Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading The sternness of its aspect, when the great door was closed, seemed to add an increased warmth to the suggestion of welcome it conveyed when, as now, it was swung hospitably open, emitting a ruddy glow of firelight from the hall beyond.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading Sara was standing at the top of the granite steps, waiting to greet the Durwards, whose approach was already heralded by the humming of a motor far down the avenue.

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

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

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

From this reading ELISABETH--AND HER SON The entrance to Barrow Court was somewhat forbidding.

move towards

From this reading Sara was standing at the top of the granite steps, waiting to greet the Durwards, whose approach was already heralded by the humming of a motor far down the avenue.

(used of persons or the military) characterized by having or bearing arms

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

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

From this reading The sternness of its aspect, when the great door was closed, seemed to add an increased warmth to the suggestion of welcome it conveyed when, as now, it was swung hospitably open, emitting a ruddy glow of firelight from the hall beyond.

a distinct feature or element in a problem

From this reading The sternness of its aspect, when the great door was closed, seemed to add an increased warmth to the suggestion of welcome it conveyed when, as now, it was swung hospitably open, emitting a ruddy glow of firelight from the hall beyond.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Sara was standing at the top of the granite steps, waiting to greet the Durwards, whose approach was already heralded by the humming of a motor far down the avenue.

severely simple

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

a line of approach

From this reading Sara was standing at the top of the granite steps, waiting to greet the Durwards, whose approach was already heralded by the humming of a motor far down the avenue.

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

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

the quantity that a barrow will hold

From this reading ELISABETH--AND HER SON The entrance to Barrow Court was somewhat forbidding.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading The sternness of its aspect, when the great door was closed, seemed to add an increased warmth to the suggestion of welcome it conveyed when, as now, it was swung hospitably open, emitting a ruddy glow of firelight from the hall beyond.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading The sternness of its aspect, when the great door was closed, seemed to add an increased warmth to the suggestion of welcome it conveyed when, as now, it was swung hospitably open, emitting a ruddy glow of firelight from the hall beyond.

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

From this reading The sternness of its aspect, when the great door was closed, seemed to add an increased warmth to the suggestion of welcome it conveyed when, as now, it was swung hospitably open, emitting a ruddy glow of firelight from the hall beyond.

an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business

From this reading ELISABETH--AND HER SON The entrance to Barrow Court was somewhat forbidding.

headed or intending to head in a certain direction; often used as a combining form as in “college-bound students”

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

afflicted with or marked by anxious uneasiness or trouble or grief

From this reading A faint regret disquieted her.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Sara was standing at the top of the granite steps, waiting to greet the Durwards, whose approach was already heralded by the humming of a motor far down the avenue.

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

From this reading Sara was standing at the top of the granite steps, waiting to greet the Durwards, whose approach was already heralded by the humming of a motor far down the avenue.

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

From this reading ELISABETH--AND HER SON The entrance to Barrow Court was somewhat forbidding.

inflected form of “emit” — expel (gases or odors)

From this reading The sternness of its aspect, when the great door was closed, seemed to add an increased warmth to the suggestion of welcome it conveyed when, as now, it was swung hospitably open, emitting a ruddy glow of firelight from the hall beyond.

extraordinarily large in size or extent or amount or power or degree

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

something that provides access (to get in or get out)

From this reading ELISABETH--AND HER SON The entrance to Barrow Court was somewhat forbidding.

deficient in magnitude; barely perceptible; lacking clarity or brightness or loudness etc

From this reading A faint regret disquieted her.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Sara was standing at the top of the granite steps, waiting to greet the Durwards, whose approach was already heralded by the humming of a motor far down the avenue.

the light of a fire (especially in a fireplace)

From this reading The sternness of its aspect, when the great door was closed, seemed to add an increased warmth to the suggestion of welcome it conveyed when, as now, it was swung hospitably open, emitting a ruddy glow of firelight from the hall beyond.

past form of “flank” — be located at the sides of something or somebody

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

a formation of aircraft in flight

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

harshly uninviting or formidable in manner or appearance

From this reading ELISABETH--AND HER SON The entrance to Barrow Court was somewhat forbidding.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The sternness of its aspect, when the great door was closed, seemed to add an increased warmth to the suggestion of welcome it conveyed when, as now, it was swung hospitably open, emitting a ruddy glow of firelight from the hall beyond.

an alert and refreshed state

From this reading The sternness of its aspect, when the great door was closed, seemed to add an increased warmth to the suggestion of welcome it conveyed when, as now, it was swung hospitably open, emitting a ruddy glow of firelight from the hall beyond.

plutonic igneous rock having visibly crystalline texture; generally composed of feldspar and mica and quartz

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading The sternness of its aspect, when the great door was closed, seemed to add an increased warmth to the suggestion of welcome it conveyed when, as now, it was swung hospitably open, emitting a ruddy glow of firelight from the hall beyond.

express greetings upon meeting someone

From this reading Sara was standing at the top of the granite steps, waiting to greet the Durwards, whose approach was already heralded by the humming of a motor far down the avenue.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading The sternness of its aspect, when the great door was closed, seemed to add an increased warmth to the suggestion of welcome it conveyed when, as now, it was swung hospitably open, emitting a ruddy glow of firelight from the hall beyond.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading ELISABETH--AND HER SON The entrance to Barrow Court was somewhat forbidding.

publicly announced

From this reading Sara was standing at the top of the granite steps, waiting to greet the Durwards, whose approach was already heralded by the humming of a motor far down the avenue.

in a hospitable manner

From this reading The sternness of its aspect, when the great door was closed, seemed to add an increased warmth to the suggestion of welcome it conveyed when, as now, it was swung hospitably open, emitting a ruddy glow of firelight from the hall beyond.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

a humming noise

From this reading Sara was standing at the top of the granite steps, waiting to greet the Durwards, whose approach was already heralded by the humming of a motor far down the avenue.

