Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading Most of those present had been acting, but a certain number had been to the opening performance of the latest better-than-Raffles play.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading There had been something of a boom that season in dramas whose heroes appealed to the public more pleasantly across the footlights than they might have done in real life.

the performance of a part or role in a drama

From this reading Most of those present had been acting, but a certain number had been to the opening performance of the latest better-than-Raffles play.

plural of “action” — something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.

a New Testament book describing the development of the early church from Christ's Ascension to Paul's sojourn at Rome

From this reading He had foiled a detective through four acts, and held up a band of pursuers with a revolver.

a quantity of money

From this reading In faultless evening dress, with a debonair smile on his face, he had broken open a safe, stolen bonds and jewelry to a large amount, and escaped without a blush of shame via the window.

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

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.

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

From this reading In faultless evening dress, with a debonair smile on his face, he had broken open a safe, stolen bonds and jewelry to a large amount, and escaped without a blush of shame via the window.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.

at or in or to any place

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.

past form of “appeal” — take a court case to a higher court for review

From this reading There had been something of a boom that season in dramas whose heroes appealed to the public more pleasantly across the footlights than they might have done in real life.

past form of “applaud” — clap one's hands or shout after performances to indicate approval

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.

elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.

an unofficial association of people or groups

From this reading He had foiled a detective through four acts, and held up a band of pursuers with a revolver.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Most of those present had been acting, but a certain number had been to the opening performance of the latest better-than-Raffles play.

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

From this reading Most of those present had been acting, but a certain number had been to the opening performance of the latest better-than-Raffles play.

turn red, as if in embarrassment or shame

From this reading In faultless evening dress, with a debonair smile on his face, he had broken open a safe, stolen bonds and jewelry to a large amount, and escaped without a blush of shame via the window.

plural of “bond” — an electrical force linking atoms

From this reading In faultless evening dress, with a debonair smile on his face, he had broken open a safe, stolen bonds and jewelry to a large amount, and escaped without a blush of shame via the window.

make a resonant sound, like artillery

From this reading There had been something of a boom that season in dramas whose heroes appealed to the public more pleasantly across the footlights than they might have done in real life.

physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split

From this reading In faultless evening dress, with a debonair smile on his face, he had broken open a safe, stolen bonds and jewelry to a large amount, and escaped without a blush of shame via the window.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Most of those present had been acting, but a certain number had been to the opening performance of the latest better-than-Raffles play.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading Most of those present had been acting, but a certain number had been to the opening performance of the latest better-than-Raffles play.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.

a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.

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

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.

having a sophisticated charm

From this reading In faultless evening dress, with a debonair smile on his face, he had broken open a safe, stolen bonds and jewelry to a large amount, and escaped without a blush of shame via the window.

a police officer who investigates crimes

From this reading He had foiled a detective through four acts, and held up a band of pursuers with a revolver.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading There had been something of a boom that season in dramas whose heroes appealed to the public more pleasantly across the footlights than they might have done in real life.

plural of “drama” — a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage

From this reading There had been something of a boom that season in dramas whose heroes appealed to the public more pleasantly across the footlights than they might have done in real life.

put on clothes

From this reading In faultless evening dress, with a debonair smile on his face, he had broken open a safe, stolen bonds and jewelry to a large amount, and escaped without a blush of shame via the window.

having escaped, especially from confinement

From this reading In faultless evening dress, with a debonair smile on his face, he had broken open a safe, stolen bonds and jewelry to a large amount, and escaped without a blush of shame via the window.

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

From this reading In faultless evening dress, with a debonair smile on his face, he had broken open a safe, stolen bonds and jewelry to a large amount, and escaped without a blush of shame via the window.

apart from; not including

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.

worthy of imitation

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading In faultless evening dress, with a debonair smile on his face, he had broken open a safe, stolen bonds and jewelry to a large amount, and escaped without a blush of shame via the window.

without fault or error

From this reading In faultless evening dress, with a debonair smile on his face, he had broken open a safe, stolen bonds and jewelry to a large amount, and escaped without a blush of shame via the window.

disappointingly unsuccessful

From this reading He had foiled a detective through four acts, and held up a band of pursuers with a revolver.

theater light at the front of a stage that illuminate the set and actors

From this reading There had been something of a boom that season in dramas whose heroes appealed to the public more pleasantly across the footlights than they might have done in real life.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading He had foiled a detective through four acts, and held up a band of pursuers with a revolver.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.

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

From this reading Most of those present had been acting, but a certain number had been to the opening performance of the latest better-than-Raffles play.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading There had been something of a boom that season in dramas whose heroes appealed to the public more pleasantly across the footlights than they might have done in real life.

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

From this reading In faultless evening dress, with a debonair smile on his face, he had broken open a safe, stolen bonds and jewelry to a large amount, and escaped without a blush of shame via the window.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading He had foiled a detective through four acts, and held up a band of pursuers with a revolver.

plural of “hero” — a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength

From this reading There had been something of a boom that season in dramas whose heroes appealed to the public more pleasantly across the footlights than they might have done in real life.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.

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

From this reading In faultless evening dress, with a debonair smile on his face, he had broken open a safe, stolen bonds and jewelry to a large amount, and escaped without a blush of shame via the window.

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

From this reading There had been something of a boom that season in dramas whose heroes appealed to the public more pleasantly across the footlights than they might have done in real life.

an adornment (as a bracelet or ring or necklace) made of precious metals and set with gems (or imitation gems)

From this reading In faultless evening dress, with a debonair smile on his face, he had broken open a safe, stolen bonds and jewelry to a large amount, and escaped without a blush of shame via the window.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading In faultless evening dress, with a debonair smile on his face, he had broken open a safe, stolen bonds and jewelry to a large amount, and escaped without a blush of shame via the window.

up to the immediate present; most recent or most up-to-date

From this reading Most of those present had been acting, but a certain number had been to the opening performance of the latest better-than-Raffles play.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading There had been something of a boom that season in dramas whose heroes appealed to the public more pleasantly across the footlights than they might have done in real life.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.

one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.

