Chapter XXXIV · The Test

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

From this reading It was a cosy enough little room in winter-time.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading A cheery fire crackled in the open grate, while a heavy velvet curtain was drawn across the door that gave egress to the terrace, effectually screening out the ubiquitous draught which invariably seeks entry through crack and hinge-space.

Roman Emperor who was the adoptive son of Trajan; travelled throughout his empire to strengthen its frontiers and encourage learning and architecture; on a visit to Britain in 122 he ordered the construction of Hadrian's Wall (76-138)

From this reading NEW YEAR’S EYE found Jean sitting alone in Claire’s special sanctum--the room which had witnessed that frightful scene when Sir Adrian had suddenly gone mad.

Having no one else present.

From this reading NEW YEAR’S EYE found Jean sitting alone in Claire’s special sanctum--the room which had witnessed that frightful scene when Sir Adrian had suddenly gone mad.

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

From this reading A cheery fire crackled in the open grate, while a heavy velvet curtain was drawn across the door that gave egress to the terrace, effectually screening out the ubiquitous draught which invariably seeks entry through crack and hinge-space.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Claire was at the Dower House this evening, where a New Year’s dinner-party was in progress, but Jean had no heart for festivities of any kind even had she not been precluded from taking part in them by reason of her father’s death.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Claire was at the Dower House this evening, where a New Year’s dinner-party was in progress, but Jean had no heart for festivities of any kind even had she not been precluded from taking part in them by reason of her father’s death.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Claire was at the Dower House this evening, where a New Year’s dinner-party was in progress, but Jean had no heart for festivities of any kind even had she not been precluded from taking part in them by reason of her father’s death.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Claire was at the Dower House this evening, where a New Year’s dinner-party was in progress, but Jean had no heart for festivities of any kind even had she not been precluded from taking part in them by reason of her father’s death.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Claire was at the Dower House this evening, where a New Year’s dinner-party was in progress, but Jean had no heart for festivities of any kind even had she not been precluded from taking part in them by reason of her father’s death.

bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading A cheery fire crackled in the open grate, while a heavy velvet curtain was drawn across the door that gave egress to the terrace, effectually screening out the ubiquitous draught which invariably seeks entry through crack and hinge-space.

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

From this reading Claire was at the Dower House this evening, where a New Year’s dinner-party was in progress, but Jean had no heart for festivities of any kind even had she not been precluded from taking part in them by reason of her father’s death.

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

From this reading NEW YEAR’S EYE found Jean sitting alone in Claire’s special sanctum--the room which had witnessed that frightful scene when Sir Adrian had suddenly gone mad.

a padded cloth covering to keep a teapot warm

From this reading It was a cosy enough little room in winter-time.

become fractured; break or crack on the surface only

From this reading A cheery fire crackled in the open grate, while a heavy velvet curtain was drawn across the door that gave egress to the terrace, effectually screening out the ubiquitous draught which invariably seeks entry through crack and hinge-space.

past form of “crackle” — make a crackling sound

From this reading A cheery fire crackled in the open grate, while a heavy velvet curtain was drawn across the door that gave egress to the terrace, effectually screening out the ubiquitous draught which invariably seeks entry through crack and hinge-space.

hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

From this reading A cheery fire crackled in the open grate, while a heavy velvet curtain was drawn across the door that gave egress to the terrace, effectually screening out the ubiquitous draught which invariably seeks entry through crack and hinge-space.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading Claire was at the Dower House this evening, where a New Year’s dinner-party was in progress, but Jean had no heart for festivities of any kind even had she not been precluded from taking part in them by reason of her father’s death.

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

From this reading Claire was at the Dower House this evening, where a New Year’s dinner-party was in progress, but Jean had no heart for festivities of any kind even had she not been precluded from taking part in them by reason of her father’s death.

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

From this reading A cheery fire crackled in the open grate, while a heavy velvet curtain was drawn across the door that gave egress to the terrace, effectually screening out the ubiquitous draught which invariably seeks entry through crack and hinge-space.

money or property brought by a woman to her husband at marriage

From this reading Claire was at the Dower House this evening, where a New Year’s dinner-party was in progress, but Jean had no heart for festivities of any kind even had she not been precluded from taking part in them by reason of her father’s death.

a serving of drink (usually alcoholic) drawn from a keg

From this reading A cheery fire crackled in the open grate, while a heavy velvet curtain was drawn across the door that gave egress to the terrace, effectually screening out the ubiquitous draught which invariably seeks entry through crack and hinge-space.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading A cheery fire crackled in the open grate, while a heavy velvet curtain was drawn across the door that gave egress to the terrace, effectually screening out the ubiquitous draught which invariably seeks entry through crack and hinge-space.

in an effectual manner

From this reading A cheery fire crackled in the open grate, while a heavy velvet curtain was drawn across the door that gave egress to the terrace, effectually screening out the ubiquitous draught which invariably seeks entry through crack and hinge-space.

