacted itself indifferently well by letter,--and Lansdale was dining with him at the hotel by hospitable appointment.
whiskeynounUS /ˈwɪski/
a liquor made from fermented mash of grain
From this reading THE obsequious waiter had cleared the table and brought in the dessert, and was hovering in the middle distance with two cigars in a whiskey glass.
the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading There were months between this and their last meeting, an entire winter, in point of fact; but it is one of the compensations of man-to-man friendships that they ignore absences and bridge intervals smoothly, uncoupling and upcoupling again with small jar of accountings for the incidents of the lacuna.
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE obsequious waiter had cleared the table and brought in the dessert, and was hovering in the middle distance with two cigars in a whiskey glass.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading Because of the persiflant young people, the fire of query and rejoinder had been the merest shelling of the woods on either side; but with the advent of quiet Bartrow said: "Your winter on the lamb-ranch didn't do you much good, did it?"
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading Bartrow was down from the mine on the ostensible business of restocking the commissariat department of the Little Myriad,--a business which, prior to Miss Van Vetter's Denver year, had transacted itself indifferently well by letter,--and Lansdale was dining with him at the hotel by hospitable appointment.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading Because of the persiflant young people, the fire of query and rejoinder had been the merest shelling of the woods on either side; but with the advent of quiet Bartrow said: "Your winter on the lamb-ranch didn't do you much good, did it?"
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading The persiflant young people at the other end of the table rose and went away, leaving a grateful silence behind them; and the clerical gentleman at Lansdale's right folded his napkin in absent-minded deference to home habit, and slipped sidewise out of his chair as if reluctant to mar the new-born hush.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading Because of the persiflant young people, the fire of query and rejoinder had been the merest shelling of the woods on either side; but with the advent of quiet Bartrow said: "Your winter on the lamb-ranch didn't do you much good, did it?"
