Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

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

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

filled with fear or apprehension

From this reading Spinrobin was afraid.

later than; following

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

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

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

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

From this reading The desire for protection was awake in his being, and he took these measures of security and defense because it sought to express itself, as it were, even automatically.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

in a reflex manner

From this reading The desire for protection was awake in his being, and he took these measures of security and defense because it sought to express itself, as it were, even automatically.

not in a state of sleep; completely conscious

From this reading The desire for protection was awake in his being, and he took these measures of security and defense because it sought to express itself, as it were, even automatically.

preventing entry or exit or a course of action

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

for the reason that

From this reading The desire for protection was awake in his being, and he took these measures of security and defense because it sought to express itself, as it were, even automatically.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading The desire for protection was awake in his being, and he took these measures of security and defense because it sought to express itself, as it were, even automatically.

plural of “bolt” — a discharge of lightning accompanied by thunder

From this reading He looked at the front door, tried the chain, and made sure that both top and bottom bolts were thrown.

the two together, not just one

From this reading He looked at the front door, tried the chain, and made sure that both top and bottom bolts were thrown.

the lower side of anything

From this reading He looked at the front door, tried the chain, and made sure that both top and bottom bolts were thrown.

a series of things depending on each other as if linked together

From this reading He looked at the front door, tried the chain, and made sure that both top and bottom bolts were thrown.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Why he should have taken these somewhat unusual precautions was not far to seek, though at the moment he could not probably have explained.

(military) military action or resources protecting a country against potential enemies

From this reading The desire for protection was awake in his being, and he took these measures of security and defense because it sought to express itself, as it were, even automatically.

the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state

From this reading The desire for protection was awake in his being, and he took these measures of security and defense because it sought to express itself, as it were, even automatically.

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

From this reading He looked at the front door, tried the chain, and made sure that both top and bottom bolts were thrown.

move gently or carefully

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

divisible by two

From this reading The desire for protection was awake in his being, and he took these measures of security and defense because it sought to express itself, as it were, even automatically.

past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible

From this reading Why he should have taken these somewhat unusual precautions was not far to seek, though at the moment he could not probably have explained.

give expression to

From this reading The desire for protection was awake in his being, and he took these measures of security and defense because it sought to express itself, as it were, even automatically.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Why he should have taken these somewhat unusual precautions was not far to seek, though at the moment he could not probably have explained.

firmly closed or secured

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The desire for protection was awake in his being, and he took these measures of security and defense because it sought to express itself, as it were, even automatically.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading He looked at the front door, tried the chain, and made sure that both top and bottom bolts were thrown.

destroyed or killed

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Why he should have taken these somewhat unusual precautions was not far to seek, though at the moment he could not probably have explained.

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

From this reading He looked at the front door, tried the chain, and made sure that both top and bottom bolts were thrown.

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

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

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

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

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

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The desire for protection was awake in his being, and he took these measures of security and defense because it sought to express itself, as it were, even automatically.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading The desire for protection was awake in his being, and he took these measures of security and defense because it sought to express itself, as it were, even automatically.

a room where books are kept

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

past form of “linger” — remain present although waning or gradually dying

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading He looked at the front door, tried the chain, and made sure that both top and bottom bolts were thrown.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading He looked at the front door, tried the chain, and made sure that both top and bottom bolts were thrown.

plural of “measure” — any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading The desire for protection was awake in his being, and he took these measures of security and defense because it sought to express itself, as it were, even automatically.

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

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

a particular point in time

From this reading Why he should have taken these somewhat unusual precautions was not far to seek, though at the moment he could not probably have explained.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Why he should have taken these somewhat unusual precautions was not far to seek, though at the moment he could not probably have explained.

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

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The desire for protection was awake in his being, and he took these measures of security and defense because it sought to express itself, as it were, even automatically.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

plural of “precaution” — a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.

From this reading Why he should have taken these somewhat unusual precautions was not far to seek, though at the moment he could not probably have explained.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

with considerable certainty; without much doubt

From this reading Why he should have taken these somewhat unusual precautions was not far to seek, though at the moment he could not probably have explained.

in the right manner; correctly; suitably

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

the activity of protecting someone or something

From this reading The desire for protection was awake in his being, and he took these measures of security and defense because it sought to express itself, as it were, even automatically.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

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

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

cut with a saw

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

the state of being free from danger or injury

From this reading The desire for protection was awake in his being, and he took these measures of security and defense because it sought to express itself, as it were, even automatically.

try to get or reach

From this reading Why he should have taken these somewhat unusual precautions was not far to seek, though at the moment he could not probably have explained.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Why he should have taken these somewhat unusual precautions was not far to seek, though at the moment he could not probably have explained.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading Why he should have taken these somewhat unusual precautions was not far to seek, though at the moment he could not probably have explained.

that is looked for

From this reading The desire for protection was awake in his being, and he took these measures of security and defense because it sought to express itself, as it were, even automatically.

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

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading He looked at the front door, tried the chain, and made sure that both top and bottom bolts were thrown.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading Why he should have taken these somewhat unusual precautions was not far to seek, though at the moment he could not probably have explained.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

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

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

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

From this reading Why he should have taken these somewhat unusual precautions was not far to seek, though at the moment he could not probably have explained.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Why he should have taken these somewhat unusual precautions was not far to seek, though at the moment he could not probably have explained.

caused to fall to the ground

From this reading He looked at the front door, tried the chain, and made sure that both top and bottom bolts were thrown.

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

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading The desire for protection was awake in his being, and he took these measures of security and defense because it sought to express itself, as it were, even automatically.

the upper part of anything

From this reading He looked at the front door, tried the chain, and made sure that both top and bottom bolts were thrown.

tested and proved useful or correct

From this reading He looked at the front door, tried the chain, and made sure that both top and bottom bolts were thrown.

not usual or common or ordinary

From this reading Why he should have taken these somewhat unusual precautions was not far to seek, though at the moment he could not probably have explained.

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

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

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

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

during the time that

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading Why he should have taken these somewhat unusual precautions was not far to seek, though at the moment he could not probably have explained.

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.

withdrawn from society; seeking solitude

From this reading I Spinrobin lingered a while in the library after Miriam was gone, then feeling slightly ill at ease in the room now that her presence was withdrawn, put the lights out, saw that the windows were properly barred and fastened, and went into the hall on his way to bed.