(astronomy) the reappearance of a celestial body after an eclipse

From this reading A cheery fire crackled in the open grate, while a heavy velvet curtain was drawn across the door that gave egress to the terrace, effectually screening out the ubiquitous draught which invariably seeks entry through crack and hinge-space.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading It was a cosy enough little room in winter-time.

an item inserted in a written record

From this reading A cheery fire crackled in the open grate, while a heavy velvet curtain was drawn across the door that gave egress to the terrace, effectually screening out the ubiquitous draught which invariably seeks entry through crack and hinge-space.

divisible by two

From this reading Claire was at the Dower House this evening, where a New Year’s dinner-party was in progress, but Jean had no heart for festivities of any kind even had she not been precluded from taking part in them by reason of her father’s death.

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

From this reading Claire was at the Dower House this evening, where a New Year’s dinner-party was in progress, but Jean had no heart for festivities of any kind even had she not been precluded from taking part in them by reason of her father’s death.

the organ of sight

From this reading NEW YEAR’S EYE found Jean sitting alone in Claire’s special sanctum--the room which had witnessed that frightful scene when Sir Adrian had suddenly gone mad.

possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading Claire was at the Dower House this evening, where a New Year’s dinner-party was in progress, but Jean had no heart for festivities of any kind even had she not been precluded from taking part in them by reason of her father’s death.

plural of “festivity” — any joyous diversion

From this reading Claire was at the Dower House this evening, where a New Year’s dinner-party was in progress, but Jean had no heart for festivities of any kind even had she not been precluded from taking part in them by reason of her father’s death.

start firing a weapon

From this reading A cheery fire crackled in the open grate, while a heavy velvet curtain was drawn across the door that gave egress to the terrace, effectually screening out the ubiquitous draught which invariably seeks entry through crack and hinge-space.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Claire was at the Dower House this evening, where a New Year’s dinner-party was in progress, but Jean had no heart for festivities of any kind even had she not been precluded from taking part in them by reason of her father’s death.

set up or found

From this reading NEW YEAR’S EYE found Jean sitting alone in Claire’s special sanctum--the room which had witnessed that frightful scene when Sir Adrian had suddenly gone mad.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading The grief and strain of the last four months had set their mark upon her.

provoking horror

From this reading NEW YEAR’S EYE found Jean sitting alone in Claire’s special sanctum--the room which had witnessed that frightful scene when Sir Adrian had suddenly gone mad.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Claire was at the Dower House this evening, where a New Year’s dinner-party was in progress, but Jean had no heart for festivities of any kind even had she not been precluded from taking part in them by reason of her father’s death.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading A cheery fire crackled in the open grate, while a heavy velvet curtain was drawn across the door that gave egress to the terrace, effectually screening out the ubiquitous draught which invariably seeks entry through crack and hinge-space.

destroyed or killed

From this reading NEW YEAR’S EYE found Jean sitting alone in Claire’s special sanctum--the room which had witnessed that frightful scene when Sir Adrian had suddenly gone mad.

a frame of iron bars to hold a fire

From this reading A cheery fire crackled in the open grate, while a heavy velvet curtain was drawn across the door that gave egress to the terrace, effectually screening out the ubiquitous draught which invariably seeks entry through crack and hinge-space.

intense sorrow caused by loss of a loved one (especially by death)

From this reading The grief and strain of the last four months had set their mark upon her.

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

From this reading NEW YEAR’S EYE found Jean sitting alone in Claire’s special sanctum--the room which had witnessed that frightful scene when Sir Adrian had suddenly gone mad.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading Claire was at the Dower House this evening, where a New Year’s dinner-party was in progress, but Jean had no heart for festivities of any kind even had she not been precluded from taking part in them by reason of her father’s death.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading A cheery fire crackled in the open grate, while a heavy velvet curtain was drawn across the door that gave egress to the terrace, effectually screening out the ubiquitous draught which invariably seeks entry through crack and hinge-space.

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

From this reading Claire was at the Dower House this evening, where a New Year’s dinner-party was in progress, but Jean had no heart for festivities of any kind even had she not been precluded from taking part in them by reason of her father’s death.

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

From this reading A cheery fire crackled in the open grate, while a heavy velvet curtain was drawn across the door that gave egress to the terrace, effectually screening out the ubiquitous draught which invariably seeks entry through crack and hinge-space.