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

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading There had been something of a boom that season in dramas whose heroes appealed to the public more pleasantly across the footlights than they might have done in real life.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading There had been something of a boom that season in dramas whose heroes appealed to the public more pleasantly across the footlights than they might have done in real life.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Most of those present had been acting, but a certain number had been to the opening performance of the latest better-than-Raffles play.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading Most of those present had been acting, but a certain number had been to the opening performance of the latest better-than-Raffles play.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Most of those present had been acting, but a certain number had been to the opening performance of the latest better-than-Raffles play.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading In faultless evening dress, with a debonair smile on his face, he had broken open a safe, stolen bonds and jewelry to a large amount, and escaped without a blush of shame via the window.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading In faultless evening dress, with a debonair smile on his face, he had broken open a safe, stolen bonds and jewelry to a large amount, and escaped without a blush of shame via the window.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.

an open or empty space in or between things

From this reading Most of those present had been acting, but a certain number had been to the opening performance of the latest better-than-Raffles play.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.

a dramatic or musical entertainment

From this reading Most of those present had been acting, but a certain number had been to the opening performance of the latest better-than-Raffles play.

past form of “perform” — carry out or perform an action

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.

participate in games or sport

From this reading Most of those present had been acting, but a certain number had been to the opening performance of the latest better-than-Raffles play.

in a cheerful manner

From this reading There had been something of a boom that season in dramas whose heroes appealed to the public more pleasantly across the footlights than they might have done in real life.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Most of those present had been acting, but a certain number had been to the opening performance of the latest better-than-Raffles play.

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading There had been something of a boom that season in dramas whose heroes appealed to the public more pleasantly across the footlights than they might have done in real life.

plural of “pursuer” — a person who is pursuing and trying to overtake or capture

From this reading He had foiled a detective through four acts, and held up a band of pursuers with a revolver.

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading There had been something of a boom that season in dramas whose heroes appealed to the public more pleasantly across the footlights than they might have done in real life.

not used up

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.

a pistol with a revolving cylinder (usually having six chambers for bullets)

From this reading He had foiled a detective through four acts, and held up a band of pursuers with a revolver.

free from danger or the risk of harm

From this reading In faultless evening dress, with a debonair smile on his face, he had broken open a safe, stolen bonds and jewelry to a large amount, and escaped without a blush of shame via the window.

a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field

From this reading There had been something of a boom that season in dramas whose heroes appealed to the public more pleasantly across the footlights than they might have done in real life.

similar things placed in order or happening one after another

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.

a painful emotion resulting from an awareness of inadequacy or guilt

From this reading In faultless evening dress, with a debonair smile on his face, he had broken open a safe, stolen bonds and jewelry to a large amount, and escaped without a blush of shame via the window.

change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure

From this reading In faultless evening dress, with a debonair smile on his face, he had broken open a safe, stolen bonds and jewelry to a large amount, and escaped without a blush of shame via the window.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading There had been something of a boom that season in dramas whose heroes appealed to the public more pleasantly across the footlights than they might have done in real life.

any distinct time period in a sequence of events

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.

inflected form of “steal” — take without the owner's consent

From this reading In faultless evening dress, with a debonair smile on his face, he had broken open a safe, stolen bonds and jewelry to a large amount, and escaped without a blush of shame via the window.

plural of “stroller” — someone who walks at a leisurely pace

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading There had been something of a boom that season in dramas whose heroes appealed to the public more pleasantly across the footlights than they might have done in real life.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading There had been something of a boom that season in dramas whose heroes appealed to the public more pleasantly across the footlights than they might have done in real life.

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

From this reading Most of those present had been acting, but a certain number had been to the opening performance of the latest better-than-Raffles play.

a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There had been something of a boom that season in dramas whose heroes appealed to the public more pleasantly across the footlights than they might have done in real life.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading There had been something of a boom that season in dramas whose heroes appealed to the public more pleasantly across the footlights than they might have done in real life.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Most of those present had been acting, but a certain number had been to the opening performance of the latest better-than-Raffles play.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading He had foiled a detective through four acts, and held up a band of pursuers with a revolver.

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

From this reading Most of those present had been acting, but a certain number had been to the opening performance of the latest better-than-Raffles play.

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

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.

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

From this reading He had foiled a detective through four acts, and held up a band of pursuers with a revolver.

by way of; passing through

From this reading In faultless evening dress, with a debonair smile on his face, he had broken open a safe, stolen bonds and jewelry to a large amount, and escaped without a blush of shame via the window.

in a hearty manner

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.

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

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.

belonging to which person

From this reading There had been something of a boom that season in dramas whose heroes appealed to the public more pleasantly across the footlights than they might have done in real life.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading In faultless evening dress, with a debonair smile on his face, he had broken open a safe, stolen bonds and jewelry to a large amount, and escaped without a blush of shame via the window.

in the company of; together with

From this reading In faultless evening dress, with a debonair smile on his face, he had broken open a safe, stolen bonds and jewelry to a large amount, and escaped without a blush of shame via the window.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading In faultless evening dress, with a debonair smile on his face, he had broken open a safe, stolen bonds and jewelry to a large amount, and escaped without a blush of shame via the window.

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

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading In the play that had opened to-night, Arthur Mifflin, an exemplary young man off the stage, had been warmly applauded for a series of actions which, performed anywhere except in the theater, would certainly have debarred him from remaining a member of the Strollers' or any other club.