used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE MAN WITH A SCAR IT was a cold and dreary night in London, and through the mist the lights of the inn blinked like great yellow eyes.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It was an establishment much patronized by men of fashion, and the assembly was of a less motley character than that of most public houses.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE MAN WITH A SCAR IT was a cold and dreary night in London, and through the mist the lights of the inn blinked like great yellow eyes.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
assemblynounUS /əˈsembli/
a group of machine parts that fit together to form a self-contained unit
From this reading It was an establishment much patronized by men of fashion, and the assembly was of a less motley character than that of most public houses.
the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It was well filled with guests, some drinking, others playing at dice, and a few eating belated suppers.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
belatedadjectiveUS /bɪˈleɪtɪd/
after the expected or usual time; delayed
From this reading It was well filled with guests, some drinking, others playing at dice, and a few eating belated suppers.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
blinkedverbUS /blɪŋkt/
past form of “blink” — briefly shut the eyes
From this reading THE MAN WITH A SCAR IT was a cold and dreary night in London, and through the mist the lights of the inn blinked like great yellow eyes.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It was an establishment much patronized by men of fashion, and the assembly was of a less motley character than that of most public houses.
an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading It was an establishment much patronized by men of fashion, and the assembly was of a less motley character than that of most public houses.
an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading THE MAN WITH A SCAR IT was a cold and dreary night in London, and through the mist the lights of the inn blinked like great yellow eyes.
a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
deferentialadjectiveUS /ˌdefərˈentʃəl/
showing deference
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
dicenounUS /daɪs/
a small cube with 1 to 6 spots on the six faces; used in gambling to generate random numbers
From this reading It was well filled with guests, some drinking, others playing at dice, and a few eating belated suppers.
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
drearyadjectiveUS /ˈdrɪri/
lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise
From this reading THE MAN WITH A SCAR IT was a cold and dreary night in London, and through the mist the lights of the inn blinked like great yellow eyes.
the act of consuming liquids
From this reading It was well filled with guests, some drinking, others playing at dice, and a few eating belated suppers.
the act of consuming food
From this reading It was well filled with guests, some drinking, others playing at dice, and a few eating belated suppers.
eminentadjectiveUS /ˈemənənt/
standing above others in quality or position
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
entertainmentnounUS /ˌentərˈteɪnmənt/
an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention
From this reading Within the public room there was much jovial entertainment.
establishmentnounUS /ɪˈstæblɪʃmənt/
the act of forming or establishing something
From this reading It was an establishment much patronized by men of fashion, and the assembly was of a less motley character than that of most public houses.
opinion or judgment
From this reading THE MAN WITH A SCAR IT was a cold and dreary night in London, and through the mist the lights of the inn blinked like great yellow eyes.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading It was an establishment much patronized by men of fashion, and the assembly was of a less motley character than that of most public houses.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading It was well filled with guests, some drinking, others playing at dice, and a few eating belated suppers.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading It was well filled with guests, some drinking, others playing at dice, and a few eating belated suppers.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
plural of “gentleman” — a man of refinement
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading THE MAN WITH A SCAR IT was a cold and dreary night in London, and through the mist the lights of the inn blinked like great yellow eyes.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading It was well filled with guests, some drinking, others playing at dice, and a few eating belated suppers.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading It was an establishment much patronized by men of fashion, and the assembly was of a less motley character than that of most public houses.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE MAN WITH A SCAR IT was a cold and dreary night in London, and through the mist the lights of the inn blinked like great yellow eyes.
a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
From this reading THE MAN WITH A SCAR IT was a cold and dreary night in London, and through the mist the lights of the inn blinked like great yellow eyes.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE MAN WITH A SCAR IT was a cold and dreary night in London, and through the mist the lights of the inn blinked like great yellow eyes.
jewel-hilted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
jovialadjectiveUS /ˈdʒoʊviəl/
full of or showing high-spirited merriment
From this reading Within the public room there was much jovial entertainment.
juristnounUS /ˈdʒʊrəst/
a legal scholar versed in civil law or the law of nations
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
laceverbUS /leɪs/
spin, wind, or twist together
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading It was an establishment much patronized by men of fashion, and the assembly was of a less motley character than that of most public houses.
plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation
From this reading THE MAN WITH A SCAR IT was a cold and dreary night in London, and through the mist the lights of the inn blinked like great yellow eyes.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading THE MAN WITH A SCAR IT was a cold and dreary night in London, and through the mist the lights of the inn blinked like great yellow eyes.
the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center
From this reading THE MAN WITH A SCAR IT was a cold and dreary night in London, and through the mist the lights of the inn blinked like great yellow eyes.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading THE MAN WITH A SCAR IT was a cold and dreary night in London, and through the mist the lights of the inn blinked like great yellow eyes.
the force of workers available
From this reading It was an establishment much patronized by men of fashion, and the assembly was of a less motley character than that of most public houses.
become covered with mist
From this reading THE MAN WITH A SCAR IT was a cold and dreary night in London, and through the mist the lights of the inn blinked like great yellow eyes.
used to form the superlative
From this reading It was an establishment much patronized by men of fashion, and the assembly was of a less motley character than that of most public houses.
motleynounUS /ˈmɑːtli/
a collection containing a variety of sorts of things
From this reading It was an establishment much patronized by men of fashion, and the assembly was of a less motley character than that of most public houses.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Within the public room there was much jovial entertainment.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading THE MAN WITH A SCAR IT was a cold and dreary night in London, and through the mist the lights of the inn blinked like great yellow eyes.
not any; not one
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE MAN WITH A SCAR IT was a cold and dreary night in London, and through the mist the lights of the inn blinked like great yellow eyes.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was well filled with guests, some drinking, others playing at dice, and a few eating belated suppers.
parchments
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
patronizedadjectiveUS /ˈpeɪtrənaɪzd/
having patronage or clients
From this reading It was an establishment much patronized by men of fashion, and the assembly was of a less motley character than that of most public houses.
personagenoun
another word for person; a person not meriting identification
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
perusingnounUS /pərˈuːzɪŋ/
reading carefully with intent to remember
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
the act of playing a musical instrument
From this reading It was well filled with guests, some drinking, others playing at dice, and a few eating belated suppers.
people in general considered as a whole
From this reading Within the public room there was much jovial entertainment.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading Within the public room there was much jovial entertainment.
ruffs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
satinsnounUS /ˈsætənz/
plural of “satin” — a smooth fabric of silk or rayon; has a glossy face and a dull back
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
SCARnounUS /skɑːr/
a mark left (usually on the skin) by the healing of injured tissue
From this reading THE MAN WITH A SCAR IT was a cold and dreary night in London, and through the mist the lights of the inn blinked like great yellow eyes.
shrewd-faced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading It was well filled with guests, some drinking, others playing at dice, and a few eating belated suppers.
statelyadjectiveUS /ˈsteɪtli/
impressive in appearance
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
suppersnounUS /ˈsʌpərz/
plural of “supper” — a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime
From this reading It was well filled with guests, some drinking, others playing at dice, and a few eating belated suppers.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading It was an establishment much patronized by men of fashion, and the assembly was of a less motley character than that of most public houses.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was an establishment much patronized by men of fashion, and the assembly was of a less motley character than that of most public houses.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE MAN WITH A SCAR IT was a cold and dreary night in London, and through the mist the lights of the inn blinked like great yellow eyes.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Within the public room there was much jovial entertainment.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading THE MAN WITH A SCAR IT was a cold and dreary night in London, and through the mist the lights of the inn blinked like great yellow eyes.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
velvetnounUS /ˈvelvət/
a silky densely piled fabric with a plain back
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
velvets
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE MAN WITH A SCAR IT was a cold and dreary night in London, and through the mist the lights of the inn blinked like great yellow eyes.
weaponsnounUS /ˈwepənz/
plural of “weapon” — any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
(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 It was well filled with guests, some drinking, others playing at dice, and a few eating belated suppers.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE MAN WITH A SCAR IT was a cold and dreary night in London, and through the mist the lights of the inn blinked like great yellow eyes.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Within the public room there was much jovial entertainment.
of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk
From this reading THE MAN WITH A SCAR IT was a cold and dreary night in London, and through the mist the lights of the inn blinked like great yellow eyes.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Two or three young gentlemen in velvets and satins, with ruffs of fine lace and jewel-hilted weapons, threw dice at one table, while at another sat a stately personage in black velvet, perusing some parchments with the assistance of a shrewd-faced, deferential companion, the one having the appearance of an eminent jurist and the other being, no doubt, his clerk.