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

From this reading Claire was at the Dower House this evening, where a New Year’s dinner-party was in progress, but Jean had no heart for festivities of any kind even had she not been precluded from taking part in them by reason of her father’s death.

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

From this reading NEW YEAR’S EYE found Jean sitting alone in Claire’s special sanctum--the room which had witnessed that frightful scene when Sir Adrian had suddenly gone mad.

without variation or change, in every case

From this reading A cheery fire crackled in the open grate, while a heavy velvet curtain was drawn across the door that gave egress to the terrace, effectually screening out the ubiquitous draught which invariably seeks entry through crack and hinge-space.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was a cosy enough little room in winter-time.

a coarse durable twill-weave cotton fabric

From this reading NEW YEAR’S EYE found Jean sitting alone in Claire’s special sanctum--the room which had witnessed that frightful scene when Sir Adrian had suddenly gone mad.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading Claire was at the Dower House this evening, where a New Year’s dinner-party was in progress, but Jean had no heart for festivities of any kind even had she not been precluded from taking part in them by reason of her father’s death.

immediately past

From this reading The grief and strain of the last four months had set their mark upon her.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading It was a cosy enough little room in winter-time.

roused to anger

From this reading NEW YEAR’S EYE found Jean sitting alone in Claire’s special sanctum--the room which had witnessed that frightful scene when Sir Adrian had suddenly gone mad.

attach a tag or label to

From this reading The grief and strain of the last four months had set their mark upon her.

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading The grief and strain of the last four months had set their mark upon her.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading NEW YEAR’S EYE found Jean sitting alone in Claire’s special sanctum--the room which had witnessed that frightful scene when Sir Adrian had suddenly gone mad.

not any; not one

From this reading Claire was at the Dower House this evening, where a New Year’s dinner-party was in progress, but Jean had no heart for festivities of any kind even had she not been precluded from taking part in them by reason of her father’s death.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Claire was at the Dower House this evening, where a New Year’s dinner-party was in progress, but Jean had no heart for festivities of any kind even had she not been precluded from taking part in them by reason of her father’s death.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Claire was at the Dower House this evening, where a New Year’s dinner-party was in progress, but Jean had no heart for festivities of any kind even had she not been precluded from taking part in them by reason of her father’s death.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading A cheery fire crackled in the open grate, while a heavy velvet curtain was drawn across the door that gave egress to the terrace, effectually screening out the ubiquitous draught which invariably seeks entry through crack and hinge-space.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading A cheery fire crackled in the open grate, while a heavy velvet curtain was drawn across the door that gave egress to the terrace, effectually screening out the ubiquitous draught which invariably seeks entry through crack and hinge-space.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Claire was at the Dower House this evening, where a New Year’s dinner-party was in progress, but Jean had no heart for festivities of any kind even had she not been precluded from taking part in them by reason of her father’s death.

past form of “preclude” — keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading Claire was at the Dower House this evening, where a New Year’s dinner-party was in progress, but Jean had no heart for festivities of any kind even had she not been precluded from taking part in them by reason of her father’s death.

gradual improvement or growth or development

From this reading Claire was at the Dower House this evening, where a New Year’s dinner-party was in progress, but Jean had no heart for festivities of any kind even had she not been precluded from taking part in them by reason of her father’s death.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading Claire was at the Dower House this evening, where a New Year’s dinner-party was in progress, but Jean had no heart for festivities of any kind even had she not been precluded from taking part in them by reason of her father’s death.

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

From this reading NEW YEAR’S EYE found Jean sitting alone in Claire’s special sanctum--the room which had witnessed that frightful scene when Sir Adrian had suddenly gone mad.

a place of inviolable privacy

From this reading NEW YEAR’S EYE found Jean sitting alone in Claire’s special sanctum--the room which had witnessed that frightful scene when Sir Adrian had suddenly gone mad.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading NEW YEAR’S EYE found Jean sitting alone in Claire’s special sanctum--the room which had witnessed that frightful scene when Sir Adrian had suddenly gone mad.

the display of a motion picture

From this reading A cheery fire crackled in the open grate, while a heavy velvet curtain was drawn across the door that gave egress to the terrace, effectually screening out the ubiquitous draught which invariably seeks entry through crack and hinge-space.

plural of “seek” — the movement of a read/write head to a specific data track on a disk

From this reading A cheery fire crackled in the open grate, while a heavy velvet curtain was drawn across the door that gave egress to the terrace, effectually screening out the ubiquitous draught which invariably seeks entry through crack and hinge-space.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading The grief and strain of the last four months had set their mark upon her.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Claire was at the Dower House this evening, where a New Year’s dinner-party was in progress, but Jean had no heart for festivities of any kind even had she not been precluded from taking part in them by reason of her father’s death.

term of address for a man

From this reading NEW YEAR’S EYE found Jean sitting alone in Claire’s special sanctum--the room which had witnessed that frightful scene when Sir Adrian had suddenly gone mad.