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

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

made greater in size or amount or degree

From this reading The sternness of its aspect, when the great door was closed, seemed to add an increased warmth to the suggestion of welcome it conveyed when, as now, it was swung hospitably open, emitting a ruddy glow of firelight from the hall beyond.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The sternness of its aspect, when the great door was closed, seemed to add an increased warmth to the suggestion of welcome it conveyed when, as now, it was swung hospitably open, emitting a ruddy glow of firelight from the hall beyond.

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

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion

From this reading Sara was standing at the top of the granite steps, waiting to greet the Durwards, whose approach was already heralded by the humming of a motor far down the avenue.

a large indefinite number

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

plural of “nail” — horny plate covering and protecting part of the dorsal surface of the digits

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

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

From this reading The sternness of its aspect, when the great door was closed, seemed to add an increased warmth to the suggestion of welcome it conveyed when, as now, it was swung hospitably open, emitting a ruddy glow of firelight from the hall beyond.

the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

a sudden and severe onset of trouble

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading The sternness of its aspect, when the great door was closed, seemed to add an increased warmth to the suggestion of welcome it conveyed when, as now, it was swung hospitably open, emitting a ruddy glow of firelight from the hall beyond.

plural of “pillar” — a fundamental principle or practice

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about

From this reading A faint regret disquieted her.

elude, especially in a baffling way

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

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

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

inclined to a healthy reddish color often associated with outdoor life

From this reading The sternness of its aspect, when the great door was closed, seemed to add an increased warmth to the suggestion of welcome it conveyed when, as now, it was swung hospitably open, emitting a ruddy glow of firelight from the hall beyond.

Identical; not different.

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

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

From this reading Sara was standing at the top of the granite steps, waiting to greet the Durwards, whose approach was already heralded by the humming of a motor far down the avenue.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The sternness of its aspect, when the great door was closed, seemed to add an increased warmth to the suggestion of welcome it conveyed when, as now, it was swung hospitably open, emitting a ruddy glow of firelight from the hall beyond.

lacking physical depth; having little spatial extension downward or inward from an outer surface or backward or outward from a center

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading ELISABETH--AND HER SON The entrance to Barrow Court was somewhat forbidding.

a male human offspring

From this reading ELISABETH--AND HER SON The entrance to Barrow Court was somewhat forbidding.

having a supporting base

From this reading Sara was standing at the top of the granite steps, waiting to greet the Durwards, whose approach was already heralded by the humming of a motor far down the avenue.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

the quality (as of scenery) being grim and gloomy and forbidding

From this reading The sternness of its aspect, when the great door was closed, seemed to add an increased warmth to the suggestion of welcome it conveyed when, as now, it was swung hospitably open, emitting a ruddy glow of firelight from the hall beyond.

dotted or adorned with or as with studs or nailheads; usually used in combination

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

an idea that is suggested

From this reading The sternness of its aspect, when the great door was closed, seemed to add an increased warmth to the suggestion of welcome it conveyed when, as now, it was swung hospitably open, emitting a ruddy glow of firelight from the hall beyond.

inflected form of “swing” — move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting

From this reading The sternness of its aspect, when the great door was closed, seemed to add an increased warmth to the suggestion of welcome it conveyed when, as now, it was swung hospitably open, emitting a ruddy glow of firelight from the hall beyond.

-ing form of “terminate” — bring to an end or halt

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

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

From this reading ELISABETH--AND HER SON The entrance to Barrow Court was somewhat forbidding.

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

From this reading ELISABETH--AND HER SON The entrance to Barrow Court was somewhat forbidding.

the upper part of anything

From this reading Sara was standing at the top of the granite steps, waiting to greet the Durwards, whose approach was already heralded by the humming of a motor far down the avenue.

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

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)

From this reading Sara was standing at the top of the granite steps, waiting to greet the Durwards, whose approach was already heralded by the humming of a motor far down the avenue.

the sensation caused by heat energy

From this reading The sternness of its aspect, when the great door was closed, seemed to add an increased warmth to the suggestion of welcome it conveyed when, as now, it was swung hospitably open, emitting a ruddy glow of firelight from the hall beyond.

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

From this reading ELISABETH--AND HER SON The entrance to Barrow Court was somewhat forbidding.

accept gladly

From this reading The sternness of its aspect, when the great door was closed, seemed to add an increased warmth to the suggestion of welcome it conveyed when, as now, it was swung hospitably open, emitting a ruddy glow of firelight from the hall beyond.

at the time that

From this reading The sternness of its aspect, when the great door was closed, seemed to add an increased warmth to the suggestion of welcome it conveyed when, as now, it was swung hospitably open, emitting a ruddy glow of firelight from the hall beyond.

belonging to which person

From this reading Sara was standing at the top of the granite steps, waiting to greet the Durwards, whose approach was already heralded by the humming of a motor far down the avenue.

in the company of; together with

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.

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

From this reading A flight of shallow granite steps, flanked by balustrades of the same austere substance, terminating in huge, rough-hewn pillars, led up to an enormous door of ancient oak, studded with nails--destined, it would seem, to resist the onslaught of an armed multitude.