Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

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

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

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

From this reading "Ah! is it you, Suzanne?" said the Chevalier de Valois, without discontinuing his occupation, which was that of stropping his razor.

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

From this reading Presently three taps were discreetly struck upon the door; then, without waiting for any response, a handsome girl slipped like an eel into the room occupied by the old bachelor.

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

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Presently three taps were discreetly struck upon the door; then, without waiting for any response, a handsome girl slipped like an eel into the room occupied by the old bachelor.

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

From this reading "I have come to tell you something which may perhaps give you as much pleasure as pain?"

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

a man who has never been married

From this reading Presently three taps were discreetly struck upon the door; then, without waiting for any response, a handsome girl slipped like an eel into the room occupied by the old bachelor.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Presently three taps were discreetly struck upon the door; then, without waiting for any response, a handsome girl slipped like an eel into the room occupied by the old bachelor.

French actor and cabaret singer (1888-1972)

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading "What have you come for, my dear little jewel of mischief?"

soft silky fibers from cotton plants in their raw state

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

a table linen made from linen with a damask pattern

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading "Ah! is it you, Suzanne?" said the Chevalier de Valois, without discontinuing his occupation, which was that of stropping his razor.

dearly loved

From this reading "What have you come for, my dear little jewel of mischief?"

although something is true; in spite of

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

-ing form of “discontinue” — put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading "Ah! is it you, Suzanne?" said the Chevalier de Valois, without discontinuing his occupation, which was that of stropping his razor.

with discretion; prudently and with wise self-restraint

From this reading Presently three taps were discreetly struck upon the door; then, without waiting for any response, a handsome girl slipped like an eel into the room occupied by the old bachelor.

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

From this reading Presently three taps were discreetly struck upon the door; then, without waiting for any response, a handsome girl slipped like an eel into the room occupied by the old bachelor.

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

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

the fatty flesh of eel; an elongate fish found in fresh water in Europe and America; large eels are usually smoked or pickled

From this reading Presently three taps were discreetly struck upon the door; then, without waiting for any response, a handsome girl slipped like an eel into the room occupied by the old bachelor.

plural of “elder” — a person who is older than you are

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Presently three taps were discreetly struck upon the door; then, without waiting for any response, a handsome girl slipped like an eel into the room occupied by the old bachelor.

a young female

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading "I have come to tell you something which may perhaps give you as much pleasure as pain?"

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

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion

From this reading Presently three taps were discreetly struck upon the door; then, without waiting for any response, a handsome girl slipped like an eel into the room occupied by the old bachelor.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "What have you come for, my dear little jewel of mischief?"

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

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

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

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

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

From this reading "I have come to tell you something which may perhaps give you as much pleasure as pain?"

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

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Presently three taps were discreetly struck upon the door; then, without waiting for any response, a handsome girl slipped like an eel into the room occupied by the old bachelor.

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

From this reading "Ah! is it you, Suzanne?" said the Chevalier de Valois, without discontinuing his occupation, which was that of stropping his razor.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "Ah! is it you, Suzanne?" said the Chevalier de Valois, without discontinuing his occupation, which was that of stropping his razor.

a precious or semiprecious stone incorporated into a piece of jewelry

From this reading "What have you come for, my dear little jewel of mischief?"

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Presently three taps were discreetly struck upon the door; then, without waiting for any response, a handsome girl slipped like an eel into the room occupied by the old bachelor.

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

From this reading "What have you come for, my dear little jewel of mischief?"

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading "I have come to tell you something which may perhaps give you as much pleasure as pain?"

an area that is approximately central within some larger region

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

reckless or malicious behavior that causes discomfort or annoyance in others

From this reading "What have you come for, my dear little jewel of mischief?"

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

a particular point in time

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading "I have come to tell you something which may perhaps give you as much pleasure as pain?"