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)

From this reading NEW YEAR’S EYE found Jean sitting alone in Claire’s special sanctum--the room which had witnessed that frightful scene when Sir Adrian had suddenly gone mad.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading NEW YEAR’S EYE found Jean sitting alone in Claire’s special sanctum--the room which had witnessed that frightful scene when Sir Adrian had suddenly gone mad.

(physics) deformation of a physical body under the action of applied forces

From this reading The grief and strain of the last four months had set their mark upon her.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading NEW YEAR’S EYE found Jean sitting alone in Claire’s special sanctum--the room which had witnessed that frightful scene when Sir Adrian had suddenly gone mad.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading Claire was at the Dower House this evening, where a New Year’s dinner-party was in progress, but Jean had no heart for festivities of any kind even had she not been precluded from taking part in them by reason of her father’s death.

usually paved outdoor area adjoining a residence

From this reading A cheery fire crackled in the open grate, while a heavy velvet curtain was drawn across the door that gave egress to the terrace, effectually screening out the ubiquitous draught which invariably seeks entry through crack and hinge-space.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading NEW YEAR’S EYE found Jean sitting alone in Claire’s special sanctum--the room which had witnessed that frightful scene when Sir Adrian had suddenly gone mad.

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

From this reading NEW YEAR’S EYE found Jean sitting alone in Claire’s special sanctum--the room which had witnessed that frightful scene when Sir Adrian had suddenly gone mad.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The grief and strain of the last four months had set their mark upon her.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Claire was at the Dower House this evening, where a New Year’s dinner-party was in progress, but Jean had no heart for festivities of any kind even had she not been precluded from taking part in them by reason of her father’s death.

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

From this reading Claire was at the Dower House this evening, where a New Year’s dinner-party was in progress, but Jean had no heart for festivities of any kind even had she not been precluded from taking part in them by reason of her father’s death.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading A cheery fire crackled in the open grate, while a heavy velvet curtain was drawn across the door that gave egress to the terrace, effectually screening out the ubiquitous draught which invariably seeks entry through crack and hinge-space.

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

From this reading A cheery fire crackled in the open grate, while a heavy velvet curtain was drawn across the door that gave egress to the terrace, effectually screening out the ubiquitous draught which invariably seeks entry through crack and hinge-space.

being present everywhere at once

From this reading A cheery fire crackled in the open grate, while a heavy velvet curtain was drawn across the door that gave egress to the terrace, effectually screening out the ubiquitous draught which invariably seeks entry through crack and hinge-space.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The grief and strain of the last four months had set their mark upon her.

a silky densely piled fabric with a plain back

From this reading A cheery fire crackled in the open grate, while a heavy velvet curtain was drawn across the door that gave egress to the terrace, effectually screening out the ubiquitous draught which invariably seeks entry through crack and hinge-space.

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

From this reading It was a cosy enough little room in winter-time.

at the time that

From this reading NEW YEAR’S EYE found Jean sitting alone in Claire’s special sanctum--the room which had witnessed that frightful scene when Sir Adrian had suddenly gone mad.

in or at the place that

From this reading Claire was at the Dower House this evening, where a New Year’s dinner-party was in progress, but Jean had no heart for festivities of any kind even had she not been precluded from taking part in them by reason of her father’s death.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading NEW YEAR’S EYE found Jean sitting alone in Claire’s special sanctum--the room which had witnessed that frightful scene when Sir Adrian had suddenly gone mad.

during the time that

From this reading A cheery fire crackled in the open grate, while a heavy velvet curtain was drawn across the door that gave egress to the terrace, effectually screening out the ubiquitous draught which invariably seeks entry through crack and hinge-space.

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

From this reading It was a cosy enough little room in winter-time.

past form of “witness” — be a witness to

From this reading NEW YEAR’S EYE found Jean sitting alone in Claire’s special sanctum--the room which had witnessed that frightful scene when Sir Adrian had suddenly gone mad.

possessive form of “year” — a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading NEW YEAR’S EYE found Jean sitting alone in Claire’s special sanctum--the room which had witnessed that frightful scene when Sir Adrian had suddenly gone mad.