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "What have you come for, my dear little jewel of mischief?"

the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

From this reading "Ah! is it you, Suzanne?" said the Chevalier de Valois, without discontinuing his occupation, which was that of stropping his razor.

held or filled or in use

From this reading Presently three taps were discreetly struck upon the door; then, without waiting for any response, a handsome girl slipped like an eel into the room occupied by the old bachelor.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

a symptom of some physical hurt or disorder

From this reading "I have come to tell you something which may perhaps give you as much pleasure as pain?"

by chance

From this reading "I have come to tell you something which may perhaps give you as much pleasure as pain?"

a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience

From this reading "I have come to tell you something which may perhaps give you as much pleasure as pain?"

in the near future

From this reading Presently three taps were discreetly struck upon the door; then, without waiting for any response, a handsome girl slipped like an eel into the room occupied by the old bachelor.

hitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putter

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

edge tool used in shaving

From this reading "Ah! is it you, Suzanne?" said the Chevalier de Valois, without discontinuing his occupation, which was that of stropping his razor.

problem solving that involves numbers or quantities

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

a result

From this reading Presently three taps were discreetly struck upon the door; then, without waiting for any response, a handsome girl slipped like an eel into the room occupied by the old bachelor.

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

From this reading Presently three taps were discreetly struck upon the door; then, without waiting for any response, a handsome girl slipped like an eel into the room occupied by the old bachelor.

(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Ah! is it you, Suzanne?" said the Chevalier de Valois, without discontinuing his occupation, which was that of stropping his razor.

inflected form of “slip” — move stealthily

From this reading Presently three taps were discreetly struck upon the door; then, without waiting for any response, a handsome girl slipped like an eel into the room occupied by the old bachelor.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading "I have come to tell you something which may perhaps give you as much pleasure as pain?"

the season of growth

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

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

From this reading "Ah! is it you, Suzanne?" said the Chevalier de Valois, without discontinuing his occupation, which was that of stropping his razor.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading Presently three taps were discreetly struck upon the door; then, without waiting for any response, a handsome girl slipped like an eel into the room occupied by the old bachelor.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

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

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

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

From this reading "Ah! is it you, Suzanne?" said the Chevalier de Valois, without discontinuing his occupation, which was that of stropping his razor.

(military) signal to turn the lights out

From this reading Presently three taps were discreetly struck upon the door; then, without waiting for any response, a handsome girl slipped like an eel into the room occupied by the old bachelor.

express in words

From this reading "I have come to tell you something which may perhaps give you as much pleasure as pain?"

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "Ah! is it you, Suzanne?" said the Chevalier de Valois, without discontinuing his occupation, which was that of stropping his razor.

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

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Presently three taps were discreetly struck upon the door; then, without waiting for any response, a handsome girl slipped like an eel into the room occupied by the old bachelor.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Presently three taps were discreetly struck upon the door; then, without waiting for any response, a handsome girl slipped like an eel into the room occupied by the old bachelor.

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

From this reading "I have come to tell you something which may perhaps give you as much pleasure as pain?"

in the direction of

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

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

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Presently three taps were discreetly struck upon the door; then, without waiting for any response, a handsome girl slipped like an eel into the room occupied by the old bachelor.

French royal house from 1328 to 1589

From this reading "Ah! is it you, Suzanne?" said the Chevalier de Valois, without discontinuing his occupation, which was that of stropping his razor.

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

From this reading Presently three taps were discreetly struck upon the door; then, without waiting for any response, a handsome girl slipped like an eel into the room occupied by the old bachelor.

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

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

the fourth day of the week; the third working day

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

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

From this reading Presently three taps were discreetly struck upon the door; then, without waiting for any response, a handsome girl slipped like an eel into the room occupied by the old bachelor.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "What have you come for, my dear little jewel of mischief?"

at the time that

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

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

From this reading "Ah! is it you, Suzanne?" said the Chevalier de Valois, without discontinuing his occupation, which was that of stropping his razor.

which person or people

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Presently three taps were discreetly struck upon the door; then, without waiting for any response, a handsome girl slipped like an eel into the room occupied by the old bachelor.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Ah! is it you, Suzanne?" said the Chevalier de Valois, without discontinuing his occupation, which was that of stropping his razor.

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

From this reading SUSANNAH AND THE ELDERS On a Wednesday morning, early, toward the middle of spring, in the year 16,--such was his mode of reckoning,--at the moment when the chevalier was putting on his old green-flowered damask dressing-gown, he heard, despite the cotton in his ears, the light step of a young girl who was running up the stairway.